Belize vs Guatemala
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
๐ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ side by side.
๐ง๐ฟ Belize โ Municipal & Town Council Taxes
Belize's 6 districts and municipal/town councils levy property tax, business tax (turnover-based), and trade licences. Belize has a unique business tax system โ a turnover-based tax (1.75%โ19% of gross revenues by sector) instead of a traditional profit-based corporate income tax. Belize is a former British colony using English common law. It's a tourism-dependent economy with growing offshore financial services and a significant Belizean diaspora. The country has been working to exit grey lists and improve tax transparency.
๐ฌ๐น Guatemala โ Municipal Taxes
Guatemala's 340 municipalities levy the Impuesto รnico sobre Inmuebles (IUSI โ property tax at 0.9% of assessed value above GTQ 2,000), business licences (boleto de ornato), and vehicle stickers. Guatemala City municipality has the highest rates. The Superintendencia de Administraciรณn Tributaria (SAT) administers national taxes. Guatemala has among the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in Latin America (~11โ13%), reflecting significant informality and tax avoidance. Tax collection has been a persistent challenge.
Belize vs Guatemala: Key Tax Differences (2026)
๐ฐ Income Tax: ๐ง๐ฟ Belize has a higher top income tax rate (0โ25% vs 5โ7%). ๐ฌ๐น Guatemala is more favourable for high earners.
๐ VAT/Sales Tax: Both countries have comparable consumption tax rates (12.5% vs 12%).
๐ข Corporate Tax: ๐ง๐ฟ Belize offers a lower corporate rate (19% vs 28%), which can influence business location decisions.
๐ Capital Gains: ๐ง๐ฟ Belize taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 10%), benefiting investors.