Jamaica Confirms New Withholding Tax
by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington
26 May 2015
Jamaica's tax authority has announced that a withholding tax on specified services will be introduced from June 1, 2015.
The regime will be introduced on a phased basis. During an interim phase, only Government ministries, departments, and agencies; financial institutions regulated by the Financial Services Commission or the Bank of Jamaica; tourism operators; and utility and cable companies that gross more than JMD500m will be required to withhold three percent tax from payments made on specific services with an invoice value of JMD50,000 or more.
The agency said that despite the introduction of the new levy, affected taxpayers are still required to file annual and estimated income tax returns and meet their quarterly tax obligations. Taxpayers will be able to claim a credit against these withholding tax payments, and any excess credits will be refundable on a taxpayer's final return.
The introduction of the new WHT is intended to improve compliance rates, as the agency is concerned that persons are under reporting or not registering to report their tax liability.
Withholding taxes are already widely used in Jamaica, for the employment pay-as-you-earn levy, payments to non-residents, the contractor's levy, and the general consumption tax on government purchases.
The Government said that withholding taxes have proven effective in boosting compliance rates over the years.
Guidance notes explaining the new regime have been released on the tax authority's website.
To see today's news, click here.
Tax-News Reviews

A review and forecast of Cyprus's international business, legal and investment climate.

A review and forecast of Malta's international business, legal and investment climate.

A review and forecast of Jersey's international business, legal and investment climate.

A review of the latest budget news and government financial statements from around the world.
Stay Updated
Please enter your email address to join the Tax-News.com mailing list. View previous newsletters.
By subscribing to our newsletter service, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
To manage your mailing list preferences, please click here »
Network Blogs and Features
- Big changes Afoot... »
- I.T. is IT! »
- What Is a Registered Agent, and Why You Need a Registered Agent for Your Business? »
- Spring Cleaning? »
- Brexit and Covid and Tax, Oh My! »
- Why is the Hong Kong startup ecosystem growing rapidly? »
- Happy Holidays? »
- COVID Continues To Capture Headlines »
- Taxing The Zeroes And Ones »
- Value Added News... »