Dear Editor,
I recently visited the tax office on Constant Spring Road to have my name corrected on my Tax Registration Number (TRN) card. It had been spelt incorrectly — no fault of mine as I presented my birth certificate when I made the request.
After being advised to go to the "information desk"— it appears everyone has to go there first — I was issued a form, after which I collected a number. I entered the required information, then went to be processed. The clerk took my passport and birth certificate and used it to electronically update their system. I was then asked to take my documents downstairs to be photocopied. I found this to be strange, but I complied. I stood in line at the copy area, my passport and birth certificate were then taken and copied. A hand was then shoved toward me without words. I inquired and was told payment was required. I asked how much and was told $20. My passport and birth certificate were neatly tucked away pending my presentation of the fee.
This caught me a little off guard as I had called the day before to ask about the procedure. I was told which documents were necessary and was also told there are no charges. It felt like I was being detained for untoward activities. However, I got the cash, paid the fee, was handed my documents as well as the copies and headed back to customer service. I gave the clerk the copies of the documents, was handed my receipt and I then left.
I am, however, confused. Why should I pay to copy documents that will enter the filing system at the tax office? It came across as covert strong-arming. Also, it wastes time to leave the counter, exit the main building, and go downstairs to join a line to copy documents -- documents that belong to the Government of Jamaica and information that is already updated on the computer system by the clerk.
Why can't there be a photocopying machine in the vicinity of the clerk? What information was entered when she initially took my documents?
Additionally, I was told the Government has stopped issuing physical TRN cards and I should check the newspapers for advertisements to indicate when the process will be resumed. There was no explanation for the discontinuation.
I also need to renew my driver's licence. I was told I can't start this process until at least five working days — to facilitate the TRN being processed. So, why can't the TRN and driver's licence be processed simultaneously, since they are the same number? I feel like the Government thrives on frustrating the already frustrated.
GB
beckfordg@hotmail.com
Why am I paying to copy for government files?
-->
I recently visited the tax office on Constant Spring Road to have my name corrected on my Tax Registration Number (TRN) card. It had been spelt incorrectly — no fault of mine as I presented my birth certificate when I made the request.
After being advised to go to the "information desk"— it appears everyone has to go there first — I was issued a form, after which I collected a number. I entered the required information, then went to be processed. The clerk took my passport and birth certificate and used it to electronically update their system. I was then asked to take my documents downstairs to be photocopied. I found this to be strange, but I complied. I stood in line at the copy area, my passport and birth certificate were then taken and copied. A hand was then shoved toward me without words. I inquired and was told payment was required. I asked how much and was told $20. My passport and birth certificate were neatly tucked away pending my presentation of the fee.
This caught me a little off guard as I had called the day before to ask about the procedure. I was told which documents were necessary and was also told there are no charges. It felt like I was being detained for untoward activities. However, I got the cash, paid the fee, was handed my documents as well as the copies and headed back to customer service. I gave the clerk the copies of the documents, was handed my receipt and I then left.
I am, however, confused. Why should I pay to copy documents that will enter the filing system at the tax office? It came across as covert strong-arming. Also, it wastes time to leave the counter, exit the main building, and go downstairs to join a line to copy documents -- documents that belong to the Government of Jamaica and information that is already updated on the computer system by the clerk.
Why can't there be a photocopying machine in the vicinity of the clerk? What information was entered when she initially took my documents?
Additionally, I was told the Government has stopped issuing physical TRN cards and I should check the newspapers for advertisements to indicate when the process will be resumed. There was no explanation for the discontinuation.
I also need to renew my driver's licence. I was told I can't start this process until at least five working days — to facilitate the TRN being processed. So, why can't the TRN and driver's licence be processed simultaneously, since they are the same number? I feel like the Government thrives on frustrating the already frustrated.
GB
beckfordg@hotmail.com
Why am I paying to copy for government files?
-->