Belize
Corporate Tax Guide
Time of Update: 4/01/2026
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 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%
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 ™ (UK) Belize Corporate Tax Guide
1.
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.
2.
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, 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: 6.5%
- 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%
3.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
There is no capital gains tax (CGT) in Belize.
4.
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%.
The Standard GST is 12.5%.
5.
Withholding Tax Rates For Residents
The WHT rate stands at 15% in Belize for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) residents.
