Merged tax agency formally established
Published:Wednesday | May 4, 2011 | 12:00 AM
The amalgamated Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), which centralises the operations of three revenue agencies, became official on May 1.
The new department merges the functions of Inland Revenue, Taxpayer Audit & Assessment and Tax Administration Services two years into the reforms of the system.
The three agencies were dissolved, and TAJ created, under amendment to the Revenue Administration Act (RAA), passed in the lower house on March 28 and the Senate on April 1.
The law also creates the position of Commissioner General, who will head the agency and oversee compliance and enforcement of the tax laws, supported by three deputy commissioners general.
The deputies will be given discrete portfolios for management services, operations, and legal support.
Additionally, the reforms will see the commissioners of Customs and Taxpayer Appeals reporting directly to the Financial Secretary - Dr Wesley Hughes - in the Ministry of Finance.
The TAJ will operate from the PCJ Building on Trafalgar Road in New Kingston.