Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the appeals process, filing requirements, timelines and more.
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About RAD
What is RAD and what does it do?
Filing an Appeal
How to file, deadlines and required forms
The Hearing Process
What happens during and after a hearing
Fees & Costs
Costs, representation and financial info
Decisions & Outcomes
Understanding determinations and next steps
Online Portal & Forms
Using the web portal and downloading forms
General Information
About RAD
About the Revenue Appeals Division
What are RAD’s office hours?
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. RAD is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Where is RAD located?
RAD is located at 12 Ocean Boulevard, Office Centre Building, 1st Floor, Kingston, Jamaica.
Is RAD independent from Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ)?
Yes, RAD is completely independent. Commissioners are not employees of TAJ or the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), ensuring impartial and unbiased adjudication of all appeals.
What types of tax disputes does RAD handle?
Taxpayers may appeal any decision that relates to a tax liability under any of the following tax types: Assets Tax, Land Valuation, Customs Duty, General Consumption Tax, Income Tax, Special Consumption Tax, Transfer Tax, Withholding Tax, Bauxite Production Levy, Contractor’s Levy, Education Tax, Guest Accommodation Room Tax, PAYE, Stamp Duty and Telephone Call Tax.
What is the Revenue Appeals Division (RAD)?
RAD is an independent entity established under the Revenue Appeals Division Act, 2025, mandated to hear and conclude appeals by taxpayers who disagree with a decision of a Revenue Commissioner regarding their tax liability or customs valuation.
Filing an Appeal
Filing an Appeal
What happens if I disagree with the determination?
If you disagree with RAD’s determination, you may have the right to appeal to the Revenue Court. Please see the relevant guidelines for further information.
Will I have to attend a hearing?
Not necessarily. After reviewing the information submitted by both parties, RAD will determine the most appropriate method for resolving the appeal. This may include a formal hearing, settlement discussions, or other legal means of resolution. If a formal hearing or informal meeting is required, you will be notified of the date, time and relevant procedures. Please refer to the appropriate guidelines for further information.
How long will the appeal process take?
The timeframe for resolving an appeal will vary depending on the complexity of the matter, the information and documentation provided and the process selected for determining the appeal. RAD will seek to resolve appeals as efficiently as possible and you will be able to obtain updates on the progress of your appeal. RAD guarantees that an appeal will be scheduled for hearing within 90 days of acceptance. An appeal decision will be issued within 60 days from the date you are notified whether RAD has received all the information and documentation required to resolve the appeal or whether the required information or documentation remains outstanding.
Can I withdraw my appeal after filing?
Yes. You may request to withdraw your appeal at any time before a determination is issued. Your withdrawal request must be submitted using the Notice of Withdrawal, RA-02, to RAD and you will be notified once the withdrawal has been processed.
Can I submit additional information after filing my appeal?
Yes. You may submit additional information or supporting documents after filing your appeal, subject to any timelines or directions issued by RAD. You should ensure that all relevant information is provided as early as possible to assist with the review and determination of your appeal.
How do I file an appeal?
To file an appeal with RAD, you must submit a completed Notice of Appeal, RA-01 form together with a copy of the relevant decision being appealed, any relevant supporting information and documentation within the applicable timeframe. Appeals may be submitted online, download and submission of completed PDF RA-01 in person, by email or through the post. Please refer to the relevant guidelines for further information.
What can I appeal?
You may appeal a decision of a Revenue Commissioner relating to your tax liability, customs valuation, or any other matter for which an appeal lies to RAD.
Can I withdraw an appeal?
You may withdraw your appeal to the RAD at any time by simply submitting a completed Notice of Withdrawal (RA-02) Form. This can also be obtained at the RAD Office. Note that if you withdraw your appeal, you are not allowed to re-appeal the same decision to RAD.
What can prevent my appeal from being accepted by the RAD?
There are four (4) circumstances that can prevent your appeal from being accepted: your appeal was filed late and no valid explanation was given to show that the reasons for being late were outside your control; incomplete notices of appeal, that is, critical information such as a copy of the decision being appealed was not submitted within the given time; the reason(s) for disagreeing with the decision being appealed were not stated; or the decision being appealed was issued under legal provisions that prevent the Commissioner of RAD from reviewing it.
What should I include in my appeal?
Your appeal should include your full name, contact details, Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), the tax type, the assessment or decision being appealed, the grounds for your appeal and any supporting documentation.
Can I file an appeal online?
Yes. You can file your appeal online via the online portal. The portal allows you to complete and submit your forms electronically and upload supporting documents.
What forms do I need?
You will need Form RA-01 (Notice of Appeal) and Form RA-02 (Notice of Withdrawal of Appeals) if you wish to withdraw, along with any supporting documents. All forms are available on the Forms page.
Will I have to attend a hearing?
Not necessarily. After reviewing the information submitted by both parties, RAD will determine the most appropriate method for resolving the appeal. This may include a formal hearing, settlement discussions, or other legal means of resolution. If a formal hearing or informal meeting is required, you will be notified of the date, time and relevant procedures. Please refer to the appropriate guidelines for further information.
What is the deadline to file an appeal?
You must file your Notice of Appeal within the prescribed time period, being 90 days from the date of the decision you are appealing or 30 days from the date you receive the decision, whichever is applicable. Appeals filed outside of the prescribed timeframe may not be accepted. Where a Notice of Appeal is being filed outside the prescribed timeframe, you must provide an explanation for the delay together with any supporting evidence to substantiate the reasons provided. Please refer to the applicable guidelines for further information.
Do I need a lawyer to file an appeal?
No. You do not need a lawyer to file an appeal with RAD. Many Appellants represent themselves. However, you may choose to be represented by an attorney-at-law or another authorised representative if you wish. If you choose to be represented, an authorisation letter must be submitted to RAD
The Hearing Process
The Hearing Process
What should I bring to a hearing?
You should bring all relevant documents, including correspondence with the revenue authority, the assessment or decision being appealed, any evidence supporting your case and any witnesses you intend to call.
Can I request an adjournment?
Yes. You may request an adjournment by submitting Form RA-04 (Request for Adjournment). Adjournments are granted at the discretion of the panel and should be requested as early as possible.
Can hearings be held virtually?
Yes. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, RAD offers both in-person and virtual hearing options. You may indicate your preference when your hearing is being scheduled.
What happens after I submit my appeal?
After you submit your appeal, you will receive a receipt, confirming that your Notice of Appeal has been received. The RAD will review your Notice of Appeal and if your appeal is accepted, issue a formal acknowledgement confirming acceptance of the appeal. The acknowledgement will include a reference number that you can use to track your appeal case and request for a list of the information you intend to rely in support of your appeal. The relevant Revenue Authority will simultaneously be notified of the accepted appeal and required to submit a Statement of Case outlining the reasons for the decision. After reviewing the information submitted by both parties, RAD will determine the most appropriate method for resolving the appeal, which may include formal hearing, settlement negotiations or other means. Please refer to the applicable guidelines for further information.
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
Will RAD cover my legal costs if I win?
RAD does not typically award costs. Each party is generally responsible for their own expenses, regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
Do I need to pay the disputed tax before filing?
Filing an appeal does not automatically stay the obligation to pay. Contact RAD or seek professional advice regarding your specific circumstances.
Is there a fee to file an appeal?
There is no fee to file an appeal with RAD. The service is provided free of charge to all taxpayers.
Decisions & Outcomes
Decisions & Outcomes
Are RAD decisions published?
Yes. Selected decisions are published in anonymised form on the RAD Decisions page to promote transparency and assist taxpayers and practitioners in understanding how the law is applied.
Is a RAD determination final?
A RAD determination is binding on both parties. However, either party may appeal to the court on a point of law if they believe the determination contains a legal error.
What happens when RAD makes a determination?
RAD issues a written determination that includes findings of fact, the applicable law and the decision. Both parties — the taxpayer and the Revenue Commissioner — receive a copy of the determination.
Online Portal & Forms
Online Portal & Forms
Can I track the status of my appeal online?
Yes. The online portal allows you to track the status of your appeal in real time, including acknowledgement, panel assignment, hearing dates and determination status.
What forms are available for download?
The following forms are available: RA-01 (Notice of Appeal), RA-02 (Notice of Withdrawal of Appeals), RA-03 (Reply by Revenue Commissioner) and RA-04 (Request for Adjournment). All forms can be downloaded from the Forms page.
How do I access the online portal?
General Information
Where can I get further information?
You may visit the RAD Office at the UDC Office Centre Building, 1st Floor, 12 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston; call 876-932-4993; WhatsApp 876-999-2945; or email appeals.rad@mof.gov.jm for more information. See also our Contact Us page.
What are the advantages of using the RAD process to settle my tax dispute?
There are several advantages for the taxpayer in using the RAD appeal process:
(a) Speed of dispute settlement. The Commissioner of RAD may delegate the authority to hear appeals, increasing the number of cases that may be considered at any one time. It is no longer mandatory for every case to be settled by a formal hearing — the Commissioner may use informal meetings or written submissions to determine the appeal. Strict time limits for deciding cases are now imposed.
(b) Suspension of payment of disputed taxes and penalties. For the duration of a hearing the taxes in dispute are suspended. This is not necessarily the case for appeals made to the Revenue Court.
(c) Simplicity of the process. It is simple for appellants to conduct their own cases without being represented by a lawyer or tax professional, although appellants maintain the right to be legally or professionally represented. RAD staff will provide advice and guidance to appellants on the process of the appeal. The Commissioner of RAD will decide cases on the basis of information received or may facilitate an agreed settlement negotiated between the parties.
(d) Transparency and independence of the process. The Commissioner of RAD is independent of the revenue authorities and their decisions can be varied or overturned only by the courts. This independence is guaranteed by law.
(e) Time and cost. As a result of the reduction in the time taken to conclude appeals, and the potential for reduced legal and accountancy fees owing to the informal nature of the process, appeals to the RAD present major benefits in time and cost for both parties in a dispute.
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