Government Advances Tax Department Shift to Semi-Autonomous Authority

The Government of Belize is moving forward with the transition of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA), a strategic reform aimed at modernizing tax collection and boosting national revenue. Despite some opposition from the Public Service Union (PSU), Minister of State for Finance, Christopher Coye, asserts that the change is vital for long-term economic health and will bring significant benefits, including improved efficiency and accountability. He highlights that similar models have proven successful in other countries, leading to better tax collection rates.

The shift to a semi-autonomous body, first approved by the Cabinet in October 2022, is a key pillar of Belize’s broader tax modernization strategy. Officials say this new model will introduce a performance-based structure, designed to enhance service delivery and transparency. A central part of this initiative is the implementation of new digital systems, such as the IRIS Belize Portal, which offers a user-friendly platform for taxpayers to manage their affairs online.  Addressing concerns raised by the Public Service Union about job security, the government has repeatedly reassured all 200+ employees that the transition will not result in job losses. Officials have stated that every current employee will be offered a position within the new authority with improved terms and conditions. For any officer who chooses not to transition, their employment will be safeguarded through redeployment within the wider public service.