LISTEN: Government To Crack Down on Foreign Property Sellers Who Don’t Pay Local Taxes

Government to Enforce Tax Compliance on Foreign Real Estate Sellers

The Cabinet has moved to strengthen tax enforcement against expatriates selling property in Antigua and Barbuda, amid concerns that some foreign real estate agents and construction firms are not paying taxes locally.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the decision during the Browne and Browne Show on Saturday, saying the government has instructed the Inland Revenue Department to ensure that all revenues generated within the country are taxed in Antigua and Barbuda.

“We have a number of expatriates who are selling real estate here — expensive real estate — and they’re not paying any taxes,” Browne said.

He warned that if it is discovered that profits are being shifted abroad to avoid local tax obligations, the government will amend the law to make it “abundantly clear” that taxes on revenues earned in Antigua and Barbuda must be paid locally.

The prime minister said the directive also applies to construction companies operating in the country but collecting payments overseas. Inland Revenue officials have been instructed to call in the relevant operators to review their compliance status.

While emphasizing that Antigua and Barbuda remains open to foreign direct investment, Browne said the government will not allow what he described as exploitative practices that deprive the country of tax revenues.

“We’re very serious about ensuring that the economic gains that are made are shared with the citizens and residents of this country,” he said.

The proposed measures form part of a broader Cabinet effort to ensure that economic expansion translates into equitable benefits for nationals and lawful residents.

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