Belize (BZ)
Belize is an English-speaking Central American country known for its barrier reef, rainforest, and cultural mix of Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo and Creole heritage.
Tax & Payslip Guide
Understanding your taxes in Belize — tax year Calendar year (1 January – 31 December).
📊 Income Tax Brackets
| Income from | Income to | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 29,000 | 0% (effectively exempt) | Personal income relief of BZ$20,000 is deducted from gross income before applying the 25% rate. For individuals with total income up to BZ$29,000/year, marginal relief ensures the full amount remains exempt from tax. This is the standard personal relief under the Income and Business Tax Act. |
| 29,000 | ∞ | 25% on income above the personal relief (BZ$20,000) | Belizean residents deduct their personal relief of BZ$20,000 from gross income, then apply 25% to the taxable balance. Example: on BZ$50,000 gross income, taxable income = BZ$50,000 − BZ$20,000 = BZ$30,000; tax = BZ$7,500 (15% effective rate on total income). |
🏛️ Social Contributions
Mandatory for all employed persons working in Belize. Contributions are deducted by the employer through payroll and remitted weekly to SSB (socialsecurity.org.bz; Tel: +501 227-7163). Insurable earnings are subject to an annual maximum—verify the current ceiling with SSB. Self-employed persons can contribute voluntarily at both rates (9% combined).
🛒 VAT Rates
General Sales Tax (GST) at 12.5% applies to most goods and services. Zero-rated supplies include basic food staples, prescription medications, and certain exported services. GST registration is required for businesses with turnover exceeding BZ$75,000/year. File GST returns and pay tax monthly or quarterly depending on registration type.
🧾 Sample Payslip Decoder
🌍 Special Expat Tax Rules
QRP (Qualified Retired Person) holders are exempt from Belizean income tax on all foreign-source income (pensions, investments, rental income from abroad). This is the primary tax benefit of the QRP programme. Income earned within Belize (from local employment or business) is taxable at standard Belizean rates even for QRP holders.
📋 Double Tax Treaties
Belize has a limited network of double tax treaties as of 2026. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have a tax information exchange framework. Belize has signed Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) with several OECD countries. There is no comprehensive double tax treaty with the USA, UK, or major EU countries. Expats with home-country income may face dual taxation; consult a tax adviser in both countries.
Tax & Payslip
Unlock the complete Tax & Payslip guide for Belize — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere