New U.S. Remittance Tax to Hit Belizean Families Starting Friday

You may have heard about President Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’ Well, one part of that law is about to hit home for Belizeans, and it starts this Friday. The law introduces a new tax on money sent from the U.S. to other countries, including Belize. Beginning January first, a one-percent tax will apply to certain remittances, think cash transfers through Western Union or money orders. Now, the tax is charged in the U.S., but the impact will be felt right here. Families who rely on support from relatives abroad could see a little less in their pockets. And while one percent might sound small, remittances are a lifeline for many Belizean households, covering essentials like food, rent, school fees, and medical care. The bigger picture is that it could ripple through the economy. According to the Inter-American Development Bank, Belizeans received about one hundred and seventy-three million U.S. dollars in remittances up to November this year. And eighty-four percent of that came from the U.S., with numbers spiking during the Christmas season. So, even a small change could mean a big difference for families and for Belize’s economy.