Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is an independent, English-speaking country situated in the Eastern Caribbean. It is a politically stable, safe and private offshore jurisdiction for offshore corporations and offshore bank accounts. As a former British colony, Antigua's legal system embodies the principle of English statutory and common law, making it particularly attractive for certain transactions not easily structured under civil law systems. However, since Antigua and Barbuda is an independent nation, it is not affected by the UK or EU regulations concerning the tax status of the British Dependent Territories.

The International Business Corporations Act of 1982 provides excellent confidentiality and privacy. The Act prohibits the disclosure of information imparted under conditions of business or professional confidence. The Act applies to banks and professionals (including attorneys, accountants, government officers, secretaries, etc.) and includes all commercial transactions arising in Antigua and Barbuda and continues to apply whether inside or outside of Antigua and Barbuda.

An offshore corporation under the Act is exempt from income tax for all payments by the company to persons not resident in Antigua and Barbuda. There are no real estate, inheritance, succession, gift taxes, or duty, payable by persons not resident in Antigua and Barbuda with respect to any shares, debt obligations or other securities of a company incorporated under this Act.

Offshore corporations in Antigua and Barbuda warrant a fifty year tax exemption. This exemption applies to most forms of income, dividends, interest and royalties paid by and to foreigners.

Advantages of an offshore IBC in Antigua and Barbuda:

• There is an absence of capital gains and estate taxes in Antigua.
• An IBC is not subject to mandatory auditing.
• There is no minimum capital requirement and shares may have a nominal or no par value. Bearer shares may be issued.
• An offshore IBC may increase or reduce its authorized capital by way of an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation.
• An IBC may have a sole shareholder.
• An IBC may have a sole director and directors need not be natural persons.
• There are no citizenship or residence requirements for directors, officers or shareholders.
• Meetings of directors and shareholders may be held outside Antigua. Shareholders may vote by proxy.
• There are no requirements to file any audited statements or corporate reports with the government.
• The company's records and its operating office may be located anywhere. There are inward and outward domiciliary provisions.

Please contact info@emetoffshore.com to learn more about an IBC in Antigua and Barbuda. Emet Offshore Consultants have extensive experience with Antiguan offshore corporations and can structure your IBC in the most timely and cost effective manner.