Redundant workers and other persons being battered by the harsh economic times might be eligible for a property-tax waiver that would slash a percentage of the sum being demanded by the Government.
Property taxes for the 2009/10 financial year became payable on the first of this month. After April 30, a 10 per cent penalty for late payment may apply.
Property owners who have already paid the tax collectors might have to fork out more if the Government announces an increase in property taxes later this month during the Budget Debate.
The discretionary relief is granted by the finance ministry.
Application forms may be collected at parish council offices or any of the 29 tax collectorates islandwide.
A compliance officer in the Inland Revenue Department's Property Tax Unit told The Gleaner that the completed forms should be submitted to the relevant parish council.
Relief approval
The officer added that approval of the relief is left to the discretion of the ministry.
"A percentage would be waived (but) that is determined by the finance ministry," the compliance officer said.
The special discretionary relief has been made to encompass pensioners, persons with disabilities and those with fixed income.
Other landowners who are having difficulty coming up with the required sum may also access one of two payment plans.
The compliance officer explained that the stipulated amounts can be
First payment on April 1. Second payment on October 1.
Quarterly Plan
First payment on April 1.
Second payment on July 1.
Third payment on October 1.
Fourth and final payment on January 1.
Paying Online
The virtual collectorate can be accessed by visiting Jamaica Tax Administration Online at www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm.
How to start
The first step is to create a login with a username and password.
The valuation number is needed to pay online. This number can be found on previous receipts of payment. For virgin-property taxpayers, the number can be found on the notice of assessment sent out by the parish councils. If you have not received an assessment notice, please contact the relevant parish council.
After entering the valuation number property, taxpayers must choose the financial year(s) they wish to pay for.