The Internal Revenue Department (IRD) has added 3,000 newcomers to the tax roll, employers who have come forward to take advantage of the ongoing tax amnesty.

The 3,000 came forward voluntarily "to file and pay their outstanding returns and taxes", the Tax Administration Services Department said in a statement.

The IRD has collected some $4 billion in outstanding arrears in two and a half months to June 30, under the programme which initially forgives 100 per cent of the interest and penalties on principal owed to the tax authorities.

The amnesty targets businesses and the self-employed and covers corporate and personal income tax, asset tax, property tax, general consumption tax, special consumption tax, contractors levy, education tax, transfer tax, and stamp duty.

continues to october 31

The first phase of the amnesty ends July 31, but the programme continues to October 31, with reduced levels of waivers applicable within each monthly period, to a floor of 20 per cent in the final month.

The IRD, apparently anticipating a similar rush on its offices as happened at the first deadline when revenue collectors stayed open in some cases "until midnight" to collect payments, has announced extended opening hours for selected revenue offices until the deadline.

The offices include Portmore, a new tax centre that opens July 28, as well as King Street, Cross Roads and Constant Spring collectorates in Kingston; Mandeville in Manchester, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland; Montego Bay, St James; Morant Bay, St Thomas; Brown's Town and St Ann's Bay in St Ann, Falmouth, Trelawny; and Lucea in Hanover.

Temporary cashiering stations have been established at Constant Spring and King Street.

business@gleanerjm.com

TAKEN FROM THE FINANCIAL GLEANER, FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2008