The government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a temporary reduction in the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) to seven per cent, expected to take effect in the second or third quarter of 2026.
The announcement was made by the Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, during the weekly Cabinet press briefing on Friday.
Mr Merchant said the decision followed ongoing international developments affecting the local economy and feedback from households and businesses over rising living costs.
Cabinet agreed the temporary cut in indirect taxes would help ease pressure on household budgets while encouraging consumer spending and broader economic activity.
The measure forms part of a wider package of fiscal initiatives aimed at providing targeted relief while maintaining economic stability. The government said the impact of the reduced rate would be closely monitored.
Further details, including the start date and administrative arrangements, will be issued by the Inland Revenue Department.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Good news for the hardworking citizens of Antigua & Barbuda. 🇦🇬
It would have been nice though if this cut could have taken place with immediate effect like some of our other tax RISES, but let’s hope that this ABST tax cut doesn’t coincide with a snap General Election this year as many are predicting 🤔
Just to get enough support to win general elections,, then back yp not to 17.5, %but 20%
How nice to be given handouts temporary just like Christmas for elections. If they really cared this would be permanent with tax on the wealthy at the very least since Antigua is doing so well.
This is an obvious enticement for an upcoming election. Only a fool would not see through this gimmick.
They know antiguans are gullible people. Pure election gimmoicks.
Oh and here we have the usual cynics. Always have a complaint.
I will just say thank you.
It won’t change who I vote for.
Socrates, you are so right, just sweeten the pot because election is close. I have often said this guy Gaston is the biggest CHARLATAN probably in the entire Caribbean. I hope he doesn’t win the next election because he will be making for those taxes with a heavy hand
And watch gas prices skyrocketed in the next 6 month. GB is bracing for that, because he was told it’s coming.
All his Venezuela oil deals are gone.
But hey, he already made his millions.
Poor Kaz, doesn’t know the difference between critical thinking and cynicism. Poor Kaz.
Nobody asking you to change your vote!
No wonder those living outside of Antigua & Barbuda believe that when it comes to politics, we accept Poor standards from our politicians. Really Embarrassing to say the least.
Some people just “can’t see the wood for the trees”
@Islanman26, tell it to the Kool-Aid drinker Kaz 🤣
@ Kaz
I truly feel sorry for you, look up the word Charlatan in a dictionary and you will see the face of Gaston. Any decrease you get to trap your vote to put him back in office will be taken back 10 fold. A word to the wise should be sufficient
It is cut temporary for the black natives whose ancestors died for this land, but not for PLH and othe Caucasian bourgeoisie.
It is cut temporary for the black natives whose ancestors died for this land, but not for PLH and other Caucasian bourgeoisie, they have tax breaks into perpetuity, land sales tax in in Barbuda waved.
Comments are closed.