Tax Administration Jamaica is to phase out cheques entirely by March 2028, in what will be one of the most significant changes yet to how Jamaicans pay their taxes.

The Authority says the move brings it in line with new procedures being implemented by the Bank of Jamaica and the commercial banks.

Mahiri Stewart tells us more.

The first stage takes effect on September 1, 2026, less than a month from now.

From that date, TAJ will no longer accept cheques from government entities, or manager’s cheques valued at $1 million and above.

The threshold then falls in stages.

On March 1, 2027, TAJ will stop accepting cheques of $500,000 and above. Six months later, on September 1, 2027, that ceiling drops to $100,000. By March 1, 2028, TAJ will not accept cheques at all.

The same timetable applies to money going the other way the refund cheques TAJ issues to taxpayers.

At present, the Authority does not issue refund cheques above $700,000. That cap drops to $500,000 in March 2027, and to $100,000 in September 2027.

From March 1, 2028, no refund cheques will be issued at all. All refunds will then be paid by bank transfer or credit card refund.

TAJ is pointing customers to its digital payment options, including its website, the TAJ mobile app, direct funds transfer, and online banking through the commercial banks.

The Authority says it will provide further updates as the transition advances, and is urging customers to move to its digital channels ahead of the September deadline.

The changes follow TAJ’s earlier decision to stop taking cheques as payment for public moneys owed to it.

They also form part of a wider industry shift. The Bank of Jamaica and the Jamaica Bankers Association have set March 1, 2028 as the date for cheques to be discontinued nationally.

Several commercial banks among them NCB, Scotiabank, First Global Bank and CIBC Caribbean have already advised customers of the same one-million dollar restriction taking effect on September 1.