Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) Engages Global Jamaican Diaspora at Biennial Conference

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) reaffirmed its commitment to delivering accessible, customer-centred tax services for Jamaicans worldwide through its participation in the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held from July 15–17, 2026, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

The Conference brought together more than 1,000 delegates from 14 countries, including members of the Jamaican diaspora, government representatives, private-sector stakeholders, development partners and community leaders. The event provided an important platform for dialogue, partnership-building and practical support for Jamaicans overseas seeking to maintain, establish or expand their connections with Jamaica.

TAJ’s executive leadership team, led by Commissioner General Ainsley Powell, participated in the Conference and engaged directly with members of the Jamaican diaspora, including individuals, entrepreneurs and business representatives. Their presence reflected TAJ’s commitment to understanding the needs of Jamaicans overseas and strengthening the Authority’s role in facilitating their continued economic engagement with Jamaica.

As part of the Government at Your Service component of the Conference, TAJ operated an information booth, where representatives provided guidance on a range of tax and related services relevant to Jamaicans living abroad, returning residents, investors and entrepreneurs. The Authority’s participation underscored the importance of efficient tax administration in supporting diaspora investment, property ownership, business development and long-term national growth.

TAJ representatives provided guidance on obtaining a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), including the requirements applicable to persons applying from overseas. The TRN is a key identifier for individuals and organisations conducting a range of transactions in Jamaica, including property-related matters, business registration and other government services. Delegates were able to submit TRN applications and, where all requirements were satisfied, have their TRNs processed on site. Alternatively, overseas applicants may submit notarised supporting documents, with completed applications sent to TAJ’s Taxpayer Registration Centre in Kingston.

Delegates were also informed about TAJ’s expanding suite of convenient online services, which enables customers to access essential services from anywhere in the world. These include the ability to query and pay Property Tax, file and pay business-related taxes, apply for or query a Tax Compliance Certificate, renew motor vehicle registration certificates, pay motor vehicle fitness and driver’s licence renewal fees, pay traffic ticket fines and make payments for police records.

The Authority’s message to the diaspora was clear: Jamaica remains connected to its global family, and tax services are increasingly available through secure, digital and customer-friendly channels. By improving access to services for Jamaicans overseas, TAJ is helping to reduce administrative barriers and support persons who wish to invest, own property, establish businesses or otherwise participate in Jamaica’s economic development.

TAJ’s participation in the Conference also reflected the wider national objective of strengthening diaspora partnerships beyond remittances by facilitating investment, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer and meaningful engagement in Jamaica’s development agenda.

Through initiatives such as its participation in the Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, TAJ continues to advance its vision of a modern, responsive and inclusive revenue administration—one that supports compliance while making it easier for Jamaicans at home and abroad to access the services they need.