Corporate Tax Guide

Belize

Belize's tax system is attractive to certain international businesses, but its corporate tax framework is not based on a single low rate. Petroleum operations pay income tax at 40% of their chargeable income, plus a petroleum surcharge; most other businesses are subject to business tax levied on gross revenue, with rates varying by industry and type of income—for example, general trading is typically taxed at 1.75%, professional services at 6%, and real estate-related income at 3%. Belize has no separate capital gains tax, though a company pays 5% business tax on its annual net gain from certain foreign assets, and it applies a General Sales Tax (GST) at a rate of 12.5%. Regarding withholding tax, dividends paid to residents are generally subject to 15%, and interest paid to non-resident lenders is generally subject to 15%; a 25% rate generally applies to management fees, technical service fees, and similar payments made to non-residents, rather than a flat 25% rate on all royalties. In terms of corporate compliance, Belizean companies are generally required to maintain a registered agent and a registered office.

Published — 2/19/2024 · Time of Update — 10/01/2026

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Belize

Belize Corporate Tax Brief

PwC World Tax Summary OECD Statistics

Published — 2/19/2024 · Time of Update — 10/01/2026

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

General CIT Rate:

Persons engaged in petroleum operations: income tax at 40% of the chargeable income from those operations, plus a petroleum surcharge.
Most other businesses: Primarily subject to Business Tax levied on gross revenue / gross income, with common rates such as:

Other trading or businesses: 1.75%
Real estate income (rent, royalties, premiums, etc.): 3%
Professional / occupational income: 6%
Income from commissions, royalties, dividends, etc.: 15%
Financial institutions: 15%

CIT Return Due Date:

Annual tax returns must be filed by March 31 of the subsequent tax year.

CIT Payment Due Date:

Monthly business tax payments must be filed by the 15th day of each month, covering receipts for the previous month.

CIT Estimated Payment Due Date:

Estimated tax payments follow the same monthly schedule as business tax payments.

Withholding Tax (WHT)

Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):

15/NA/NA

Non-Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):

15/15/0

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

General VAT Rate:

12.5%

Learn More Value-Added Tax (VAT)

Capital Gain Tax (CGT)

General Capital Gain Tax Rate:

No separate capital gains tax. A company pays business tax at 5% on its annual net gain from realising real estate outside Belize, assets of a permanent establishment outside Belize, or debt, equity or other instruments issued by non-residents.

Effective Tax Rate (ETR)

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Additional info

Belize Personal Income Tax

Personal income, or employee income is taxed at a flat rate of 25%. The tax free threshold for PIT in Belize is below BZD $29,000.

media.bts.gov.bz · Act No 40 of 2024 Income and Business Tax Amendment Act 2024 b6bf496b66

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

Most businesses in Belize are subject to Business Tax, with rates varying by industry or type of income. Common rates include:

Broadcasting, live television, newspaper industry: 0.75%
Domestic airlines: 1.75%
Telecommunications entities providing real-time voice services: 19%
Other trades and businesses: 1.75%
Rent, royalties, premiums, and other income from immovable property: 3%
Vocational / professional / occupational income: 6%
Insurance companies: 1.75%
Gaming establishments / licensed gaming premises: 8%
Total commissions of real estate brokers and agents: 15%
Entities providing electricity services: 1.75%
Service stations: 0.75% on fuel sales, 1.75% on lubricants and other goods
Financial institutions licensed under the Banks and Financial Institutions Act: rates vary by business category, applying at 12% / 15% / 16% / 17% / 18%
Financial institutions within the PIC group: 12%

bts.gov.bz · business tax guide

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

media.bts.gov.bz · Notice to Companies on Foreign Income 0baa126b8c

General Sales Tax

A business that generates an annual turnover exceeding BZD$75,000 must register for general sales tax (GST), and complete a GST return. Additionally, if a new business generates BZD$6,250 or more monthly in taxable supplies for a period less than 12 months, it is required to register for GST.

The Standard GST is 12.5%.

bts.gov.bz · registration

Withholding Tax Rates For CARICOM Recipients

Payments to persons from CARICOM member states that are parties to the Income Tax (CARICOM Double Taxation) Act, Cap. 56, are withheld at 0% on dividends and 15% on interest, royalties and management fees.

bts.gov.bz · business tax guide

Withholding Tax Rates For CARICOM Recipients

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