Residents can apply for a payroll tax rebate that was announced as part of a $15 million economic relief package.

David Burt said that 75 per cent of the island’s workforce was eligible for the scheme.

The Premier and Minister of Finance toldThe Royal Gazette earlier that forms to apply for the money were expected to be available last week but he was asked by the Acting Financial Secretary to delay, so that the process could become “even more efficient”.

He said this evening: “I am pleased to announce that the payroll tax rebate that this Government promised in July for workers making less than $96,000, is being delivered today.

“It is regrettable that this innovative first-time programme was delayed as we ensured that there were no issues with the Auditor-General when these funds are audited.

“However, I am pleased that the Government is now moving forward on tax relief for working families.”

Mr Burt added that 75 per cent of Bermuda’s workforce was “eligible to apply for this payroll benefit today”.

A government spokeswoman explained that the rebate was available for people who met the requirements and earned less than $96,000 according to the Public Treasury (Administration and Payments) (Salary Based Benefit) Regulations 2022.

She said: “A person who was an employee or self-employed at any time between July 1, 2021 and ending on June 30, 2022, can apply for the benefit if they meet the salary requirements and other criteria in the regulations.”

People who earn less than $60,000 a year will receive a $250 benefit, while those who earn from $60,000 and less than $96,000 are to get a $100 rebate.

Applications can be made online at economicrelief.gov.bm by December 15, 2022.

Payment is expected to be made in ten business days once all the necessary information is submitted and processed.

The government spokeswoman said: “You are only eligible to receive the benefit for your principal job.

“Your ‘principal job’ means the employment in which most of your salary earnings came from during the relevant period.”

Workers will need their Social Insurance Number to complete the application.

Anyone who does not know their SIN should check with their employer in the first instance or, if needed, contact the Department of Social Insurance on 294-9242 or e-mail sicontributions@gov.bm.

Self-employed people will need their Payroll Tax ID issued by the Office of the Tax Commissioner.

Employees will also need their employer’s contact information, including an e-mail address so that payroll tax IDs and employment details can be confirmed.

A scan or photograph of government issued identification such as a driver’s licence, passport or official work permit card will also be required.

Applicants must include a scan, photograph, PDF or screenshot of a bank statement that includes their name, address, full account number and the bank’s logo.

They were advised: “Please cross out (redact) any dollar amounts.”

The spokeswoman said: “While the Government is doing its best to reduce the administrative burden on employers, and ensure that the process is as smooth as possible, the employer has an active and critical role in supporting their employees’ applications once submitted.

“There will be an online landing page or e-mail alert for them separately to verify their employee’s details before being progressed for review.

“Additionally, taxi owners will need to provide a scan, photo, PDF or screenshot of Taxi Vehicle Registration to demonstrate they were owners having paid their flat rate of payroll tax fee as of June 30, 2022.

“Please note, per the regulations, a motor taxi owner who owns more than one taxi shall receive the benefit only for one taxi.

“Persons should triple-check that they provide the correct contact details for themselves, and their employers, as well as correct banking and personal details to avoid delays in verification and payment.”

Mr Burt added: “As I have said previously, as government financial performance continues to improve and we consider the impact of this improved performance on the total budget, we may be able to increase the relief we are providing to Bermudian families and even possibly expand the rebates we are giving to taxpayers.”

Other measures outlined in the economic relief package in July included financial support for people with children in public schools and LED light bulbs that were expected to be handed out to households to reduce energy bills.

Questions about the salary-based benefit can be sent by e-mail to economicrelief@gov.bm.