CASTRIES, St Lucia — Inland Revenue offices close at several locations across Castries on Monday after the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issued a public notice announcing temporary shutdowns at key facilities, as unconfirmed reports suggest the disruptions coincide with a reported sick-out during the height of the annual tax filing period in St Lucia.
According to the official notice dated Jan. 26, the first floor of the Heraldine Rock Building was closed from Monday “until further notice.” The department also confirmed the closure of the third floor of the same building from Jan. 26 through Jan. 30 to facilitate a deep-cleaning exercise, with normal operations at that location expected to resume on Monday, Feb. 2. In addition, the third floor of the ECFH Building on Bridge Street remains closed until further notice.
The IRD notice did not cite staffing issues or industrial action as the reason for the closures. However, Unitedpac St Lucia News has been reliably informed that the department is experiencing a sick-out by staff. No official confirmation has been issued by the IRD or the relevant authorities, and the extent or duration of the reported action remains unclear.
The timing of the closures has raised concern among taxpayers, as the disruptions come at the height of the annual tax filing period, when in-person services are typically in high demand. The department has urged taxpayers to utilize its online services via the government’s e-filing platform and to conduct in-person business at IRD offices in Vieux Fort or Soufriere during the affected period.
The notice also advised that correspondence and enquiries may be submitted via the department’s customer service email. The IRD apologized for the inconvenience caused but did not indicate when full operations in Castries would resume.
At this stage, it remains unconfirmed whether the reported sick-out is linked to labor-related grievances or health concerns. Authorities have not announced contingency measures beyond redirecting taxpayers to alternative offices and online services.
This is a developing situation. Further updates will be provided as official information becomes available.
