Landlord Business Surcharge FAQs

Tags: Landlord Business Surcharge, FAQs

Q: What is the Landlord Business Surcharge?

A: The Landlord Business Surcharge is a tax payable by landlords on rental income, at prescribed rates, on a quarterly basis.

Q: Who is considered a landlord?

A: You are considered a landlord if you receive rent. This includes an agent of the landlord.

Q: What is rent?

A: Rent includes all income received by a landlord for the use or occupation of premises

Q: Who must register?

A: All landlords, whether residing in T&T or outside of T&T, must register with the Board of Inland Revenue.

Q: If I receive Rental Income in a foreign currency for a property rented in Trinidad and Tobago, do I have to register for the Landlord Business Surcharge?

A: Yes. You must register for the Landlord Business Surcharge and make quarterly payments by the prescribed dates.

Q: When is the deadline for registration?

A: You must register by May 30th, 2026.

Q: What is the registration fee?

A: The registration fee is TT$2,500.00.

Q: Where can I register?

A: You can register at any of the following locations:

  • PORT OF SPAIN OFFICE - IRD Tower, 2-4 Ajax Street, Port of Spain
  • SAN FERNANDO REGIONAL OFFICE - #52 Cipero Street, San Fernando
  • EAST REGIONAL OFFICE - Tunapuna Administrative Complex, Cor. Centenary & Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna
  • TOBAGO REGIONAL OFFICE - Wilson Road, Scarborough
Note: Completed Forms will not be accepted at any of the District Offices.

Q: How do I register?

A: You must complete the registration form (available online or at the offices above), attach the required documents, and visit any of the above offices to complete the registration process.

Q: What documents do I need for registration?

A: You must provide:

  • One (1) form of identification (National ID/Passport/Driver’s Permit) for Landlord & Agent.(if applicable)
  • Title document (e.g. Title Deed/Certificate)
  • Authorization Letter (if registering through an agent)
  • Utility bill (showing proof of address)

Q: What happens after I register?

A: You will receive a “Certificate of Registration.” issued by the Board of Inland Revenue.

Q: What happens if I fail to register by the deadline?

A: You will face penalties:

  • Individuals: TT$1,000 for each six month period of non registration.
  • Corporations: TT$2,500 for each six month period of non registration.

Q: What happens if the information I supplied to the Board of Inland Revenue at the time of registration changes?

A: You must notify the Board of any such changes within 30 days.

Q: When is the Landlord Business Surcharge payable?

A: The Landlord Business Surcharge is payable quarterly and due on the following dates:

  • 31st MARCH – 1st quarter
  • 30th JUNE – 2nd quarter
  • 30th SEPTEMBER – 3rd quarter
  • 31st DECEMBER – 4th quarter

Q: What happens if I fail to make payments by the prescribed due dates?

A:

  • An additional charge of 5% of the Landlord Business Surcharge payable will be applied; and
  • Interest at 15% per annum will accrue on any unpaid Landlord Business Surcharge.

Q: What is the rate of the Landlord Business Surcharge?

A: Landlord Business Surcharge is calculated at a rate of:

  • 2.5% of the gross quarterly rental income up to $20,000.
  • 3.5% of the gross quarterly rental income above $20,000.

Q: Who is exempt from paying the Landlord Business Surcharge?

A: You are exempt if you are:-

  • the State.
  • a State controlled enterprises
  • a hotel subject to Hotel Accommodation Tax under Part XI of this Act.
  • An ecclesiastical, charitable or educational institution of a public character.
  • Any other person or entity as the Minister may by Order specify.
Note: If you are not listed above then you MUST register.

Q: Will I be taxed twice?

A: No. The Landlord Business Surcharge is creditable to your final annual tax liability.
As a result, your rental income WILL NOT be taxed twice.