Taxpayers in Saint Lucia now have more time to clear their tax arrears without the burden of penalties and interest.

The Government of Saint Lucia has officially extended its tax amnesty program to May 1, 2026. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is encouraging taxpayers to take full advantage of this opportunity and to act early to avoid a last-minute rush.

The extended tax amnesty offers Saint Lucians with outstanding taxes the chance to settle their debts by paying only the principal tax owed. All penalties and interest for tax periods up to December 31st, 2023, are fully waived under the program.

Acting Comptroller at the Inland Revenue Department, Felicia Ellie, explained: "In the initial phase of the amnesty, the waiver applied up to income year 2021. But with this extension, it now covers up to December 31, 2023.”

Ms. Ellie emphasized that the amnesty does not exempt taxpayers from paying the taxes they owe. The relief applies only to penalties and interest.

“That’s something we need to make clear. The tax amount must still be paid. For periods up to 2023, there’s a 100% waiver on penalties and interest but the raw tax must be settled.”

The amnesty covers all tax types, including income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), and other applicable taxes. However, the IRD cautions that taxpayers who fail to take advantage of the amnesty could face strict enforcement actions, including salary garnishments, third-party deductions, and bank account seizures.

“At the end of the amnesty period, if taxes remain unpaid, the full amount including penalties and interest will remain on the taxpayer’s account. The opportunity for relief will no longer exist. We urge taxpayers to act now and not wait until the deadline approaches.”

Ms. Ellie also highlighted that doing business with the IRD becomes significantly easier once unpaid taxes and related penalties are cleared. She further encouraged taxpayers with outstanding amounts for 2024 to settle these obligations early.

“While the amnesty covers periods up to 2023, I also encourage taxpayers to use this opportunity to address their 2024 balances so they can be fully cleared and up to date.”

The Inland Revenue Department is ready to assist taxpayers and is urging them to make contact, request information, or arrange payment plans as soon as possible to benefit from the amnesty.

For more information, taxpayers can contact the Inland Revenue Department directly.

Read: https://www.govt.lc/news/tax-amnesty-extended-to-may-2026

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5uRfdKdUsk&t=1s

Listen: https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia/tax-amnesty-extended-to-may-2026