AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums About Belize Nation Laws & Taxes Land Tax Amnesty

As of February 4th, of this year and running for 6 months thereafter, the Ministry of Natural Resources is conducting a Land Tax Amnesty program. Under the program, people who have not been paying their land taxes will be forgiven interest and fees along with a 25 percent discount on moneys owed to the Lands Department.


According to Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry, Beverly Castillo, the program is designed to encourage persons to come in and update their information with the Lands Department. In doing so those who take advantage of the amnesty will be getting major discounts on amounts they owe. For its part, the lands department will be increasing its revenue from taxes while at the same time updating and increasing the number of persons who pay their land taxes.

The program will be conducted countrywide where persons, who fit into the category, can come in and make payment arrangements of arrears at any of the lands department offices. Castillo says that conservatively, estimates have it that as much as $200 million has accrued on land taxes, which are not paid and it is likely that it is more than that.

The Guardian

So there we are again. Those of us that do the right thing and pay on time don't get a discount. I am going to not pay for a few years and then demand a discount for paying what I owe.

Also I can't figure out what they or whomever decides what is owed. The realtors say the taxes are one thing and the Town Council says it's something else. Also they don't seem to know when a property has been sold or to whom!

I agree Amanda and just had this conversation a few nights ago. The amnesty does just that. Mayor of Belize City has now illegally tied drivers license renewal to payment of land taxes and you will be denied a license unless your paid up. That sounds like a good idea, but its not legal. and our mayor is a lawyer by trade

I also think the people that live North of the bridge are getting short-changed. Do you have Fire Protection? Has anyone seen the truck go over the rickey bridge. Adequate Police patrols,Garbage collection and a host of other services that are provided to in-town residents. And surely not the roads.
This being Ambergris Caye.

There aren't any roads AT ALL on the west side of the lagoon. They are definitely being short changed.

For 3 years I asked for a tax bill for a small house sized lot - the town said it wasn't in the system, the other day I went and asked again and they hit me with a bill that was simply made up out of thin air, and charged 3 years back taxes. I just saw more bills heading out that are for 3 years arrears even though the town council has been diligently petitioned every year for a bill that couldn't be produced.

I agree. When I ask them about taxes they had a "deer in the high-light" look on their faces. I won't mention any name but I think you know whom I speak of. I think the SPTC should spent some time on this. I also think they may be short-changing themselves.

Wished I never had paid my Tax on time for over 10 years, can we get a refund? I think I will not pay for a few years to get the 25% off.

Did you get your 25% discount for being in arrears Amanda?