Jamaica: Citizens can apply for property tax relief

Manager of Revenue Enhancement and Resource Mobilization at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development Calvert Thomas says the Government is willing to work with persons who may have challenges to meet their property tax obligations.

Thomas, in an interview with JIS News, said Jamaicans who find themselves in situations where they cannot pay their property tax may apply for the special discretionary relief.

He said a committee, comprising representatives from Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and the local authority (parish councils), is in place to review the applications submitted and determine the level of relief to be provided.

“… So if persons are in that position they are invited to submit their applications either to the local authority or to the tax office within their respective parishes,” Thomas said.

Thomas, at the same time, said the ministry was working now to improve the systems in place, so that responses can be provided to applicants in the shortest possible time.

In addition to the discretionary relief for persons not able to pay their property taxes, a 50 per cent relief for a maximum of three years is provided to persons using land for agricultural production.

Persons who live within a commercial area whose properties were valued at a commercial rate can also apply for a statutory relief from the authorities.

Some Government agencies that are not profitable, all schools, some charitable organizations and churches with a building are exempted from paying property taxes.

Property taxes are due on April 1 each year, but individuals may choose to pay in half-yearly installments or quarterly at tax offices islandwide or via the TAJ online portal.

Source – JamaicaObserver