Toll-free line coming for tax delinquents

The Bruce Golding administration has devised a new strategy to zoom in on tax dodgers.

Finance Minister Audley Shaw yesterday announced a whistle-blowing initiative system in which members of the public have been asked to play a pivotal role.

Shaw announced that Tax Administration Jamaica would be introducing a mechanism for persons to confidentially call or mail in information on persons suspected of cheating the tax revenue system.

He said a tax-cheat toll-free line - 1-888-292-4328 - will be introduced on May 1.

"As we move to ensure that persons pay their fair share - no more, no less - the public's support will be engaged to identify persons, individuals and companies that are cheating the Government of its revenue," said Shaw.

"It is not fair for some persons, such as employed persons paying under the PAYE system to be burdened, while others are not meeting their tax obligations."

Shaw stressed that it was difficult for the Tax Administration staff to do this alone.

"I am inviting all well-meaning, civic-minded Jamaicans to report incidents of tax cheats," Shaw said. "And you won't have to give your name."

He sought to assure the public that the reports would be confidentially received and discreetly investigated by senior officers, similar to the successful Crime Stop programme.