Commissioner of Stamps
The Office of the Commissioner of Stamps in Belize is responsible for the administration, assessment, and collection of stamp duties on various legal instruments and transactions, governed by the Stamp Duties Act, Chapter 64 of the Substantive Laws of Belize. The Commissioner ensures that the correct revenue is collected on documents such as land transfers, mortgages, and company shares.
Key Functions
- Assessment of Stamp Duty: The Commissioner assesses the market value of properties and documents to determine the appropriate tax payable, specifically 5% for Belizeans/CARICOM nationals and 8% for foreigners on land transfers.
- Property Valuation Verification: The office, often in conjunction with the Valuation Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources, reviews declared purchase prices in deeds to ensure they reflect market value, particularly in transactions involving land.
- Revenue Collection & Enforcement: The Commissioner collects taxes on instruments, including those related to the transfer of shares, conveyances, and mortgages.
- Exemption Application: The office processes and applies exemptions from stamp duty, such as for specific residential mortgages for public officers.
- Regulatory Compliance: The Commissioner acts under the Minister of Finance to enforce the Stamp Duties Act, including the authority to make regulations with the approval of the Minister.
- Handling Misused Stamps: The office manages the allowance for spoiled or misused stamps and can repurchase stamps.
Contact Information
Opening Hours
Mon – Thurs: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
