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Bahamas to introduce 15% VAT from July 2014

  • Feb 20, 2013 | Richard Asquith

Bahamas to introduce 15% VAT from July 2014

As part of plans to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Bahamas has announced plans to introduce a full Value Added Tax regime from 1 July 2014.

The roll out of a VAT system will help meet the required reductions in import tariffs as laid down in WTO membership. The new VAT rate will be 15%, with a reduced rate of 10% for hotel accommodation. The provision of public transport will be zero rated, while a range of goods and services will be exempt, including: foodstuffs; financial services; healthcare; and education services. There will be a US$ 50,000 VAT registration threshold.

The preliminary details of the new VAT regime were published on 14 February 2013.


VP Global Indirect Tax
Richard Asquith
VP Global Indirect Tax Richard Asquith
Richard Asquith is the former VP Global Indirect Tax at Avalara