Dear Editor,
A recent visit to the tax office highlighted several weaknesses in relation to embracing technology and proactive planning. Upon first glance at the long line of vehicles and persons standing outside, I started to wonder if Sting had embraced two days of performances.
The lines at the Portmore tax offices had at least 300 persons standing in the boiling sun. After hearing SSP Radcliffe Lewis' stern warning, I thought it prudent to smartly join the long lines. After four hours of waiting I finally reached the golden cashier; I took two minutes to hand the cashier my monies and my transaction was completed.
During our long wait, we took the liberty of brainstorming of ways that this system could be improved. We examined several factors, the most significant of which I will utilise this medium of communication to share with the decision makers for future amnesty periods.
* Floor/outside walkers to guide and instruct the process: Several individuals were waiting in lines for hours, when there was a separate and much shorter line to deal with other matters.
* Allow for online payment: While we are aware that the system is not accurate, there are many who have no objections with what is online, so they should be allowed to proceed with payment.
* Designated cash-only line: Person paying by credit card, often had difficulties with the transaction processing time. The average cash transaction took two minutes, while a credit card transaction took five-eight minutes.
* Pull resource persons from other government agencies to assist with basic coordination: There was little or no guidance, persons were unaware of the importance of having to print tickets in order to make payment.
* Floating cashier: Based on the limited internal space, collections could be done outside with the use of security personnel (Brinks). There is no need for any data information.
Based on my first-hand experience, if this trend continues I must say that the government may be very pleased at the success rate of the amnesty initiative. If this is so, I along with many other tanned friends look forward to a more structured and accessible system for the future.
Richard Longmore
richardlongmore@yahoo.com
Restructure tax collection systems
-->
A recent visit to the tax office highlighted several weaknesses in relation to embracing technology and proactive planning. Upon first glance at the long line of vehicles and persons standing outside, I started to wonder if Sting had embraced two days of performances.
The lines at the Portmore tax offices had at least 300 persons standing in the boiling sun. After hearing SSP Radcliffe Lewis' stern warning, I thought it prudent to smartly join the long lines. After four hours of waiting I finally reached the golden cashier; I took two minutes to hand the cashier my monies and my transaction was completed.
During our long wait, we took the liberty of brainstorming of ways that this system could be improved. We examined several factors, the most significant of which I will utilise this medium of communication to share with the decision makers for future amnesty periods.
* Floor/outside walkers to guide and instruct the process: Several individuals were waiting in lines for hours, when there was a separate and much shorter line to deal with other matters.
* Allow for online payment: While we are aware that the system is not accurate, there are many who have no objections with what is online, so they should be allowed to proceed with payment.
* Designated cash-only line: Person paying by credit card, often had difficulties with the transaction processing time. The average cash transaction took two minutes, while a credit card transaction took five-eight minutes.
* Pull resource persons from other government agencies to assist with basic coordination: There was little or no guidance, persons were unaware of the importance of having to print tickets in order to make payment.
* Floating cashier: Based on the limited internal space, collections could be done outside with the use of security personnel (Brinks). There is no need for any data information.
Based on my first-hand experience, if this trend continues I must say that the government may be very pleased at the success rate of the amnesty initiative. If this is so, I along with many other tanned friends look forward to a more structured and accessible system for the future.
Richard Longmore
richardlongmore@yahoo.com
Restructure tax collection systems
-->