Laptops included in GST-Free Days for Back-to-School Shoppers

Belizeans planning to purchase a laptop for school will be able to do so without paying General Sales Tax on the two upcoming Back-to-School GST-Free Days.  The Belize Tax Service Department says the concession will be available on Saturday, August 15, and Saturday, August 29. It is intended to help students, parents and educators reduce the cost of essential educational technology.  The tax break, however, is limited to one laptop per customer on each designated day. Buyers must present a valid government-issued identification document, such as a Social Security card or passport.  Businesses participating in the initiative are required to record the buyer’s name and identification number, along with the invoice number, purchase date, laptop brand and model, serial number and selling price. Each invoice must also clearly state: “GST Free – Back-to-School Tax-Free Days 2026.”  Retailers must submit a summary of their laptop sales to the Tax Department by August 21 for purchases made on August 15. Records for the second GST-Free Day must be submitted by September 4.  The Tax Department says it will conduct compliance reviews after the initiative. Businesses found knowingly participating in or facilitating abuse of the concession could face reassessed GST, interest, penalties or other action permitted under the law.