We reached out to the director general for the Belize Tax Service, Michelle Longsworth for comment about the complaints. She says, quote,
"Our recent operations specifically targeted GST infractions. Many of these businesses have been registered for over five years and should be fully aware of their tax obligations and rights. Our focus has been on areas without a BTSD office, with low compliance rates....Similar operations have been carried out in San Pedro and Caye Caulker, Belmopan and Belize City. These are routine measures we undertake to uphold compliance.
The main infractions we've observed included failing to issue receipts, not displaying tax certificates, and not using the POS system. These practices enable tax evasion through underreporting or charging GST on zero-rated items, which directly contributes to inflation. However, despite the rise in inflation, we have not observed a corresponding increase in revenue collections, indicating potential discrepancies that we are actively addressing.
For these taxpayers in Placencia and other country wide, BTSD has a review process, which taxpayers may utilize to request a review. Most of the taxpayers who received have already sent in letters for review and I will continue to review and respond as necessary, on a case by case basis. We recognize that communication and public awareness from BTSD can be improved, and we are committed to improving this. End quote.
