Revenue centre to be opened soon in P'more

A revenue centre is to be opened soon in Portmore, Director of Public Relations for Taxpayer Support Services in the Tax Administration Service Department (TASD), Meris Haughton has said.

In an interview with JIS News, Miss Haughton said the revenue centre would serve as a one-stop shop, where all business transactions regarding the paying of taxes could be done.

"The revenue centre will have customs, a collectorate and other departments to allow everything to be done under one roof. We are aiming to incorporate different areas of the tax system to ensure a smoother operation and flow," she said.

In his Budget Debate presentation in the House on April 10, Minister of Finance and Public Service, Audley Shaw had pointed out that during this fiscal year, revenue collection centres islandwide would be upgraded.

Miss Haughton pointed out that there are 28 collectorates islandwide, with a 29th virtual collectorate, and four revenue centres strategically located in Montego Bay, Constant Spring, Spanish Town and May Pen.

She said two of the collectorates, Savanna-la-Mar and Cross Roads are in line for upgrading. "These two locations have been tendered," she added.

Mayor of Portmore, Keith Hinds told JIS News that he is preparing for a fully integrated tax office in Portmore by the end of August.

"The people of Portmore and surrounding areas will have the convenience to pay their taxes in a good environment, hence I expect much more property tax to come in, especially since we will now have our own facility to do so," Mayor Hinds said.