Belize Tax Service clarifies: Tax collection about fairness, not penalizing small businesses

Posted: Wednesday, September 17, 2025. 8:51 am CST.

By Zoila Palma:  Social media erupted following the arrest of business owner Andrew Munnings of Munnings Funeral services in Belize City.

Munnings reportedly owes taxes to the Belize Tax Service (BTS) and has been in discussions with the department about the arrears.

Following his arrest, many Belizeans took to social media to call on the relevant authorities to release him and find a solution to his tax woes.

Director General of the Belize Tax Service Michelle Longsworth told 7News Belize that the department is aware of the backlash on social media.

“We are aware of the public reactions being expressed on social media. This matter is not about punishing a small business, but about ensuring fairness in the tax system. Many small businesses across Belize meet their tax obligations faithfully despite challenges,” the Director General said.

In addition, Longsworth noted that it would be unfair to compliant businesses if the Belize Tax Service allowed others to evade their responsibilities.

“It would be unfair to them if others who refused to comply were allowed to avoid their responsibilities. Every effort was made to work with this taxpayer. But enforcement followed only after repeated defaults and failure to comply with a court order. The committal warrant was issued by the Magistrate Court, not unilaterally by BTS,” Longsworth explained.

“Court enforcement is always the last resort. Our objective is not imprisonment. It is building a fair and transparent tax system where everyone contributes their fair share to Belize’s development,” she stated.

The Director General asserted that the BTS is open to working with taxpayers.

 

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The post Belize Tax Service clarifies: Tax collection about fairness, not penalizing small businesses appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Wednesday, September 17, 2025. 8:51 am CST. By Zoila Palma:  Social media erupted following the arrest of business owner Andrew Munnings of Munnings Funeral services
The post Belize Tax Service clarifies: Tax collection about fairness, not penalizing small businesses appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.