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The Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) has officially issued its 2025–2026 land tax assessments, marking a key moment in the country’s fiscal calendar as authorities modernize tax administration while encouraging timely compliance through digital channels and incentive-based discounts.
The land tax bills, dated May 12, are now available online via the BRA’s Land Tax portal. Physical bills are also being dispatched via post, and property owners across the island are expected to receive them in the coming days.
In a Thursday statement, BRA Communications Officer Erica Lazare underscored the Authority’s commitment to improving taxpayer experience and compliance rates through expanded digital services and flexible payment incentives.
“In a world where convenience is increasingly important, we’re pleased to offer taxpayers various payment options designed to meet their needs,” said Lazare. “Whether online or in-person, incentives are in place to reward early compliance.”
Early Payment Incentives
In a bid to boost early tax revenue and reduce arrears, the BRA has announced a tiered discount structure for property owners:
- 10% discount for in-person payments made on or before June 11, 2025
- 5% discount for in-person payments made by July 11, 2025
- 10% discount for online payments completed by August 10, 2025
The extended window for online discounts reflects the Authority’s effort to drive users toward its digital tax infrastructure, reducing reliance on face-to-face transactions while offering additional flexibility for remote or overseas property owners.
“The digital discount structure is not only more convenient for taxpayers but also streamlines our operations, which is essential for long-term fiscal sustainability,” Lazare noted.
A More Capable Digital Tax Platform
Barbados has taken measured steps in recent years to bring more public services online, with the Land Tax portal as a flagship initiative. Users can now view, download, and pay their land tax bills online using local and international debit or credit cards.
Earlier this year, the BRA expanded the portal’s capabilities to include the issuance of Land Tax Clearance Certificates, a document often required for property transactions and financing, further consolidating its digital services under one virtual roof.
Automatic Pensioner Rebate and Online Applications for Others
For pensioners who qualified for the Land Tax Pensioner’s Rebate in 2024–2025, the BRA confirmed that those benefits would automatically roll over to the current tax year, ensuring uninterrupted relief for seniors without additional paperwork.
Meanwhile, property owners seeking relief under the Agricultural or Hotel and Villa rebate schemes are encouraged to submit their applications online via the “Forms” tab within the portal. The Authority emphasized that this process will accelerate review times and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
Digital Transformation as a Strategic Priority
The Authority’s ongoing digitization push is part of a broader strategic effort to improve tax compliance and collection efficiency at a time when the government continues to balance economic recovery with rising public service costs.
With an increasing portion of Barbados’ tax base now engaging via digital platforms, the BRA sees this transition as a critical step toward modern governance and service delivery.
“The digitization of tax services is not a trend. It’s necessary,” said a senior official familiar with the Authority’s strategy. “It enhances transparency, improves efficiency, and aligns with global best practices in revenue administration.”
As the fiscal year progresses, the Barbados Revenue Authority is expected to expand its public outreach further, ensuring that all taxpayers know their obligations and the growing digital tools available to help meet them.
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