I am looking to spend several months in Belize in a short term rental property (still searching), but do not want to stay to where they consider me a resident. Do you know where I can find out information on this issue? I am a US citizen and just don't want to be double taxed basically. Any help is appreciated!

You are not taxed on income from outside Belize.
You get a visa stamped in your passport upon entry into the country. It is good for 30 days. When that is about to run out you go to immigration and apply for an extension. This stamp will cost you $25US and will be good for another 30 days. You get this every 30 days for up to 6 months. With this stamp you may not do work in Belize but you are okay to stay.

All you need to do is present yourself at immigration once a month for the extension of your tourist visa. This will cost 50BZD a month until you have been here six months from the time of last leaving the country. If you do a full six month stretch without leaving, your monthly stamp as a tourist will increase to 100BZD a month. Don't forget and don't be late. They can take it pretty seriously. Immigration for extensions is open from 1 - 4pm Mon to Fri. The office is above Island Perk, which is across the road from Fidos. Both of these are well known land marks and right in the centre of town.

Perfect - very helpful and what I needed to know. Now I just need to figure out where to get a rental property to stay in at San Pedro for 6 months...any ideas?

6 months is considered long term. Try B-Lease, Caye Management, or the classifieds (on line). Less than 6 months is considered short term (vacation rentals) and you are required to pay a hotel tax of 9%.

My friend Arne at Caldwell-Banker may have a long term on the Lagoon side.

Have you found a rental property for your 6 months stay? I have a condo available in Reef Village for long term rental if you are interested.

Zan

zander, do you still have that long term rental?

hello everyone,
one, could anyone come to belize as a volunteer, if so do they provide accomodations. whould airfair be included?

Only the organization that you volunteer for would be able to answer the accomodations and airfare questions. You would need to have a volunteer work permit as well.