31 January 2019
Islanders can have their say on the current personal tax regime as part of an extensive island-wide survey by the States Treasury and Exchequer, with the results helping to reform the island’s tax system.
Last year, islanders were asked to contribute to a review of the tax system through a number of channels including focus groups, a chat bot and the Jersey Opinions and Lifestyles Survey.
Earlier this month, the consultation was opened to a wider audience with the launch of an online and telephone survey to ensure more members of the public had the opportunity to provide their feedback.
The online survey closes on 28 February and, so far, a total of 900 surveys have been completed.
The results of the consultation will help form the recommended changes that will be brought to the States Assembly as part of the Government Plan due to be lodged in the summer.
Deputy Susie Pinel, Minister for Treasury and Resources, said: “Over recent weeks and months, the personal income tax system has been the subject of repeated criticism. This is perhaps unsurprising, as the fundamental building blocks of the personal income tax system are largely unchanged since income tax was introduced in Jersey in 1928. 90 years have elapsed since then, during which time society has changed beyond all recognition – unfortunately, our personal income tax system has not kept pace.
“This consultation will address some of the outdated issues, such as married women’s money belonging to their husbands – a concept we are looking to abolish. We hope that the results of this consultation will help towards a fundamental reform of personal income tax and shape a fairer and clearer regime for the future.
“Deputies Doublet and Perchard have also raised serious concerns about this ‘archaic’ form of taxation. Their input has been very valuable.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the survey can do so by visiting gov.je.
gov.je