Closure of the Lobster Season

The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform fishers and the public that the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) season will close on February 28, 2023 in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 128 of 2021. The closed season for the Spiny Lobster fishery is from March 1st to June 30th in any year. Belize’s closed season is also in accordance with the harmonized regional lobster regulation (OSP-02-09) implemented by the Organization for Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector (OSPESCA).

Any person found in possession of lobster during the said closed season will be prosecuted in accordance with the Fisheries Resources Act Chapter 210 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020.

The Fisheries Department also reminds fishers that lobster traps should be removed from fishing grounds during the closed season. The Department will be actively enforcing the removal of traps from the waters during this period.

The public is advised to report any illegal fisheries activity by calling telephone number: 224-4552 or by email to: fisheries_department@fisheries.gov. bz.

Belize Energy Unit Receives New IT Equipment from the European Union

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.

On February 27, 2023, the European Union (EU) handed over IT equipment to the Energy Unit in the Ministry for Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-governance (MPUELE) in Belize to support its modernization process.

Mr. Aniceto Rodriguez, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Jamaica, which also covers Belize, presented the equipment to Mr. Jose Urbina, Chief Executive Officer of MPUELE. Valued at approximately 200,000 BZD, the donation consists of 45 IT devices, including energy meters, air and water quality meters, GPS, solar installation efficiency recorders, laptops, and cameras, among others. The gift forms part of the Sustainable Energy Roadmap Programme funded by the 11th European Development Fund.

In handing over the items, Mr. Rodriguez noted that the Ministry's ongoing modernization is evident in its new office in Belmopan and the capacity building now underway for its expanding staff. The collaborative effort between the Government of Belize and the European Union aims to support the population's access to electricity and the country's transition to renewable energy sources.

The Ministry is collaborating closely with Technical Assistance funded by the EU to enhance the capacity for energy efficiency, renewable technologies, and policy planning. The new cutting-edge equipment will allow the Energy Unit to improve its performance and broaden its reach.

For more information, contact the Energy Unit under the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics and E-Governance at 8287868 or energy@energy.gov.bz.

The European Union: Mr. Mirco Schroeder, Mirco.SCHRODER@eeas.europa.eu | Programme Officer

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.