Belmopan, April 16, 2026.
The Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Investment, through the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit, in collaboration with the Belize Tax Services, the Economic Development Council, BELTRAIDE, the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry, and the Ministry of Rural Development, launched the 2025 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Tax Amnesty Programme in Belize City. Subsequently, the countrywide programme held roadshows and accepted applications for tax amnesty in all major towns and larger rural communities from October 1 to December 31, 2025.
During the programme, a total of 909 applications were received, of which 806 MSMEs were approved to date, to benefit from a one-year tax amnesty from the date of issuance of their MSME Tax Amnesty Certificate. Approved businesses were also relieved of any accrued penalties and interest related to business tax obligations.
The programme successfully assisted businesses across the country in formalizing their operations, strengthening compliance with national tax regulations, and regularizing their status with the Belize Tax Services, the Belize Corporate and Companies Registry, and the Town and City Councils.
Applicants came from all regions of the country, with the highest participation recorded from the Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek districts, which together accounted for 65% of all applicants, followed by the Orange Walk, Corozal, and Toledo districts. Overall, the 909 applications demonstrate widespread interest from businesses across multiple sectors and regions, highlighting the programme’s accessibility and relevance.
By sector, Retail Trade (25.6%) and Food and Beverage Service (20.2%) accounted for nearly half of all applications, reflecting strong engagement from customer-facing and service-oriented businesses. Moderate participation was observed in Personal Services (9.5%), Tourism and Recreation (8.1%), and Accommodation and Hospitality (7.5%), underscoring the continued importance of Belize’s service and tourism sectors.
The Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Investment have taken serious note of the various issues raised by the micro and small business community that constrain them from growth. New policies, legislation, and programmes are currently being developed to continue empowering MSMEs and promoting sustainable economic growth nationwide.
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For more information, please contact:
Ministry of Investment
Investment Policy and Compliance Unit
Email: belizeinvest@invest.gov.bz
Phone: 880-4729 / 880-4728
