TAX Administration Jamaica’s (TAJ) says its Intelligence, Investigation and Enforcement Unit, supported by the Major Organised Crime Agency, last Friday arrested and charged Oswald Powell, proprietor of Oswald’s Seafood Restaurant, for failure to comply with the tax laws, as it continues its tax enforcement activities in the parish of St. Elizabeth.

Powell, who operates in the Alligator Pond community, was arrested for failure to file his tax return.

TAJ said the court had issued a warrant of disobedience for his arrest due to his failure to attend court in relation to his failure to file his tax returns for the years 2012-2015. He was offered bail in sum of $30,000, with one surety. He is to return to the Mandeville Parish Court on February 20.

TAJ said the arrest was part of a sustained efforts to actively pursue delinquent taxpayers by utilising the various tax collection tools provided under the law.

“Delinquent taxpayers are strongly advised that failure to report income, profits or gains, as defined within the Income Tax Act, will result in enforcement action by TAJ, using the applicable provisions under the law,” TAJ said in a release.

“TAJ remains resolved in its efforts to take strong action against any company, business or individual found to be delinquent, thereby improving trust, equity and fairness in the country’s tax system,” it added.