KSAC intensifies trade licence collections

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) is aiming to raise $65 million in additional revenue by improving trade licence compliance in the Corporate Area.

The KSAC says it currently collects $10 million annually from trade licences.

But Mayor of Kingston, Angella Brown Burke says data suggests that if the appropriate strategies are put in place income from trade licenses can be increased to an estimated $75 million each year.

To achieve its goal of increased collections from trade licences, the KSAC says it will launch a 2012 Trade License Compliance Initiative on September 3.

The KSAC says it has recruited and will train 20 persons to carry out the exercise.

These persons will work alongside four supervisors from the Inland Revenue Department and members of the Municipal Police.

Brown Burke says under the programme, businesses involved in trading activities that require Trade Licenses will be identified and their present compliance status ascertained.

The initiative will also be used to educate businesses about their responsibilities as it relates to compliance with the Trade and Business Act.

The KSAC is urging business owners not in compliance to make their payments before September 3.

editorial@gleanerjm.com