They are not liable to any form of local taxation. However where it is advantageous for the client to do so, the company may irrevocably elect to file tax returns and pay SVG taxes at 1% so as to take advantage of the Caricom Tax Treaty. There is no requirement to prepare audited financial statements.
SVG IBC’s require no minimum level of share capital and in theory could be capitalised at a dollar or less.
SVG IBC’s are not required to file details of shareholders or directors on any publicly accessible register
Where an SVG IBC is limited by guarantee it is referred to as a mutual company. Such a company has no share capital. All members of the company undertake that in the event of winding up, each member will contribute a fixed sum (or an unlimited amount) towards the assets of the company. Such a corporate structure is the perfect one for establishing not-for-profit organisations, such as charities, foundations, private trust companies etc.
5. Where, however, an SVG IBC is limited by guarantee but also has a share capital is often referred to as a hybrid company, as it is a combination of the traditional IBC limited by shares, and the pure mutual company limited by guarantee. The hybrid is the perfect tax planning structure for residents and citizens of countries that tax their nationals on worldwide income (e.g. USA; or those that do not recognise trusts (e.g. France)). Much expertise goes into the creation of the hybrid and its accompanying Articles and By Laws. Once perfected, however, it is a creature, which is more flexible than any other corporate structure, and is capable of operating as a quasi-trust.
SVG IBC’s also have the following features:
Shareholders, Directors and Officers may reside anywhere in the world and their meetings may, similarly be held wherever they decide. There is no SVG IBC residency or nationality requirement for shareholders, officers and/or directors.
Companies may be formed with as few as one shareholder who may be a natural person or a juridical entity.
Companies may be formed with as few as one director, who may be a natural person or a juridical entity
Except where the election to pay SVG taxes is made, there are no requirements for the filing of annual reports or accounts with any government authority in SVG.
Bearer shares are permitted but records must be maintained by the company’s Registered Agent of each bearer share certificate in issue and the Registered Agent must maintain custody of bearer share certificates on behalf of the beneficial owner. The beneficial owner is instead provided with a Certificate of Immobilization as proof that the Registered Agent holds the shares in custody on his behalf.
The authorized share capital may be denominated in any recognised currency.
There is no minimum capital requirement for an SVG IBC.
Shares may be issued partially paid, fully paid, or nil paid.
SVG IBC’s must keep a register of charges, but there is no requirement to file this on public record.
SVG IBC’s must keep a register of charges, but there is no requirement to file this on public record.
SVG IBC Act provides for continuation of companies to and from anywhere around the globe. It also provides for local companies incorporated, and external companies registered in SVG to migrate to the IBC register.
Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, mergers or consolidations with foreign corporations can be carried out with a minimum of bureaucratic interference enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Shelf companies are available.
The incorporation process can take as little as 24 hours subject to name availability and reservation.
It takes approximately 24-48 hours to incorporate an IBC provided we receive all required documeation and payment.