Bahamas Economic Substance Report Filing — Stay Compliant Under CESRA
Navigate your obligations under The Bahamas' Commercial Entities (Substance Requirements) Act with confidence. Our team takes care of preparing and submitting your economic substance report to the Competent Authority, so your entity remains in full regulatory standing.
Understanding Economic Substance Reporting in The Bahamas
Under the Commercial Entities (Substance Requirements) Act, 2023 — commonly known as CESRA — every commercial entity registered in The Bahamas is required to file an annual economic substance report. This legislation replaced the original 2018 Act and significantly broadened the scope of reporting obligations.
CESRA applies to entities incorporated or registered under the Companies Act, International Business Companies Act, and various partnership statutes. Reports are submitted electronically through the Ministry of Finance portal by the entity's Registered Agent, with directors responsible for verifying the information.
The updated regime took effect on 1 September 2023, reflecting The Bahamas' ongoing alignment with international tax transparency standards established by the OECD and the EU Code of Conduct Group.
Information Required
Relevant Activity Determination
Tax Residence Declaration
Economic Presence Evidence
Entity Identification Details
All commercial entities must file a report regardless of whether they carry on relevant activities. Non-included entities submit Form D confirming their status.
Exemptions from Substance Tests
Foreign Tax Residents
Regulated Investment Funds
Resident-Owned Entities
Pure Holding Companies
Exemption from substance tests does not remove the obligation to file. All commercial entities must submit their applicable report form annually.
Penalty Structure
Initial non-compliance
Up to B$150,000 for the first offence, payable within 30 days of assessmentOngoing default
B$1,000 per day for each day the violation continues beyond the initial penaltyCriminal prosecution
Summary conviction may result in a fine of B$5,000 to B$10,000, up to six months imprisonment, or bothPersistent failure
An additional fine of up to B$300,000 may apply, and the entity risks being struck from the Register of CompaniesThe Competent Authority may also order a formal compliance audit at the entity's expense. Maintaining timely filings is essential to avoid escalating enforcement action.
Economic Substance Report Deadline
Reports must be submitted within 9 months of the end of the entity's fiscal year through the Ministry of Finance electronic portal.
| Fiscal Period (Example) | Filing can be done between | Deadline | Subsequent years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2025 | 1st January 2026 to 30th September 2026 | 30th September 2026 | 30th September |
| 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 | 1st April 2026 to 31st December 2026 | 31st December 2026 | 31st December |
Simplify Your Bahamas Substance Reporting
From determining your relevant activity status to preparing and submitting your report under CESRA, we handle every aspect of the process so you can focus on running your business.
Included in Your Compliance Package
Your economic substance report filing is covered within the annual compliance fee — no unexpected costs or supplementary charges.
Deep Knowledge of CESRA Requirements
Our team understands the nuances of Bahamas substance regulations, from relevant activity assessments to the correct reporting form selection.
Your Own Account Manager
A dedicated professional who knows your entity's structure and history, providing consistent and informed support throughout the filing cycle.
Proactive Deadline Tracking
Stay ahead of the 9-month filing window with automated notifications and scheduled check-ins well before your submission date.
Efficient Preparation & Submission
Prompt report compilation and filing through the Ministry of Finance portal, keeping your entity in good regulatory standing.
Your CESRA Obligations, Taken Care Of
Whether your entity files Form B, C, or D, we manage the entire reporting workflow from data gathering to final submission.
Economic Substance Reporting at No Additional Cost
Your Bahamas ES report preparation and submission is bundled into your annual compliance package. Regulatory essentials should never come with a separate price tag.
For Existing Customers
For Company Transfers
What's Included
Thorough relevant activity evaluation under CESRA
Full report drafting and form completion
Filing through the Ministry of Finance portal
Assigned account manager for ongoing support
Advance deadline alerts and follow-through
Your Bahamas ES Report Filing, Step by Step
A clear, guided workflow for meeting your CESRA reporting obligations — from initial review to final confirmation.
Kick Off the Reporting Cycle
Reach out to begin your Bahamas economic substance report. We review your entity details, confirm your fiscal year-end, and identify the applicable reporting form (Form B, C, or D).
Substance Questionnaire & Documentation
We provide a tailored substance questionnaire covering your relevant activities, tax residency, and operational presence. Complete and sign the required declarations, and return them for our review.
Report Compilation & Portal Submission
With your signed documentation in hand, we compile the final report and submit it to the Competent Authority via the Ministry of Finance electronic portal on your behalf.
Confirmation & Records
Once the submission is accepted, you receive a formal filing confirmation for your records — evidence that your entity has fulfilled its CESRA reporting obligation for the period.
Get Your Bahamas ES Report Filed With Confidence
Accurate reporting, timely submission, and full compliance under CESRA — handled for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common queries about economic substance reporting for Bahamas-registered entities.
After receiving your completed and signed declarations, we typically finalise and submit the report within 24–48 hours, ensuring your entity meets its obligations under the Commercial Entities (Substance Requirements) Act.
We can still assist with overdue submissions. Late filings are prioritised to reduce exposure to the escalating penalty structure, which can reach up to B$150,000 for initial non-compliance and B$1,000 per day thereafter.
You will complete a substance questionnaire covering your entity's relevant activities, tax residency status, and operational details. We supply clear instructions for each section to make the process straightforward.
Yes. Under CESRA, all Bahamas commercial entities must submit a report regardless of activity status. Entities without relevant activities file Form D, confirming they do not carry on any of the nine specified activities.
The filing service is available for entities managed through Expanship. If your entity is currently administered elsewhere, you can transfer management to us and we will handle any outstanding reports as part of the onboarding.
Our system sends advance notifications well within the 9-month filing window, and your assigned account manager follows up personally to ensure everything is prepared ahead of the submission date.
Yes. Upon successful submission through the Ministry of Finance portal, we issue a formal filing confirmation that serves as proof your entity has satisfied its CESRA reporting obligation for the period.
Questions About Bahamas Substance Reporting?
Whether you need guidance on CESRA obligations or help preparing your economic substance report, our team is ready to assist.
