News

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 OF OFFICE CLOSURE

The Belize Tax Service Department headquarters and offices countrywide will be closed at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025, for staff to attend a Membership meeting.
We will resume on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at 8:00 AM for normal business.

NOTICE TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS SELF-CERTIFICATION

The Director General wishes to inform all Financial Institutions (FIs) that valid self-certification must be collected when updating pre-existing accounts and upon opening of all new accounts. If a valid TIN cannot be obtained or verified at account opening the FI must make reasonable efforts to obtain the missing information (e.g. contacting the account holder). The TIN must align with the residence address held on record. If there are any inconsistencies between the TIN and other account-holder data, the FI must take reasonable steps to obtain a valid TIN or provide an explanation with supporting documents.

NOTICE TO PERSONS MAKING WIRE TRANSFER

The Director General wishes to inform all persons wiring transfers to the Department that the National Bank of Belize applies a service charge of BZD $50.00 to all incoming wire transfers.

NOTICE OF OFFICE CLOSURE

The Belize Tax Service Department headquarters and offices countrywide will be closed on Friday, June 27th, 2025, as we celebrate Public Service Day.
We will resume on Monday, June 30th, 2025, at 8:00 AM for normal business.

NOTICE TO TAX DEFAULTERS (Updated)

Pursuant to Section 64A of the Tax Administration and Procedure Act, Cap 51, Revised Edition 2020, as amended by Act 19 of 2021, the Director General of the Belize Tax Service Department hereby serves formal notice to tax defaulters with outstanding arrears due to the Government of Belize.

FAQs CRS AEOI Portal

1.
What is CRS and what is the importance of CRS in AEOI?
The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) was developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in response to requests made by the G20. It is the global standard for the automatic exchange of financial account information for tax purposes. In other words, CRS is the gathering and reporting of financial information by financial institutions in participating countries, to help combat tax evasion and protect the integrity of tax systems in the various jurisdictions.
2.
Who is considered to be an FI?
In CRS, financial institution does not just mean banks. An FI could be a Custodial Institution, a Depository Institution, an Investment Entity, or a Specified Insurance Company.
3.
Who should be registered for CRS?
You are required to be registered for CRS if you are consider to be a Custodial Institution, a Depository Institution, an Investment Entity, or a Specified Insurance Company.