Whether you are a business or individual taxpayer in need of tax-related legal help, a tax lawyer can help you to navigate the deep waters of matters relating to the Jamaican internal revenue service, better known as the Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ).
Tax lawyers are the experts on tax incentives, tax liens, back taxes, tax debt recovery and relief, and compliance issues. Indeed, in Jamaica you will find that the best tax lawyers are part of a team which can advise both individuals and corporations on all aspects of direct and indirect taxation. They often also have expertise in cross border taxation matters.
Tax attorneys, like others in the trade, are closely regulated by the General Legal Council; and complaints against them can also be directed to the Council.
Challenging tax environment
Tax matters when operating in Jamaica can become quite complex. The Tax Administration Department is currently on a renewed, aggressive push against delinquent taxpayers, including both companies and individuals.
Early action is needed to avoid high penalties, asset seizure, court action and even imprisonment. Speaking with a seasoned tax professional who is expert in the area of your particular tax issue is advisable.
Lawyers are an excellent source of investment advice
Securing a tax lawyers is not only about avoiding penalties, but also about making good investment and estate planning choices.
There are two professionals every business will need early on: an accountant and a lawyer. A good business attorney will provide vital assistance in almost every aspect of your business, from basic compliance and even tax discounts.
There are numerous tax discounts and incentives available in Jamaica to the knowledgeable investor. Your lawyer can lead you to this gold mine.
Many law firms advertise on the Internet, making it easy for you to make contact and investigate the service offered. Look for professionalism, confidentiality and expertise.
With a wide range to choose from, the attorney you want ought to be licensed to practice law and have a Master of Laws degree. For tough cases seek a lawyer who is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Seek referrals
You can tap members of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) for references for tax lawyers. Seek a trustworthy tax attorney who is familiar with the ins and outs of the tax. Having selected the top four, you may find out:
- Whether the tax attorney has experience handling situations similar to yours;
- What types of tax help the lawyer offers, and if you agree with the potential solutions to your problem;
- What are the fees involved?
You need a tax attorney if…
- You are considering investing in Jamaica.
- The Tax Authority of Jamaica has audited you.
- You have a taxable estate, need to make complex estate planning strategies, or need to file an estate tax return.
- You are starting a business and need legal counsel about the structure and tax treatment of your company.
- You are engaging in international business and need help with contracts, tax treatment, and other legal matters.
Attorney’s fees
The lawyer may have different payment structures. You are also advised to ask for the payment schedule that suits you. Some payment plans include:
- Fixed fee – covering the total service requested.
- Hourly rate – clients pay based on the total number of hours the attorney must spend on the case; this rate is often linked to the reputation of the law firm or individual.
- Contingency fee – clients make a small upfront payment with total cost deducted when the case is won, at which time the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement. There is also the modified contingency fee which is a mixed payment comprising a lower hourly rate along with a percentage of any settlement won in court.
A good tax lawyer will assist in the development and implementation of strategies designed to reduce taxes.
The best lawyers also are able to advise clients on the implications of double taxation treaties, which can alter conventions of taxation. Your tax lawyer should be able to represent you in tax settlement negotiations and in representations before tax authorities in court.
Many tax lawyers in Jamaica are part of firms that are among the oldest and largest on the island and the region; and have attorneys specializing in in all areas of corporate and commercial law, including civil litigation.
Some Tax Lawyers in Jamaica
- ABTax Limited
- Letcher & Gordon
- Myers Fletcher & Gordon (MF&G)
- DunnCox Attorneys-at-Law
- Lex Caribbean
- Nunes, Scholefield, DeLeon & Co
- Samuda & Johnson, Attorneys-at-Law
- Or visit: https://www.hg.org/law-firms/tax/jamaica/kingston.html
