Property tax due tomorrow

Landowners across the island are being reminded that property-tax payments for fiscal year 2011-2012 are due tomorrow and may be made in full, half-yearly or quarterly instalments.

In a release yesterday, the Tax Administration Department said half-yearly instalments are to be made on April 1 and October 1, while quarterly instalments are to be made April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1.

"It should be noted that any property-tax payment made after April 30 may attract a 10 per cent penalty, whether payment is in full or a first instalment," the release stated.

Payment options

To make it more convenient for property owners, the Tax Administration has made a number of options available for paying property tax:

1. Persons may visit any of the 29 tax offices located across the island to make their payments. Please note that the King Street, Cross Roads, Constant Spring, Montego Bay, Spanish Town and Savanna-la-Mar tax offices are equipped with electronic drop boxes which may be used to make cheque payments instead of joining the cashier line.

2. Persons may also pay their property tax on Saturdays between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Portmore tax office.

3. Payments may be made via the Tax Administration's online payment portal at www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm. The eService offers a very convenient option, as it gives access to persons both locally and overseas on a 24-hour basis, from their homes, offices or elsewhere. Online users need to have available the valuation number(s) of the property(s) and a valid major credit card.

4. Additionally, during the months of April to June, the Inland Revenue Department will carry out outstation operations at scheduled times and places, particularly in the rural areas. This will allow persons an alternative to visiting a tax office to make their property-tax payments. Please note that all Inland Revenue officers assigned at outstations will wear their staff ID and that a receipt will be given for all payments made.

Persons who are in arrears for previous years are reminded also that outstanding amounts may be paid using any of the options outlined.

For more information persons may contact the Tax Administration Customer Care Centre at 1-888-TAX-HELP (1-888-829-4357) (local); 1-888-GO-JATAX (1-888-46-52829) (USA); taxhelp@tasd.gov.jm or visit www.jamaicatax.gov.jm