We are pleased to present our annual post-budget commentary on Trinidad and Tobago’s 2027 National Budget Statement, which was presented by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo on October 12, 2026.
The Minister’s 2027 Budget speech centered on the theme of “A People-Centered Approach: Investing in Communities, Transforming the Economy and Securing a Sustainable Future".
In this commentary, we delve into several key aspects of the proposed fiscal measures that were covered in the budget presentation. Some key highlights are:
- Increase in withholding tax rate (WHT) on distributions
- VAT at standard rating on digital services provided by non-residents
- Restriction in utilisation of tax losses
- Increase in Unemployment Levy for Petroleum Companies
- Amendment to the definition of "payments" subject to WHT
- Disallowing of expenses incurred in earning exempt income
