Landlord Business Surcharge calculator for Trinidad and Tobago
Updated 11 October 2026 · Based on the Board of Inland Revenue's published guidance
The Landlord Business Surcharge (LBS) is a quarterly charge on the rent landlords receive in Trinidad and Tobago. It is 2.5% of the quarter's gross rent when that rent is TT$20,000 or less, and 3.5% of the whole amount when it is more than TT$20,000. It is due each quarter: by 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December.
How the calculation works
Add up all the rent received in the quarter, then use one rate on the whole amount. It is a cliff, not tax bands: once the quarter's rent goes over TT$20,000, the 3.5% rate applies to all of it, not just the part above TT$20,000.
| Gross rent for the quarter | Rate | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| TT$9,000 (TT$3,000 a month) | 2.5% | TT$225 |
| TT$15,000 (IRD example) | 2.5% | TT$375 |
| TT$20,000 | 2.5% | TT$500 |
| TT$24,000 (IRD example) | 3.5% | TT$840 |
| TT$45,000 (TT$15,000 a month) | 3.5% | TT$1,575 |
When it is due
- January to March: by 31 March
- April to June: by 30 June
- July to September: by 30 September
- October to December: by 31 December
The IRD says the surcharge is credited against your final annual tax, so the same rental income is not taxed twice.
Who must register
All landlords who receive rent, including rent received through an agent and landlords living outside Trinidad and Tobago, must register with the Board of Inland Revenue, unless they are in an exempt group (such as the State, state enterprises, hotels paying Hotel Accommodation Tax, and some charitable, religious and educational bodies). The IRD lists a registration fee of TT$2,500, and registration is done in person at an IRD office with your ID, title document and a utility bill (plus an authorisation letter and the agent's ID if an agent registers for you).
Penalties
- Late registration: TT$1,000 for every six months for individuals, TT$2,500 for companies.
- Late payment: an extra 5% of the surcharge due, plus interest of 15% a year on the unpaid amount.
- Changes to your details must be reported to the Board within 30 days.
Rules and deadlines can change. This page summarises the IRD's published guidance and is not tax advice. Check the IRD Landlord Business Surcharge FAQs and the IRD calculation notice, or ask your accountant.
Managing rentals for landlords?
AzulSpace works the surcharge out for every landlord you manage from the rent you record, shows the due date, records whether the owner pays or your agency pays on their behalf, keeps the IRD receipt, and tracks each property's BIR registration.