Why do you need a TRN to do business in Jamaica and how do you get one?

So, a few weeks ago we shared a clip from The Property Source Podcast with Re/Max Elite. In the video, the Re/Max rep stressed the importance of having a TRN before you try to buy a home.

And the top comment we got by far and are still getting is – what is a TRN and how do I get one? 

Now personally, I was shocked that so many people didn’t know.  I assumed that pretty much everyone in Jamaica knows what it is since you need it to do any kind of legit business here.

But clearly, there are a lot of people who don’t know, including many Jamaicans who live outside Jamaica.  So here we go. 

TRN stands for Tax Registration Number.  It’s a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to individual taxpayers. Businesses, enterprises and organisations also need TRNs. 

The government uses your TRN to track your taxes, of course, but also your income, and any benefits you may qualify for. It’s very similar to how a social security number is used in America, or a social insurance number in Canada.

And just like in those countries, here in Jamaica you need a TRN to conduct almost every transaction. Even bank accounts that have the bare minimum opening requirements need a TRN. 

So, how do you get one?

Anyone can apply for a TRN, including non-Jamaicans and non-residents. All you have to do is complete the ‘taxpayer registration form and submit it to Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ). The form can be completed in-office or online at jamaicatax.gov.jm.

However, you’ll still need to visit your closest tax office to drop off your supporting documents.  If you live outside Jamaica, you can call the tax office and ask about mailing it in.

For Jamaicans, the supporting document is just your passport or driver’s license and marriage certificate or deed poll if you’re married or had a legal name change. 

If you don’t have a passport, then you can use two passport-sized photos and your birth certificate to apply. You can also use a school, work or voter’s ID.

Jamaicans living overseas and non-Jamaicans can submit a notarized copy of your passport or driver’s license. It must include your full name, date of birth, photograph and signature.

And that’s it. Once all the documents are submitted and verified, your nine-digit TRN will be generated.

TAJ used to give out TRN cards, but they stopped doing that several years ago.  Instead, you’ll get a letter with the number on it, usually within just a few minutes.

And that’s the bottom line.