I would like to make a suggestion on tax collection. The harsh enforcement of the tax laws now will not help, as the profits are reduced and revenues lessened for self-employed persons. What we need for Jamaica is a simple method to orientate all our citizens on how to file income tax.

Have you ever wondered why the ordinary man in the street migrates to the US and becomes so knowledgeable of the tax system? Set a programme in schools, primary, secondary and tertiary - not when they are about to start the Young Entrepreneurs Programme. Teach us first. How many Jamaicans know what it means to file for income tax? Is this why we cannot move from developing country to developed?

Take and take

Before the Government attempts to 'shake every penny from the small man', teach them their civic duties and responsibilities with sessions at different venues in the same way we are quick to keep political meetings. Are the citizens satisfied with the returns for their tax dollar? It is just take and take ... not even a refund or benefit. With the negatives far ahead of the positives, then people may not be encouraged to pay.

I propose that any person who wants to have his own business must show that he has attended a short course on how to file taxes. For example, the bar owner who wants a spirit licence, or a taxi driver who applies for a road licence, must all be shown how to file and be certified by the Government (another revenue stream for taxes) before they get the permission to operate a business. We must get our graduates prepared for filing. A recent report by the Ministry of Finance highlighted that many of our professionals, especially doctors, are negligent in paying their taxes.

Once you have an informed society rather than blatant ignorance, then I am sure the minister of finance would have a better compliance rate in the tax collection methods. Start with the schools as the situation is dire. Can you imagine that you have persons with master's degrees who are unable to explain how to file as dictated by the laws of Jamaica?

I am, etc.,

H.O. WILLIAMS

howard.o.williams@hotmail.com