How Do I Claim My NIS and NHT If My Boss Didn’t Pay Them?

Question from Jane:

"Can you claim your payroll taxes if they are not being paid?"

Answer by Wellesley:

Jane, this is a very important question, especially here in Jamaica where, sadly, not every employer follows through on their responsibilities. If your payslip shows deductions for NIS, NHT, or PAYE and those amounts are not being paid to the relevant authorities, you absolutely have a right to take action.

Your first move should be to check with the respective offices—either NIS or NHT—to verify what has been submitted in your name. Once you’ve done that, and if you notice gaps, you can confidentially report the matter to the Ministry of Labour or Tax Administration Jamaica. They will investigate and may be able to recover those missing payments.

It may take time and require some follow-up, but rest assured, you do have a right to those contributions. They're tied to your retirement, housing, and healthcare benefits, and shouldn’t be ignored.

Hold on to any pay slips, letters, or proof of deduction. Those will strengthen your case and help ensure that your years of work and contributions don’t go to waste.

📚 Recommended reading: Jamaica on a Budget - Discovering Paradise Without The Price Tag!

📅 Last updated: June 11, 2025

🔗 Feel free to share this article with others who may find it helpful. 💬 Got a concern about working in Jamaica or life here in general? Ask me your question here – I’m right here to help.