Countdown to March 15 Income Tax filing deadline

With two months remaining before the March 15 income tax filing deadline, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) said preparations should be underway for the filing of final income tax returns for 2012.

Companies, organisations, self-employed persons including professionals and entertainers, as well as employed persons with additional sources of income should also file a declaration of estimated income and tax payable for 2013, on or before March 15.

TAJ said that for their convenience, it is recommended that persons use the Jamaica tax portal at www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm to file their income tax returns and make their payments.

The online filing option allows persons to file at any time, from anywhere and to use a credit or direct card to make the payment instead of queuing at tax offices.

“Persons are therefore encouraged to register to use the online filing option by contacting TAJ’s customer care centre at 1-888-TAX-HELP (829-4357) or visiting a tax office to sign-up,” TAJ said in a release.

For taxpayers opting to file manually through a tax office, they are reminded that all income tax return forms and schedules may be downloaded from the tax administration’s website or picked up at any of the 29 tax offices islandwide.

Care should, however, be taken to ensure that the correct forms are used.

Form IT01 is to be used by self-employed persons, partners and employed persons with other sources of income.

Form IT02 is to be used by companies and other corporate bodies.

Form IT03 is to be used by partnerships and other unincorporated bodies such as trusts and estates.

Form IT04 is to be used by life assurance companies.

Form IT05 is to be used by pensioners, employed persons, etc. claiming a refund.

Form IT07 is to be used by all categories of persons, except those using an IT05, who must also file a declaration of estimated income and tax payable for the year 2013.

business@gleanerjm.com