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Do I need to file a tax return?

· 2 min read

In most cases, you don't need to file a tax return.

If you're self employed, you will need to file a tax return and pay quarterly taxes. You can read more about your tax obligations here.

If your sole source of income is from standard employment, all taxes are already withheld at source and there is no requirement to file a return.

Taxes include:

  • Health Surcharge
  • Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
  • National Insurance Contributions (NIS)

Unlike some other countries, taxes in Trinidad and Tobago are withheld at source.

Because these taxes are already paid, there is no requirement to file a return.

Why you may still want to file a return​

Tax refunds

In some cases, you may be eligible for a refund.

For example, if you have regular employment income and have not worked for the full tax year (January 1 - December 31), taxes would have been automatically withheld as if you had been working for the full year.

Get a tax clearance certificate

In some cases you may need a tax clearance certificate, for example if you are applying for citizenship or residency.

If you do require a tax clearance certificate, filing tax returns for all years where you've earned income in Trinidad and Tobago is required.

You can read more about getting a tax clearance certificate here.

Benefit from deductions

There are several deductions available, including:

  • Tertiary education expenses
  • First time home ownership expenses
  • Contributions to approved pension funds/annuity plans

How do I file a return?​

You can file your tax return using e-Tax.

If you don't already have an e-Tax account, you'll need to register a TTConnect ID and enrol with e-Tax.

You can read more about this process here.

If you have a complex tax situation and you're not comfortable filing a return on your own, you can use the services of an accounting firm.