Government Clarifies Plans for Proposed Belize Revenue Authority

Following protests and concerns raised by employees of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD), the Government of Belize has issued a detailed explanation of its plan to establish the semi-autonomous Belize Revenue Authority (BRA). In a press release issued on September 4th, the Ministry of Finance and the BTSD said the reform is intended to strengthen tax administration, improve services for taxpayers and protect government revenue. The proposed institution has also been widely referred to as the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA).
The clarification follows nationwide protests held by BTSD employees on August 26. As previously reported, employees supported by the Public Service Union of Belize (PSU) called for the Revenue Authority Bill to be withdrawn, citing concerns about job security, pensions, management powers, and the requirement that existing employees reapply for their positions.
The Government said the proposed authority would build on reforms already introduced within the BTSD through investments in technology, digital taxpayer services, organizational restructuring and compliance management.
According to the release, modern tax administration requires specialized expertise in areas including forensic auditing, data analysis, cybersecurity, international taxation, investigations, debt management and enforcement. The Government argued that the existing public service structure can make it difficult to recruit and retain people with these specialized skills.
Under the proposed semi-autonomous structure, the authority would have greater control over its human resources and daily administration. However, the Government stressed that it would remain subject to Belize’s Constitution, tax laws, public financial management requirements and other oversight mechanisms.
The authority would not have the power to create or impose taxes. Taxes, duties and other statutory charges would continue to be established through legislation. The Minister of Finance would remain responsible for overall fiscal and revenue policy, while the authority’s executive leadership would oversee its daily operations.
An advisory board would provide strategic guidance and oversight, while a Chief Executive Officer would be responsible for managing the organization, its resources and operations. Chiefs assigned to the authority’s principal areas would report to the CEO and supervise staff within their respective departments.
The release also addressed concerns about the transition of existing employees. The Government confirmed that BTSD employees would be required to apply for positions within the new authority, which would operate under a redesigned organizational structure with different responsibilities, competencies, and performance requirements.
Employees who successfully secure positions with the BRA would be compensated for their years of service in the Public Service in accordance with the Pensions Act. They would also have access to a contributory pension plan, which the Government said is being developed with assistance from an actuary.
Employees who are unsuccessful in the recruitment process would be placed elsewhere within the wider Public Service in positions corresponding to the roles, salaries, and benefits they held at the BTSD. The same arrangement would apply to employees who choose to remain in the Public Service rather than join the new authority.
The Government described the proposed transition as fair, transparent and orderly, stating that employees would receive information about the new structure, available positions and recruitment requirements.
For taxpayers and businesses, including those in San Pedro and across Ambergris Caye, the Government said the reform should eventually result in simpler procedures, faster processing of applications, returns and payments, improved digital and in-person services and more consistent enforcement of Belize’s revenue laws.
The authority is also expected to strengthen efforts to address tax evasion and revenue leakage. The Government said taxpayers who comply with the law should not be disadvantaged by individuals or businesses that fail to meet their obligations.
The Ministry of Finance noted that the Financial Secretary responded on August 31st to a letter the PSU submitted on August 10th. It said consultations and official updates would continue as the reform progresses.
While the release provided additional information about the proposed structure and employee transition, it did not announce the Bill’s withdrawal or any amendments resulting from the concerns raised. The House of Representatives had already approved the proposed legislation, and it was awaiting the remaining stages of the legislative process.