Rewarding taxpayers

Businesses in the Half-Way-Tree area of Kingston were recognized for their consistent property tax and trade license payments during a compliance exercise on Thursday. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) and Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) presented certificates of appreciation to companies that have met their financial obligations, encouraging them to maintain their good standing.

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby emphasized the deliberate nature of this recognition. He noted that tax compliance campaigns often concentrate on those who owe taxes, overlooking businesses that regularly fulfill their duties. "The KSAMC, along with TAJ, thought it would have been wise to highlight these persons because these are persons who have paid their property tax, who have been compliant, and they are contributing to the services that have been given to them, fixing of the roads, cleaning of drains, and a wide range of government services that have been provided," Swaby stated.

The recognition event was part of a broader three-day compliance operation in the Half-Way-Tree commercial district. Teams from TAJ and KSAMC engaged with businesses to provide information on property taxes, trade licenses, and signage requirements. A temporary service point was also set up at Constant Spring Arcade to assist property owners and business operators with online payments and account inquiries.

Alongside the commendations, the agencies also conducted an enforcement aspect of the operation, issuing notices to several businesses found to be delinquent in their tax payments. Mayor Swaby confirmed that teams were actively working across three designated zones, with team leaders overseeing both the distribution of notices and direct engagement with business owners to address outstanding obligations.

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The KSAMC, along with TAJ, thought it would have been wise to highlight these persons because these are persons who have paid their property tax, who have been compliant, and they are contributing to the services that have been given to them, fixing of the roads, cleaning of drains, and a wide range of government services that have been provided.