Tax cheat line nets $176m in assessments

The tax authorities has raised assessments approximating J$176 million since it established a toll free line a year ago to report individuals and businesses suspected of cheating on or dodging tax payments.



The majority of the cases relates to underreporting, failure to file and failure to pay over payroll tax amounts, false and altered documents, and unlawful collection of General Consumption Tax (GCT).



They are based investigations resulting from reports made using the toll free line, 1-888-292-4328, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) said in a release.



Of the 225 cases under investigation, 105 have been closed or dispatched to other public bodies for action, TAJ said.



“These tax dodgers span several sectors of Jamaica’s business community, including manufacturing, wholesale, legal and medical services, retail, security, adult entertainment" as well as government, the release said.



According to TAJ, the tax cheat line provides a channel through which persons may confidentially submit information about individuals or companies suspected of not paying their fair share of taxes.



Former finance minister Audley Shaw announced the whistle-blowing initiative during his budget presentation in Parliament in April 2011 and the new strategy began on May 1 that year.



business@gleanerjm.com