Revenue Authority Bill Would Significantly Overhaul Belize’s Tax Collection System

As for the essence of the Revenue Authority Bill 2026 that was passed in the House of Representatives on Friday, the bill would replace the Belize Tax Service Department with a new semi-autonomous body called the Belize Revenue Authority. Put simply, tax collection would no longer be handled by a regular government department. The new authority would have its own management, employees and budget, but the Minister of Finance would still have significant control over its leadership and general direction.  Under the bill, the Minister would appoint the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Officers, subject to approval by the National Assembly. The Minister could also give general policy instructions that the CEO and the authority’s seven-member advisory board would be required to follow.  The board would oversee the authority’s budget, strategic plans, senior appointments, salaries and staff policies. However, it would not be allowed to interfere in individual tax cases or tell the CEO and employees how to handle tax collection and enforcement.  The CEO would run the authority’s day-to-day operations and answer to both the Minister and the board. Chief Officers would work under the CEO, while other managers and employees would be hired by the board, mainly on the CEO’s recommendation.  The authority would take over the collection and enforcement of income and business tax, GST and other domestic taxes. All money collected would still be paid into the Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.  Current permanent employees would have three options: retire from the public service, apply for a job with the new authority, or remain in the public service and be placed in a similar post. The authority would also take over the department’s assets, liabilities, contracts and other responsibilities, while existing tax cases and appeals would continue.  It is to be noted that the bill still requires ratification by the Senate.