Belize Tax Service Staff Prepared for Transition to SARA

Staff at the Belize Tax Service Department are in the process of being sensitised regarding the planned transition to a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority, known as SARA. Director General Michelle Longsworth says the discussions cover the three employment options available to permanent staff, along with the positions that will be available under the new authority. She says the sensitisation is taking employees through their choices and the opportunities under the proposed structure.

Government says the transition will give tax administrators greater flexibility to recruit specialised staff, improve services and strengthen tax compliance. Prime Minister John Briceño introduced the Revenue Authority Bill in July as part of the administration’s tax modernisation programme.  The proposal has faced pushback from employees and the Public Service Union. During a brief walkout on August 26, workers called for stronger assurances about their jobs, pensions and benefits. The union has also questioned the consultation process, while the opposition UDP has raised concerns about the authority’s management structure and the powers assigned to the Minister of Finance.  Government, however, has maintained that the change is intended to improve the administration of existing taxes.