Who is a Self-Employed Contributor?
You are considered a self-employed contributor if you fall into one of the following:
- Persons working for themselves, who may or may not have anyone else working for them, or who have employees who are not required by law to make NHT contributions.
- Domestic Workers, gardeners and local care givers who work in the homes of their employers.
What are the requirements for contributing?
To become a contributor, you must fill out the Tax Administration Jamaica SO4A form. If you are Self-Employed with a registered business/company, then you will need to ensure that, prior to completing the SO4A form, an Employer TRN is obtained for the business.
How are payments made?
Payments are made on a quarterly basis (March, June, September, and December) at the Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) by the 15th of the last month in each quarter; however, contributors can choose to make payments on a monthly basis using a credit or debit card, cheque or cash. Payments can also be made online using the TAJ Online Portal, this must be accompanied by the Payment Advice.
How are annual returns submitted?
Self –Employed contributors file an estimate of expected income, S04A, by March 15th of each year. This estimate is used to make the quarterly payments for the year. ALL self-employed individuals who have employees will be required to electronically file their Annual Return (S02) for the business.
What are the
benefits of contributing?
There are several benefits that employees can reap by being compliant with the NHT. These include:
- Low interest rate loans to build, buy or improve a house or land.
- A refund in the 8th year after each contribution was made.
- Obtain a tax compliance certificate.
- If you have employees and you file and pay their taxes on time, you may claim an employment tax credit.
What are the penalties for not contributing?
Failure to make contribution payments will make persons:
- Ineligible to apply for an housing benefits such as loans and grants
- Ineligible to apply for contribution refunds
- Eligible for a penalty charge for late submissions
- Eligible for a penalty charge for withholding information
Clearance Letter/ Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
To obtain a Clearance Letter self-employed persons should visit one of our locations and speak with a Compliance Officer and submit the following:
- SO4A or SO4 form for tax year (where applicable)
- TRN Card
- NIS Card
- Valid Identification (Driver's license, National/Voter's ID, Passport)
- Purpose of clearance (e.g. Documents for whatever is being imported or Contract/Tender information)
Self-Employed
Contributions FAQs
If you don't see an answer to your question, you can send us an email.
