Belize

Corporate Tax Guide

Belize's tax system is attractive to certain international businesses, but its corporate tax framework is not based on a single low rate. The oil industry is generally subject to a 25% income tax; 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 does not impose capital gains tax and 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.

Belize Tax Brief

Data Source PwC World Tax Summary
OCED Statistic

Time of Update 4/01/2026

Belize Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

General CIT Rate:

Companies in the oil industry: Subject to 25% income tax.
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.

Belize Withholding Tax (WHT)

Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):

15/NA/NA

None-Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):

15/15/0

Belize Value-Added Tax (VAT)

General VAT Rate:

12.5%

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Belize Capital Gain Tax (CGT)

General Capital Gain Tax Rate:

N/A

Belize Effective Tax Rate (ETR)

Composite Effective Average Tax Rate:

25%

Composite Effective Marginal Tax Rate:

25%

Additional info

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TKEG Expat™ (Test) Belize Corporate Tax Guide

Belize Personal Income Tax

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

General Sales Tax

Withholding Tax Rates For Residents

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.

References https://quickbooks.intuit.com/global/tax-tables/belize-tax-tables/

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:
[ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]Broadcasting, live television, newspaper industry, domestic airlines: 1.75%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Telecommunications entities providing real-time voice services: 19%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Other trades and businesses: 1.75%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Rent, royalties, premiums, and other income from immovable property: 3%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Vocational / professional / occupational income: 6%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Insurance companies: 1.75%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Gaming establishments / licensed gaming premises: 8%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Total commissions of real estate brokers and agents: 15%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Entities providing electricity services: 6.5%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Service stations: 0.75% on fuel sales, 1.75% on lubricants and other goods[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Financial institutions licensed under the Banks and Financial Institutions Act: rates vary by business category, applying at 12% / 15% / 16% / 17% / 18%[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Financial institutions within the PIC group: 12%[/li][/ul][/ml]

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

There is no capital gains tax (CGT) in Belize.

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%.