Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) is reminding persons that property tax payment for the financial year 2013-2014 is due on April 30, whether the payment is being made in full or the first installment. Special arrangements will be made at tax offices across the island on Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30 to accommodate the expected increase in customers.

To facilitate the smooth operations, additional staff will be available to ensure that persons are directed to the correct lines and to process queries. Persons without a current Property Tax Notice of Assessment or if they are not aware of their valuation number or how much is to be paid, will be directed to get a print out of their property tax obligations, both current and any outstanding amounts.

Persons with a current Property Tax Notice of Assessment or a property tax print out will be directed to the cashiers to make payments. Special cashiering lines will be operated specifically to handle property tax payments. Persons paying by cheque may also be directed to use the electronic drop boxes available in the main Revenue Service Centres and Tax Offices. Persons are advised to write their Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), a contact number and the valuation number or numbers of the property or properties being paid for, indicating the amount of payment for each, on the back of the cheque.

As a convenient alternative, property owners are advised that they may pay their property tax online through the Jamaica Tax Portal at www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm. This would eliminate the need to visit a tax office and wait in line as the payment can be conveniently made at any time, from anywhere, both locally and from overseas.

To make property tax payments online, persons must have a valid credit card. They should also ensure that they have the valuation number(s) of the property(s) available. This can be seen on a property tax notice, even an old one or on a previous property tax receipt. The information may also be provided by calling the TAJ’s Customer Care Centre at 1-888-TAX-HELP.

To make the online payment, persons should log on to the JTP and enter their username and password. Once logged into the payment system, persons should then select the option Pay Property Tax and follow the instructions to make payment. A reference number will be generated at the end of the transaction, which can be saved or printed for their records.

Persons are reminded that property tax payments, whether online or in a tax office, may be made in half-yearly instalments on April 1 and October 1 or in quarterly instalments April 1, July 1, October 1, and January 1. Payments in full, or any instalment should be made within the calendar month in which the amount is due. It should be noted however that periodic payments do not apply to the flat rate charge of $1,000, which is due on April 1 and must be paid in full by April 30.

In addition to the current period which is now due, property owners should make every effort to settle their outstanding property taxes. Persons are advised to speak with the compliance staff at TAJ to make suitable arrangements, if they are faced with difficulties in paying their property tax arrears, to avoid possible Court action.

Person may contact the TAJ’s Customer Care Centre at 1-888-Tax-Help (829-4357) to get assistance on the procedure for paying online or for information on how much property tax is owed.