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. 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.

Time of Update — 4/01/2026

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Belize

Belize Corporate Tax Brief

PwC World Tax Summary OECD Statistics

Time of Update — 4/01/2026

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.

Withholding Tax (WHT)

Resident Withholding Tax (Dividend/Interest/Royalty):

15/NA/NA

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

15/15/0

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

General VAT Rate:

12.5%

Learn More

Capital Gain Tax (CGT)

General Capital Gain Tax Rate:

N/A

Effective Tax Rate (ETR)

Composite Effective Average Tax Rate:

25%

Composite Effective Marginal Tax Rate:

25%

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.

quickbooks.intuit.com · 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:

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%

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%.