All building registered on the National Register of Historical Buildings are eligible for exemption from real property tax. Exemptions are not automatic and must be applied for even when your property is listed on the Historical Buildings List.
An owner of a historical site, land mark of significant to Bahamian History or parcel of land can apply for this exemption from Real Property Tax building. The building must be registered on the National Register of Historical Buildings.
- Submit a completed application form along with the originals and copies of supporting documents to the Revenue offices. Family islands applicants can submit the application to the local administrator and collect approvals/rejection from the local administration office.
- A representative from the Ministry of Finance’s Revenue Unit will review the application and, if necessary, request omitted information and documentation.
- The committee will then review your application and set up an appointment to conduct a site visit.
- The applicant must accompany inspector for the site visit.
- The Special Project Coordinating Committee for the Preservation of Historical Properties will then convene and review the application and the relevant supporting documents.
- The Ministry will contact the applicant via phone to inform them that the document is ready for collection.
- The Ministry will hold the document for one day after which the approval/rejection is mailed out to applicant.
- Once approved the owner receives a certificate that states that they are exempted from property tax for twenty years.
- Note: Entities not eligible to receive an exemption from custom duty will be notified when they collect their documents at the Office or in the mail. Applicant can contact the Revenue Office to inquire as to the reason for their ineligibility.
- If rejected the owner is required to pay the normal duties as prescribed in the Real Properties Act.
Application for Tax Concession - Applicant must check the Real Property Tax Exemption box of the form.
- Historical Building Certificate
Within two weeks from the date submission of a completed application for exemption from customs duty, including all required supporting documentation, a representative from the Revenue Office will contact the applicant via phone. This exemption is valid for 20 years or the remaining year of your Historical Building Certificate. Note: if the approval is secured in year 18 of your certificate then it ends on the 31st December of the 20th year.
There is no related fee for this service.
Ministry of Finance
Secretary for Revenue
Revenue Unit
3rd FL. Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre
Cable Beach
P. O. Box N 3017
Nassau, Bahamas
E-mail: mofgeneral@bahamas.gov.bs
Opening Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except public holidays
- Custom duty exemption for importation of Material for Historical Buildings
- Custom duty exemption for importation of Commercial Printers
- Custom duty exemption for importation of Equipment and Machinery
- Custom duty exemption for importation of Materials and Supplies
- Custom duty exemption for importation of New Vehicle
- Applying for a Reduced Rate
Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre
West Bay Street
P. O. Box N 3017
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
financemail@bahamas.gov.bs
mofgeneral@bahamas.gov.bs
Phone: (242) 327-1530/7 or 702-1500
Fax: (242) 327-1618 or 327-1620