The Belize Tax Service Department’s planned transition to a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA), initially slated for December 2025, is now facing significant delays. The Briceño administration announced this major reform in July, aiming to modernize the tax system as part of broader public service reforms. However, the move has been met with strong opposition from the Public Service Union (PSU), which claims it was excluded from the decision-making process and fears the loss of employee benefits. PSU President Dean Flowers recently declared a trade dispute after the government failed to address their concerns. Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher has acknowledged the issues, emphasizing the need for dialogue with employees and stakeholders. He revealed that the transition is now expected to occur in late 2026, pending resolution of the disputes and completion of necessary preparatory steps. This delay underscores the complexities of implementing large-scale reforms while balancing employee welfare and administrative efficiency.