THE MONTHLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 10 - NOVEMBER 6, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 • Pay Business Related Taxes • Pay Driver’s Licence Renewal Fee • View Driver’s Licence Application Status • Pay & Query, View Property Tax • Pay Motor Vehicle Fitness Fee • Query and Apply for TCC • Pay Traffic Ticket Fines • Renew Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate DO BUSINESS ONLINE! Choose the payment option that works best for you TAJ Mobile App (Android only) Direct Funds Transfer NCB Online Banking www.jamaicatax.gov.jm Mobile Tax Collection Unit Scotia OnLine & Mobile App WORLD’S SECOND fastest man alive, Yohan Blake, was honoured with the Key to the Region during the grand opening of his new restaurant, Butcher’s Barrel, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida recently. THE 34-YEAR old marked this double achievement as a milestone in his life. “Today, I woke up with my heart full of gratitude for everyone in my corner, especially my friends. When I had the wild idea to start a business outside of my home country, none of them ever said it was impossible. Instead, they motivated and inspired me through the toughest moments, and, together, we made it happen. We successfully launched our first international business,” the 2011 World 100m Champion said under an Instagram post. “The Butcher’s Barrel is officially open in Oakland Park, Florida, and I’m beyond grateful to everyone who came out to support us yesterday. Our team and staff Thank you! None of this would have been possible without God.” The Key to the Region initiative, developed in collaboration with Caribbean elected officials, honours individuals who have made notable contributions to the community through excellence in their respective fields. This event saw Blake joining dancehall artiste Spice, TV personality Miss Kitty, and reggae artiste Ky-Mani Marley as Jamaicans to be awarded the Key to the Region. “This brings tears to my eyes to recognise this moment. I have worked 20odd years tirelessly, creating so much history around the world being one of the fastest men in the 100 and 200, plus the 4x100m, it is not an easy feat,” Blake said. “To do something like this, just a simple award to recognise what we have been doing – I just want to thank you for this. It means a lot to me, from the bottom of my heart.” Blake’s athletic career was full of history-making moments, including becoming the youngest 100m World Athletics Champion in 2011, claiming silver medals in the 100m and 200m at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and being a part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay world record team. He also has a personal best of 9.69 seconds and 19.26 seconds in the 100m and 200m, respectively, making him the second fastest man in history over both events. Blake grateful for key to region, response to restaurant opening Jamaican sprinter, and the world’s second fastest man of all time, Yohan Blake (centre), celebrates the opening of Butcher’s Barrell in Fort Lauderdale recently. Jamaican sprinter, and the world’s second fastest man of all time, Yohan Blake (centre), celebrates the opening of Butcher’s Barrell in Oakland Park, Florida recently. COURTESY OF @YOHANBLAKE TAX ADMINISTRATION Jamaica (TAJ) continues to revolutionise the way Jamaicans interact with the tax system by offering an expanding suite of online services. With a focus on making tax compliance easier and more efficient, TAJ’s digital transformation has significantly improved the accessibility and convenience of a range of tax services. Whether it is filing tax returns, paying taxes, or obtaining critical documents, TAJ’s online platform provides individuals and businesses with a user-friendly experience that saves time and minimises hassle. Filing and Paying Taxes Online TAJ’s flagship online service is the electronic filing and payment system available on the Revenue Administration Information System (RAIS) platform. This service allows individuals and businesses to file their annual income tax returns and other statutory obligations, such as General Consumption Tax (GCT), Education Tax, and Payroll Tax, without needing to visit a tax office. Payments can also be made through multiple online channels, including bank transfers, and direct funds transfer, offering flexibility and convenience. GLOBAL TRENDS In a recent move to further enhance services, TAJ has made it possible for taxpayers to renew their Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate (MVRC) online. The new system allows motorists to make the payment from the comfort of their homes, and collect the document from a dedicated pick-up window, thus reducing wait time and improving efficiency at tax offices. Currently, customers can do pick-up at six tax offices islandwide: Montego Bay RSC, St. Andrew RSC (Constant Spring), St. Ann’s Bay Tax Office, Spanish Town Tax Office, Kingston RSC (Kings Street) & May Pen Tax Office. This service underscores TAJ’s commitment to modernising its offerings and aligning with global trends in e-government services. TAJ has facilitated the online payment of police records through its mobile app, which is also user-friendly, further expanding the range of services taxpayers can access with a few clicks. Property owners can also settle their annual property taxes online through the TAJ website. The system provides a convenient way to make payments in real-time. TAJ’s property tax portal also offers historical data on payments made, enabling greater transparency and tracking of obligations. The Tax TAJ’s expanding suite of online services Please see ONLINE, 7
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