To encourage the preservation of the country’s historical heritage, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas offers exemption waivers for duties on Material to be used in the renovation/maintenance of Historical Buildings. In the event that an owner need to import anything to refurbish a historical site or land mark of significant to Bahamian History they can apply for this Duty Free Exemption for historical building.  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.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the relevant exemption prior to the item entering The Bahamas.  

All locally-based Owners of Historical Property/Buildings, that is, buildings register on the National Register of Historical Buildings, are legible for exemption from real property tax and duties on item imported for the refurbishment of the historical component of the house.  Exemptions are not automatic and must be applied for even when your property is listed on the Historical Buildings List.

1. 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.  
2. A representative from the Ministry of Finance’s Revenue Unit will review the application and, if necessary, request omitted information and documentation.
3. The committee will then review your application and set up an appointment to conduct a site visit.
4. The applicant must accompany inspector for the site visit.
5. The Special Project Coordinating Committee for the Preservation of Historical Properties will then convene and review the application and the relevant supporting documents.  
6. The Ministry will contact the applicant via phone to inform them that the document is ready for collection.  
7. The Ministry will hold the document for one day after which the approval/rejection is mailed out to applicant.
8. Once approved the applicant can then use to present to customs each time they need to import material and supplies.  It is important that accurate estimates are supplied to the Ministry of Finance when the application is made since once the estimated limit is reached there would be not additional duty free exemptions for that year.  
9. 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.
10. If rejected the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department.  

Application for Tax Concession - Applicant must check the Duty Free Exemption box.

• Historical Building Certificate;
• Invoice of items solely for the items to be used for the refurbishment of the registered historical building;
• Applicants should provide good, clear photographs to describe the building or site and its surroundings before improvement;
• A building permit and approval of the Town Planning Committee is required for any material change (modification, addition, demolition, etc.) to the exterior of a building whether the building is an historic structure or not.

TehTh

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

Local Administrator Offices