CBA Needed

Minister Bernard – KHMHA –Hospital’s Union Agree

Minister Bernard exclusive for the Belize Times: “A very good meeting was held with the KHMHWU and the Management of KHMH and the Ministry management. Several clarifications and timelines were set in improving communication between KHMH Management and the Union. Also, clarifications were done to all items listed by the Union. The next step is for the Union to come up with a draft Collective Bargaining Agreement” Minister of Health and Wellness joined by his CEO and Director of Public Health and Wellness and the Director of Hospital Services and Allied Health met with the Management Team of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority and the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Workers Union. The meeting was called by the Minister in order to bring all parties together to address concerns and chart the way forward. All parties agreed that a Collective Bargaining Agreement framework be developed by the Union within 6 months so that many of the highlighted staffing matters can be once and for all set out in a CBA. The Minister thanked everyone for their input and their commitment to better service to the people we all serve.

All Taxpayers Required To File Tax Returns And Pay Taxes Online

Pursuant to Section 22 (2)(c) of The Tax Administration and Procedure Act, Chapter 51 Revised Edition 2020 (TAPA), which grants the Director General of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) the authority to specify the manner in which returns should be filed, including electronically and with electronic signature, the Director General hereby notifies ALL taxpayers that effective April 1, 2023 they will be required to file tax returns and pay all taxes administered by the BTSD online.

In September 2021, the BTSD implemented the Integrated Revenue Information System (IRIS Belize) online portal. Only Large Taxpayers were required to utilize the portal, while all other taxpayers were encouraged to sign up and commence using IRIS Belize voluntarily. However, as part of a phased approach to fully implementing IRIS Belize, as of April 1, 2023, it is mandatory that every taxpayer is registered for an IRIS Belize account.

Thank you! For your service

H.E. David Kuan-Chou Chien

The Governor General Her Excellency Froyla Tzalam as Belize conferred The Order of Distinction on Ambassador of Republic of China - Taiwan H. E. David Kuan Chou Chien.

Ambassador Chien Winding Up Public Appearances

Plaque and Monument Unveiled at the Free Zone

A ceremony in honour of Ambassador David Kuan Chou Chien and the bilateral partnership between Taiwan and Belize was held this morning at the Corozal Free Zone (CFZ). Minister Jose Abelardo Mai and several other members of cabinet, including Hon Florencio Marin Jr., Hon. Kevin Bernard, Hon. Ramon Cervantes and Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, as well as Mayor Rigo Vellos, members of the Board of Directors of the CFZ and invited guests were present.

The ceremony included unveiling of a plaque and monument in honour of the bilateral relationship enjoyed by ROC Taiwan and Belize. Minister Mai thanked Ambassador Chien for the warm relationship developed during his tour, and the continued support for Belize in agriculture and other areas. For his part Ambassador Chien expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and friendship he has enjoyed during his tour.

Ambassador Chien also opened a new water system in Guinea Grass village. He will truly be missed.

Commencing with the tax period ending 31st March 2023, and for subsequent tax periods, taxpayers must electronically file with the BTSD a return required to be filed for the tax period under the relevant tax law and make payment. The Department will no longer be accepting tax payments or filing of tax returns in the office. Payment and returns will only be accepted through the portal. This is aimed at making filing tax returns and paying taxes faster, more convenient, and free while ensuring and fostering the safety and security of the BTSD employees, as well as taxpayers. Equally, this will assist BTSD in providing more efficient and timely service to our taxpayers.

Please be reminded that per the governing tax Acts: The TAPA; The Income and Business Tax Act, Chapter 55 Revised Edition 2020; and The General Sales Tax Act, Chapter 63 Revised Edition 2020 of the Laws of Belize, each taxpayer is under an obligation to pay taxes AND file a return on or before the deadline for each respective tax type.

To register for an IRIS Belize account, visit https://www.irisbelize.bts.gov.bz/CreateAccount

In order to facilitate the transition process, taxpayers may seek technical assistance from the IRIS Belize HELP DESK which may be contacted via telephone at +501 613-8375; +501 6132773; +501 614-5731; +501 613-4711; or email at onlineaccounts_bz@bts.gov.bz during the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Mondays-Thursdays, and 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM on Fridays.