Why Belize Still Remains an Attractive Offshore Tax Haven - Even For US Citizens
Home PageHome PageOverseas JobsLiving OverseasCountry ProfilesArticleseBooks For ExpatsOur MagazineOffshore InvestmentsTravelEncryped eMailInternational MarketplaceInternational Real EstateBoats Barges YachtsOverseas RetirementEmbassies
Offshore Real Estate and Investment Quarterly
< Index For This Issue >< Submit An Article >< Contact The Editor > Disclaimer Send This WebPage To A Friend!
..
Why Belize Still Remains an Attractive Offshore Tax Haven - Even For US Citizens
By Rhiannon Williamson
August 2006
Following the various terrorist atrocities across the world in recent years, and partially as a result the on-going global battle against money laundering and drug trafficking, many of the higher taxation countries - such as the US and UK - have begun restricting and eliminating the attractions of tax havens for their citizens. 

The ideas behind this move are simple to understand. 

Removing terrorism and drug trafficking from the agenda momentarily, the higher taxation countries want to stop any potentially taxable money from leaving their shores and they want to retain closer control over their citizens. 

They want to build greater stability through control. 

As a result of the targeted crack down on tax havens and the benefits and attractions they can offer the citizens of various high taxation countries, many former colonies and countries closely affiliated with the UK and US for example, are being forced to refuse entry and even to eliminate tax haven benefits altogether. 

Particularly affected are citizens of the United States. 

Why? 

Because the US is the world’s superpower and exacts such strong power and control over much of the world today and can inflict trade embargos, certain boycotts and the restriction of any international aid to countries it feels are illegally offering tax haven benefits to its citizens. 

Other high tax jurisdictions, such as the major countries of the EU, are also being excluded from the tax haven benefits available in certain offshore jurisdictions as they have close ties to the US and UK and could also bring about trade isolation etc. 

But Belize is Different. 

In 1991 Belize began establishing itself as an offshore centre of note and introduced a series of offshore legislation designed to establish itself as one of the most attractive tax havens globally. 

It learned from the successes and mistakes of other tax havens around the world and designed its legislation carefully so that it would become THE most attractive tax haven globally. 

It began by allowing the creation of offshore corporations and it progressed to passing attractive trust law legislation which was developed upon and expanded throughout the 1990s. 

At this point (in 1996 to be precise) America began to pressurize Belize into joining a Mutual Assistance Treaty. 

Such a treaty requires information exchange to exist between the countries involved in it...information including the fiscal and banking records of residents and non-residents. 

Belize agreed to sign an agreement but only agreed to cooperate with the information exchange policy where it would combat the likes of drug trafficking and international terrorism. 

Belize was not willing to disclose its banking information, nor was it willing to accept the need for disclosure of fiscal information where tax evasion was suspected for example. 

This lack of complete cooperation was met with anger and hostility by the US and they punished Belize by placing it alongside the likes of Columbia on a list of countries unwilling to assist in the global battle against international drug trade and money laundering. 

The seriousness of America’s action must be stressed - Belize simply had to take positive action to remove itself from this list otherwise it would face the restriction of foreign aid, world political isolation etc and it would be crippled economically. 

However Belize remained calm in the face of adversity! 

And it remained true to its original convictions and continued to refuse to give in to the information exchanged demands of the US. 

Belize instead brought in further highly attractive offshore legislation to attract international banks to relocate to Belize! 

At the same time it also introduced new privacy laws for the banks and it also included certain anti money laundering provisions such as America’s very own “know your client” rule. 

This meant that Belize fell in step with US home banking policies! 

Therefore America was no longer able to say that Belize was refusing to assist with the international prevention of money laundering and it had to remove Belize from its hit list! 

By refusing to bow to world superpower pressure and by developing and improving offshore legislation Belize went from strength to strength as one of the most a credible and safe offshore havens. 

Today, banks and international companies who base themselves in Belize find they benefit from a government committed to a no tax system and they work protected by laws and with infrastructure designed to ensure total privacy and provide complete asset protection. 

Add to these benefits the fact that Belize’s primary language is English, the laws of the country are based on the British legal system and property prices and the cost of living in Belize are very low and you can see now why Belize remains one of THE most popular, successful and safe tax havens of the world...even for US citizens! 
.

Break Free In BelizeYES YOU CAN LIVE IN BELIZE - IT EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS EXPONENTIALLY - SEE AND DO IT - CLICK HERE - For a certain kind of person there is a certain kind of place; and for certain people that place is Belize. Belize - the laid back Caribbean country of Central America! It's a favorite of those seeking a calmer lifestyle in close proximity to the wonders of nature.  Like a un-planed 2x4 full of splinters, Belize is sturdy, rugged and full of sand fleas, but it also has it's share of beautiful islands, adventuresome spirits and rum soaked nights. It's the place we dreamed about as children.  A place where we could do what we wanted without being called in to wash up for dinner. It's a place where you need to know how to repair your own car and replace parts of your plumbing with bailing wire and tape. It's also a place where big brother isn't looking over your shoulder and you can set your own building codes or own a flock of chickens. It's a place where you can spend the day fishing without trying to keep up with the Jones's. It's also become one of the hottest expatriate destinations in Latin America. ...it's not for everyone, but it may be for you. If so, there's a new eBook that will take you to Belize and help you stay there.
.
Rhiannon Williamson writes about living abroad and investing in international real estate.  She also maintains www.shelteroffshore.com - Shelter Offshore Investment & Real Estate which is an online resource for expatriates, international investors and anyone planning a new life abroad.
We Get Results !
.
..
Real Estate In Central America
See Current Real Estate in Central America & Mexico - Numerous real estate listings for Belize, Panama, Bocas del Toro, Nicaragua & Costa Rica  with color photos - Beachfront bargains, Farms, Islands, Enclaves, Coast Property, Sale by Owner, Current Listings 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Also see Real Estate Listings In South America -  Now In Our Real Estate Marketplace
Sell Your Property In Central America
...
Retire In Mexico
.
Offshore Telecommuting
.
The True Story Of An Expat Mom
.
Cozumel - The Complete Guide
.
The Portable Professional - Earn A Living Worldwide
..
.
Expat Writers Course
Definite Articles: How To Make Money Overseas As A Writer - Expat Writers Course - You want to live overseas.  You want to live free. You want to be your own boss and keep your own hours.  The question is how do you make a living. The first answer that comes to mind is writing.  At least that is the first answer that came to my mind. Writing is a good way to make a living overseas; travel articles, newspaper stringers, stuff for the folks back home.  It takes practice to write, but it can be learned, just as one learns to tie their shoes, or stand one leg.  It isn't an automatic process, but what is?  Now there is an expat writers course that can show you the basics...  next you'll be living in Paris and sitting in hip cafes...  or maybe you'll be in Budapest writing an ebook. Check it out.
Expat Writers Course
.
Directory Of All Articles -Articles On Our Website - By country & by category - a list of thousands of articles on Living, Working, Investing & Traveling Overseas - Including  articles on International Real Estate in Central America & Mexico.
Relocation Resources On Mexico & Central America ~ Moving to Mexico and Central America - Real Estate In Mexico, Belize, Panama & Central America
Real Estate In Central  America & Mexico - Real Estate In Cental America & Mexico -
Moving To South America ~ Living in South America ~ Moving To South America ~ Living in South America
.
Belize - Moving To Belize -
Costa Rica - Living in Costa Rica
El Salvador - Living in El Salvador
Guatemala - Moving To Guatemala
Honduras - Living in Honduras
Mexico - Resources for Relocating to Mexico
Nicaragua - About Moving to Nicaragua -
Panama - Panama In Panama -
....
Retirement Planning for Offshore LivingRetirement Planning for Offshore Living -  Retirement Planning for Offshore Living - Click Here - The advantages of outsourcing your retirement have never been better! Why not start a second "dream" career, or retire in a low cost, tropical country? Spend less than 25% of your present monthly budget while maintaining or even enhancing your lifestyle.  Say "goodbye" to your financial planner and her "advice" that you must accumulate at least $1,000,000 or more in liquid assets before you retire or leave your "day job". "Retirement Planning for Offshore Living" will become your personal coach and roadmap to "offshore living". Use the standards provided to identify, compare and analyze your optimal country and retirement or second career haven.
.
.....
.
The Nicaragua Report - The Complete Report On Nicaragua - Real Estate Bargains & Colonial Ambiance In Nicaragua - The Central American sleeper is Nicaragua.  Some of the smartest investors in the world have recently bought real estate in Nicaragua.  After you read this report you'll understand why. Islands for $70,000 - coffee plantations at bargain basement prices, pristine beaches and beachfront land that is affordable.  Nicaragua has attracted many expatriates in recent years, and the low prices are not the only reason.  Nicaragua is a pleasant place to live with some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in latin America. Over seventy-five pages of information; residency, real estate, laws, opportunities, caveats, cities, and a wide range of resources on the biggest bargain in Central America. pdf
The Nicaragua Report
Residency In Belize.  Get It While You Can
Residency In Belize.  Get It While You Can - Residency In Belize.  Get It While You Can - Click Here - Belize has rescinded its Investors Passsport Program, but there is still a way to get a Belizean Passport and one of the most important things you can do to protect your future and the future of your family is to get a second passport. The process of getting residency in Belize is straight forward and uncomplicated, especially when you have Bill & Claire Gray providing an easy to read explanation of how to go about getting Belizean residency for you and your family.    Bill & Claire Gray, authors, Belize Relocation Guides and long time residents of Belize supply the answers, the facts and the forms for residency in Belize through the Belize 'residency' program, plus they provide you with the pathway to a passport, a work permit and more. When will Belize rescind it's residency program just as they did their passport program?  You can wait and find out, or you can get this report for 20 bucks and insure your future. Retirement? This report also has all the forms and instructions to gain retirement status in Belize.
Easy Belize: How to Live, Retire, Work or Invest in Belize - Easy Belize: How to Live, Retire, Work or Invest in Belize - Belize - the laid back Caribbean country of Central America! It's a favorite of those seeking a calmer lifestyle in close proximity to the wonders of nature.  Like a un-planed 2x4 full of splinters, Belize is sturdy, rugged and full of sandfleas, but it also has it's share of beautiful islands, adventuresome spirits and rum soaked nights. It's the place we dreamed about as children.  A place where we could do what we wanted without being called in to wash up for dinner. It's a place where you need to know how to repair your own car and replace parts of your plumbing with bailing wire and tape. It's also a place where big brother isn't looking over your shoulder and you can set your own building codes or own a flock of chickens. It's a place where you can spend the day fishing without trying to keep up with the Jones's. It's also become one of the hottest expatriate destinations in Latin America. ...it's not for everyone, but it may be for you. If so, there's a new eBook that will take you to Belize and help you stay there. 
Easy Belize: How to Live, Retire, Work or Invest in Belize - Easy Belize: How to Live, Retire, Work or Invest in Belize - Belize - the laid back Caribbean country of Central America! It's a favorite of those seeking a calmer lifestyle in close proximity to the wonders of nature.  Like a un-planed 2x4 full of splinters, Belize is sturdy, rugged and full of sandfleas, but it also has it's share of beautiful islands, adventuresome spirits and rum soaked nights. It's the place we dreamed about as children.  A place where we could do what we wanted without being called in to wash up for dinner. It's a place where you need to know how to repair your own car and replace parts of your plumbing with bailing wire and tape. It's also a place where big brother isn't looking over your shoulder and you can set your own building codes or own a flock of chickens. It's a place where you can spend the day fishing without trying to keep up with the Jones's. It's also become one of the hottest expatriate destinations in Latin America. ...it's not for everyone, but it may be for you. If so, there's a new eBook that will take you to Belize and help you stay there. 
The Dominican Republic Report - The Complete Report On The Dominican Republic - Dominican Republic information about real estate - retirement - residency - relocation - banking - investments - There are many places you can go to in the Caribbean, but there is only one spot that has been called "The Best Kept Secret".  That place is the Dominican Republic, and the time to find out about this investors paradise is sooner, not later!  You can find out about basic statistics from any book-store travel guide, but not the honest kind of perspective you are looking for.  What is it really like to live there?  What is the cost of living?  How do I find the real estate or apartment bargains?  Can I find good Internet access?  What is the shopping like?  How about banking rates? 
Costa Rica - Real Estate - How To Buy Real Estate In Costa Without Losing Your Shirt - written by Scott Oliver with the help of dozens of Costa Rica real estate experts and attorneys.  What This Costa Rica Real Estate Book Will Do For You:  This is not a book about living in Costa Rica; it is a 140 page comprehensive English-language guide to buying Costa Rica real estate.  When you search for suitable Costa Rica real estate, whether it is to live in or purely as an investment, you need to be informed about the challenges of Costa Rica real estate:   Why Is This Important to You?  It's important because wealthy people demand and expect the best advice that money can buy. The author feels that it is his job to ensure his readers and his clients are given that advice from the most qualified experts available. He has personally hunted down dozens of the top experts to help my clients achieve their investment goals both with real estate and other investments. 
Christopher Howard's Guide to Costa Rican Spanish - Guide to Costa Rican Spanish -  Although many of Costa Rica's well-educated people speak English, (and more than 30,000 English-speaking foreigners live permanently in Costa Rica), Spanish is the official language. Part of the fun of living in another country is communicating with the local people, making new friends and enjoying the culture. Speaking Spanish will enable you to achieve these ends, have a more rewarding life, and open the door for many new, interesting experiences. There are over 125 pages of real learning written by someone who has lived in Costa Rica for over 15 years and who has personally introduced thousands of people to Costa Rica through his monthly tours, seminars, and private consultation services. 
Exceeds Expectations
eBooks for Expats - International Relocation Reports - Offshore Investment Reports - Reports On Offshore Real Estate, Moving Overseas,  and a wide range of subjects for those seeking to restart their lives overseas.  eBooks are a great idea.  Consider This: If, for example, you are trying to figure out how to move to Bolivia, buy a ranch, get residency and a passport; you won't find a standard book on how to go about accomplishing those ends at your local library.  You will here.  We have hundreds of great eBooks lined up and coming your way.  Diamond mining in Africa, play the European lottery, where the odds are ten times better than the USA, Homestead in Belize, Moving to Thailand, Working Worldwide from a lap...  our list of titles is growing daily.
..
Remount!
.
| Add Url | Home | Contact | Advertising Send This Webpage To A Friend | Escape From America Magazine Index | Offshore Real Estate Quarterly | International Telephone Directory  | About Escape | Embassies Of The World  |  Report Dead Links On This Page| Maps Of The World | Articles On This Website | Disclaimer | Link 2 Us | Help | Jobs Overseas | International Real Estate | Find A CountryExpatriate Search Tools | Expat Pages   | Offshore Investing | International Marketplace | Yacht Broker - Boats Barges & Yachts For Sale | Search Engines Of The World |
© Copyright 1996 -  EscapeArtist Inc. All Rights Reserved