Belize Annual Business Tax Return Filing — Accurate Submissions, On Time
Belize requires all registered companies to file an annual business tax return with the Tax Service Department by March 31 each year. We prepare your BTS290 form, ensure your declarations are accurate, and handle the electronic submission through the IRIS portal on your behalf.
Understanding Belize Annual Business Tax Return Filing
Belize imposes a business tax on the gross receipts of all registered companies, governed by the Income and Business Tax Act. Unlike traditional corporate income tax, this levy is calculated on total revenue rather than net profit — with no deductions permitted unless specifically granted by the authorities.
Every Belize company, including former IBCs now classified as Business Companies (BCs), must file an Annual Business Tax Return using Form BTS290 with the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD). Since the tax period ending March 2023, all returns must be submitted electronically through the IRIS Belize e-portal.
Even companies with zero revenue during the basis year are required to file a return declaring nil income. Companies claiming foreign tax residency exemptions must also submit the return along with supporting documentation from the relevant overseas jurisdiction.
Information Required
Taxpayer Information
Tax Declaration & Computation
Financial Statements
Foreign-Source Income Details
Form BTS290 contains five sections: taxpayer information, tax declaration and computation, statutory declarations, foreign-source income details, and net gain calculations. All submissions are made electronically through the IRIS portal.
Tax Rates & Exemptions
Pure Equity Holding Companies
Foreign Tax Residents
Revenue Below Threshold
Filing Still Required
Tax rates vary by activity: 1.75% for trade and general business income, 3% for rental and licensable financial services to non-residents, and 6% for professional services.
Penalty Structure
Late filing of return
10% of the tax due for each month of delay, with a minimum of $10 per month and a maximum of 24 months of accumulated penaltiesLate payment of tax
1.5% per month charged on the outstanding tax balance until the amount is settled in fullCriminal prosecution
Failure to file may result in a fine of up to BZD $10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years upon convictionCollection period
The BTSD may pursue outstanding taxes and penalties for up to six years from the date of the violationUpdated late filing penalties came into effect on 1 January 2025. Companies with zero tax liability are still subject to penalties for failing to file the return itself.
Business Tax Return Deadline
The annual business tax return must be filed by March 31 each year, covering the preceding basis year (1 January to 31 December). This is a fixed calendar deadline applicable to all Belize companies.
| Basis Year | Filing can be done between | Deadline | Subsequent years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024 | 1st January 2025 to 31st March 2025 | 31st March 2025 | 31st March |
| 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2025 | 1st January 2026 to 31st March 2026 | 31st March 2026 | 31st March |
Your Belize Business Tax Return — Prepared, Computed, and Filed
From calculating gross receipts by activity type to submitting Form BTS290 through the IRIS portal, we take care of every aspect of your annual business tax return.
Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
Our filing service fee covers the full preparation and electronic submission — with no hidden charges added at any stage.
Belize Tax Regulation Knowledge
We understand the nuances of the Income and Business Tax Act, including applicable rates, thresholds, and exemption documentation requirements.
Dedicated Account Manager
One person manages your tax return end-to-end — coordinating document collection, reviewing computations, and confirming submission.
March 31 Deadline Tracking
We monitor the filing calendar and reach out in advance to gather your financial records, so the return is ready well before the deadline.
Accurate & Timely Submission
Your BTS290 is prepared with care and filed electronically via IRIS, reducing the risk of errors or late-filing penalties.
Business Tax Compliance, Handled End-to-End
We manage everything from gross receipts computation to IRIS portal submission — so you can focus on running your business.
Business Tax Return Filing — Included in Your Package
There is no separate charge for your annual business tax return. The full preparation and IRIS portal submission is part of your Belize compliance plan.
For Existing Customers
For Company Transfers
What's Included
Gross receipts computation by activity type
BTS290 form preparation across all five sections
Electronic submission via the IRIS Belize portal
Dedicated account manager throughout the process
Filing calendar tracking with March 31 reminders
How Your Business Tax Return Gets Filed
From financial records to IRIS portal submission — here is how we manage your Belize annual business tax return.
Gather Financial Records
We request your income records, bank statements, and any supporting financial documentation for the basis year. If you use our accounting services, we already have what we need.
Tax Computation & BTS290 Preparation
We calculate your gross receipts by activity type, apply the correct tax rates, and prepare the five sections of Form BTS290 — including any foreign-source income declarations or exemption documentation.
Review & Electronic Submission
You review the completed return for accuracy. Once approved, we submit it electronically through the IRIS Belize e-portal to the Belize Tax Service Department before the March 31 deadline.
Submission Confirmation
Once the BTSD accepts your return, we provide you with the filing confirmation and retain a copy for your compliance records.
Your Business Tax Return, Sorted
From gross receipts computation to IRIS portal submission — we take care of every detail so your filing is accurate and on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key questions about Belize annual business tax return filing, rates, and compliance.
Business tax rates vary by activity: 1.75% on trade and general business income, 3% on rental income and licensable financial services to non-residents, and 6% on professional services. Pure equity holding companies that conduct no relevant activities are subject to a 0% rate.
The return must be filed by March 31 each year, covering the preceding basis year (1 January to 31 December). This is a fixed annual deadline applicable to all Belize companies.
Yes. All registered Belize companies must file an annual business tax return regardless of whether they generated income. Companies with no revenue submit the return with $0 declared.
A Belize company may be exempt from business tax if it is a non-included entity under the ESA, is tax resident in a non-EU-blacklisted foreign jurisdiction, and can provide supporting documentation such as a tax authority letter or payment receipts. Even with an exemption, the return must still be filed.
Form BTS290 is the official Belize IBC Annual Business Tax Return form. It contains five sections: taxpayer information, tax declaration and computation, statutory declarations, foreign-source income details, and net gain calculations. All submissions must be made electronically via the IRIS portal.
Audited financial statements compliant with IFRS are required if your company's gross receipts exceed US $6,000,000 or if the company meets certain other criteria such as stock exchange listing or IFSC regulation. Otherwise, a certified copy of your annual financial statements is sufficient.
Late filing incurs a penalty of 10% of the tax due for each month of delay, with a minimum of $10 per month and a cap at 24 months. Late payment of tax is charged at 1.5% per month. In severe cases, failure to file can result in a fine of up to BZD $10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.
Business tax return filing is available exclusively for Belize companies managed by Expanship. Companies transferring from another provider can have outstanding returns handled during the transition at US$225 per filing.
Yes. After the Belize Tax Service Department accepts your electronic submission through the IRIS portal, we provide you with the filing confirmation and retain a copy for your compliance records.
Need Assistance with Your Business Tax Return?
Questions about tax rates, exemptions, BTS290 preparation, or the IRIS filing process? Get in touch and we will guide you through it.
