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Trinidad and Tobago residents could soon pay more for Netflix and other international digital subscriptions following the Government’s announcement of plans to introduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on services provided by foreign companies.
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced the measure during the 2027 National Budget presentation on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Under the proposal, digital and remote services supplied by non-resident businesses to customers in Trinidad and Tobago would become subject to the standard 12.5 per cent VAT rate.
Popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ and Spotify could fall within the scope of the measure, although specific companies were not identified during the presentation.
Tancoo explained that many digital services consumed locally are supplied by companies operating outside Trinidad and Tobago’s borders.
The Government intends to introduce a simplified electronic registration system allowing foreign providers to register, collect and remit VAT directly to the State.
The registration arrangements would also cover non-resident suppliers of taxable services connected to property situated in Trinidad and Tobago.
According to the Minister, the initiative is intended to expand the country’s tax base and ensure more consistent treatment between locally supplied services and those purchased from overseas.
The Government estimates that the measure will generate TT$18 million in additional revenue.
For consumers, the proposal could result in higher subscription costs if international providers pass the tax on to customers.
However, the precise impact will depend on the final legislation, the services covered and the pricing decisions of individual companies.
The proposed implementation date is March 1, 2027.
