The government today announced that it would be amending the Tax Collections Miscellaneous Provisions Act, passed by the Lower House of Parliament this week.
The announcement follows outcry from Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Audley Shaw, as well as several private sector groups including the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, and the Bar Association.
Among the several provisions in the legislation that has caused controversy is the granting of power to the Commissioner General of Taxes to impose a lien on the property of delinquent taxpayers without getting permission from the Court to do so.
Today Justice Minister, Senator Mark Golding, announced amendments that would reverse the power of the Commissioner of Taxes to unilaterally impose liens.
According to a release from the Ministry of Finance this afternoon, the government has indicated that it’s satisfied, based on legal advice received, that the measures contained in the Bills as they now stand are entirely appropriate.
However, it says in keeping with international best practice within Commonwealth countries, it has nevertheless been decided to move an amendment which will ensure that no lien could be registered without a specific order of the court.
The new tax Bill is part of the government’s sustained effort at tax reform, aimed at transforming the culture of tax evasion and non-compliance in Jamaica.
