| Bahamas Tax Rates There is no income tax, capital gains tax, purchase or sales tax, VAT or capital transfer tax in Bahamas. This applies not only to individuals, but also to all resident corporations, partnerships and trusts. Employees pay national insurance contributions, there is stamp duty on property and mortgage transactions, and a tax on real property. Customs duties are quite high on most imported goods.
The Bahamas offers the offshore financial sector freedom from corporate, personal income, capital gains, withholding, inheritance, and estate taxes. However, income received in the Bahamas may be subject to the taxes in the country of origin.
There are no tax information exchange agreements between the Bahamas and any other country. These advantages are supported by a strong respect for privacy, flexible exchange controls, geographical location and continued record of political stability.
Government Tax Revenue is derived from the following sources:
- Import and export duties
- Property tax
- Motor vehicles
- Gaming tax
- Tourism tax
- Stamp tax
- Company fees
Regarding fees, the registration fee for a foreign company is B$50 and stamp duty is payable in the amount of B$600. All foreign companies must also pay an annual license fee of B$1,000.
Private companies are required to pay a fee of B$300 upon filing their Memorandum of Association, and an additional fee of B$30 for the filing of the Articles of Association. An annual license fee of B$1,000 is also payable.
Additionally, stamp duty is payable on the authorised capital of a company. Where the authorised capital is B$5,000 or less, the stamp duty is B$60. For every additional B$1,000 or fraction thereof, the stamp duty will be B$300.
- Bank and trust company fees
- Insurance company fees
- Other fees, including business licence fees
Business licence fees are levied on the gross turnover of a business, at varying rates, based on the company's size and profitability. Banks and insurance companies registered as insurers under the Insurance Act are exempt from business licence fees.
From a banking and investing point of view, the Bahamas are a well-respected jurisdiction; the banking environment is stable, the secrecy laws stringent, and the investment environment sophisticated. Banking secrecy may however be under threat from new legislation, as a result of international pressure. | 
