Tax offices extend hours today

With today being 'Tax Day', the Tax Administration Services Department has made special arrangements at its customer-care centre and at all tax offices across the island as it anticipates the usual large number of persons filing their income tax returns to meet the March 15 deadline.

To deal with increased calls, the department said in a release yesterday that its customer-care centre was again extending its toll-free service - 1-888-TAX-HELP (829-4357) - from 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. for today, allowing additional time for business persons to register for online filing and/or to get assistance to prepare and file their returns.

"Also, 14 of the usually busiest tax offices will remain open for an extra hour to accommodate the expected last-minute rush," the release stated. "All other offices will operate their usual hours."

Extra staff

Other measures have also been put in place to accommodate the large number of persons expected to file their returns today. With support from other tax departments, extra staff is scheduled to be available in the service areas of all tax offices to manage the flow and movement of the lines, ensure that forms are properly completed, direct taxpayers to the correct areas, and to process transactions.

"Despite the special measures put in place, persons are advised that they may still experience delays due to the expected crowds," the tax administration said.

Taxpayers were further advised that the March 15 deadline for business operators to file income tax returns would not be extended.

"This means that all companies, self-employed persons, partnerships, organisations, and employed persons who have additional income must file their annual income tax return for 2010 and their declaration of estimated income and tax payable for 2011 and pay the tax due by the end of the business day," the release stated.

Returns filed after the March 15 income tax deadline will be considered late and may attract a penalty or sanctions being brought against the taxpayer. Additionally, where no return is filed, a failure to file notice may be issued and/or an estimated return automatically generated by the administration's computerised system, or other enforcement action taken.

As a result of the extended opening hours, the following tax offices will close today at 5 p.m.:

• Kingston
• Constant Spring
• Cross Roads
• Mandeville
• May Pen
• Spanish Town
• Portmore
• Montego Bay
• Savanna-la-Mar
• Morant Bay
• Brown's Town
• St Ann's Bay
• Falmouth
• Lucea

For further information contact the Tax Administration Customer Care Centre at 1-888-Tax-Help (1-888-829-4357) or visit the website www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.