By Belize Live News Staff: Small tourism businesses in Placencia are grappling with the double blow of a slow season and hefty fines imposed by the Belize Tax Service (BTS).
In late April, BTS officers visited members of the local chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), noting common violations of sales tax regulations such as not displaying certificates or providing GST receipts.
While businesses acknowledge the infractions, they are protesting the severity of the fines, especially during the off-season. Many believed they were only receiving warnings and promptly corrected the errors, only to be fined months later without any follow-up.
One local business owner expressed frustration, stating, “A five thousand dollar fine in slow season is not a help…we should have been given a chance to comply and we did so immediately.”
Another business owner echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the impact on small businesses and their employees.
The incident has sparked debate about the BTS’s approach to enforcement, especially during challenging economic times for the tourism sector.
