My Two Cents » Athletes and Taxes : A Jamaica Gleaner Blog

Athletes and Taxes

No sooner had I submitted my last two articles when a story caught my eye that supported the points of both. That story was that according to the tax authorities, most athletes did not file any tax returns for last year and many have not done so for many years.

I had spoken in one of my articles about whether our athletes are being properly managed and this story raises that concern again. Let me be clear, it is the responsibility of each Jamaican resident who is self employed to file a tax return and to pay any income tax and statutory deductions that are due. However, it is in the best interest of the manager to ensure that their athletes comply with the legal requirements. If the athletes are found to be guilty of tax evasion, apart from whatever penalties may be imposed, there could be jail sentences imposed. If the athlete goes to jail then the manager is unable to earn an income from that person while incarcerated. Further we have seen recently where the tax authorities have placed travel restrictions on persons owing tax. Either of these events could cause athletes to miss contractual obligations and the manager may be seen as an unreliable person and one with whom it is better not to do business.

The second articles dealt with people who are not paying taxes and the reluctance of the tax authorities to adequately address the issue. Over the last year the Inland Revenue has admitted the following

60% of all property tax is unpaid

90% of professionals (lawyers, doctors, accountants, etc) don’t file tax returns

The majority of self employed persons, barbers, hairdressers, vendors, taxi drivers, salons, etc. do not file returns

The majority of shop operators and in particular those which operate downtown do not make GCT returns.

Most entertainers do not file tax returns

Now we can add athletes to that list and again we ask the question: if the tax authorities are aware of all the persons who do not file returns why isn’t more effort made to go after these people? Perhaps one day we will get an answer to that question, I just hope that I am still alive to see it.

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6 Responses to “Athletes and Taxes”

Jo Bent says:

August 20, 2010 at 5:08 pm

Every Jamaicans have to pay taxes we use street lights, the roads, hospitals, schools etc, Its no free ride everyone have to pay.

With that said Jamaica goes from one extent to the next, why imprison regular citizens who owes taxes. So they can languish in jail leaving family to support outside? I say for athletes, politicians, entertainers, business-men, bankers, doctors confiscate their luxury items and homes and put up for auction, the regular working stiff too take their adult toys eg. x-box, blackberry, laptops and have monthly auctions to re-coup the taxes if they fail to pay after 60 days.
sonnyday says:

August 21, 2010 at 6:04 am

I think the only people who do pay tax in Jamaica with any regularity are returnees who invariably get ripped off at every opportunity.
jacqui says:

August 21, 2010 at 3:20 pm

Those numbers are shocking. Apart from it not being fair to law abiding citizens who pay their taxes. How can our Island survive with so little revenue coming in?
C.J . Watson says:

August 23, 2010 at 2:33 am

Referring to the above article about all the people that are not paying there taxes; it is a shame that they have no respect for themselves are there country, and if the Inland Revenue Authorities are aware of these persons actions then why aren’t these Government employees who are being paid to do their jobs, why aren’t they living up to their responsibilities by going after the Tax chaters?

C.J. Watson
Danny G says:

August 23, 2010 at 7:38 am

I believe that is one of Jamaica’s major problem, we do not enforce tax collection, if we did the country would be better off. We need the revenue.

Pay your taxes Jamaicans, its our responsibility.
eric says:

August 24, 2010 at 8:27 am

65% of jamaicans do not pay any income tax but they complain the goverment is not doing its job. why are so many jamaicans so silent on this issue.Just like crime they know who the are commiting the the crimes but remain silent,then blame the police.