From February 1, 2006, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) in collaboration with the Tax Administration Services and Taxpayer Audit & Assessment Departments has been hosting their annual Special Taxpayer Service Programme.

This is aimed at assisting small business operators, professionals and self-employed persons to complete and file their income tax returns, to meet the March 15 deadline.

Since then more than one 100 temporary taxpayer service sites have been set up at community centres, church halls, school auditoriums, courthouses, police stations and collectorates across the island. Details of all venues, dates and times for the sessions scheduled in each parish are available by contacting the local collectorate or 1-888-TAX-HELP.

Business persons using the service should take with them business documents such as their taxpayer registration number (TRN), bank statements, purchase invoices, receipts, sales records and other records that can be used to verify income and expenses.

Small business operators are urged to take advantage of the service which is being offered free, as the Tax Administration moves to encourage voluntary compliance. Failure to file income tax returns by the March 15 deadline may result in an estimated assessment being raised or court action being taken against the delinquent taxpayer.