IBC News

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES

The Government of Belize has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of the Strengthening of Tax Administration Project (STAP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
The consulting services (“the Services”) for a Consulting Firm to develop a Data Governance Strategy and Framework for the Belize Tax service Department (BTSD).
Specific objectives for this Consultancy:
“To develop and institutionalize a comprehensive Data Governance Strategy and Framework for the BTSD, ensuring that data assets are effectively managed, protected, and utilized to support evidence-based policy formulation, compliance management, and operational efficiency”.

NOTICE TO ALL COMPANIES FORMALLY KNOWN AS IBCS REQUIREMENT TO FILE ANNUAL RETURN​

The Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) reminds companies formally known as International Business Companies (IBCs) of their obligation to file annual Business Tax returns.
Please note that returns for the 2024 basis year were due on March 31st, 2025. Companies are further reminded of the new late filing penalties that came into effect on January 1st, 2025. To avoid these penalties, you must file 2024 annual returns by 31st December 2025.

NOTICE TO REGISTERED AGENTS GENERAL SALES TAX

Subject: Clarification Regarding Zero-Rated Services Exempt from GST
Further to the Ruling issued concerning Zero-Rated services exempt from GST and Schedule II paragraph (10) of the GST Act which delineates criteria for such exemptions:
SCHEDULE II
GENERAL SALES TAX ACT
Zero-Rated: Exported Services
Services Consumed Outside Belize
(10) A supply of services to a non-resident person who is outside Belize at the time the services are supplied, other than a supply of services–

NOTICE TO FORMER INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES

The Director General hereby notifies all former International Business Companies (IBCs) now companies, of our new requirement concerning the filing of returns.
With immediate effect, all former IBCs obligated to file taxes with our offices, must include a certified copy of their company’s annual financials with their yearly returns.
Taxpayers are being encouraged to utilize our ONLINE SERVICE through the IRIS Belize e-portal to create an online account for filing and making payments online.

CRS XML UPLOAD FILING

CRS XML Upload Filing
To perform a CRS XML Upload Filing reporting New Data, kindly follow the steps below:
Note: Our CRS portal will accept files which are CRS XML Schema 2.0 compliant only. For CRS XML Schema 2.0 and CRS User Guide visit https://www.oecd.org/tax/automatic-exchange/common-reporting-standard/schema-and-user-guide/. Also, ensure your XML files are under 30MB in size.
1. Select Filings from the main Menu to access the Manage Filings page.
2. Click the Create Filing button. Enter Filing Name of your choice. Select CRS XML Upload Filing filing type. Enter applicable Period End Date (31 December of relevant filing year). Click the Create button.
3. Select filing name created at the screen that pops up. Your filing will also be available in the draft filings section of the Filings menu.

CRS NIL REPORT AND FILING INSTRUCTIONS

CRS Filings Summary/Nil Report
These instructions are provided for financial institutions to submit a Nil report or CRS Filing Summary after reporting is complete.
1. Select Filings from the main Menu to access the Manage Filings page.
2. Click the Create Filing button. Enter Filing Name of your choice. Select CRS Filing Summary filing type. Enter applicable Period End Date (31 December of relevant filing year). Click the Create button.
3. Select filing created at the screen that pops up next. Filing will also be available in the Draft Filings section of the Filings menu.

CRS MANUAL FILING INSTRUCTIONS

CRS Manual Filing
To perform a manual CRS Filing reporting New Data, kindly follow the steps below:
1. Select Filings from the main Menu to access the Manage Filings page.
2. Click the Create Filing button. Enter Filing Name of your choice. Select CRS Manual Entry filing type. Enter applicable Period End Date (31 December of relevant filing year). Click the Create button.
3. Select filing name created at the screen that pops up. Your filing will also be available in the draft filings section of the Filings menu.

Companies Previously Classified as International Business Companies

Pursuant to the enactment of the new Belize Companies Act, Act no. 11 of 2022, and the amalgamation of registries to one Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry, the Director General hereby notifies ALL companies, previously classified as International Business Companies as per the repealed International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize that effective immediately, your applications for a Tax Identification Number(TIN) must be submitted directly to the Belize Tax Service using the email below:
Internationalcompliance@bts.gov.bz