As a real property and/or CR corporation owner in Costa Rica, you should be aware about taxes that need to be paid yearly. Failure to pay them would generate penalties and lead to a collection process.
LUXURY TAX: Due date: January 15th, 2018
The Solidarity Tax for the Strengthening of Housing Programmes (Impuesto Solidario para el Fortalecimiento de Programas de Vivienda), known as 'luxury tax' only applies to houses, condos, apartments, over a certain construction value (126.000.000 colones in 2017, more less US$ 229K, this amount adjusts each year). The amount of tax to be paid goes on a scale from 0.25% to 0.55% per year, depending on the value of the Property.
Those liable for this tax shall fill out the form called 'Formulario Único de Inscripción, Declaración y Pago Impuesto Solidario para el Fortalecimiento de Programas de Vivienda, Ley 8683' every 3 years, and, pay anully the tax.
ANNUAL CORPORATE TAX: Due date: January 30 th, 2018
Staring on September1st, 2017 all corporations, subsidiaries, and limited liability companies that are currently registered before the National Registry, as well as all entities incorporated in the future, will be subject to pay an annual. Law 9428: 'Tax over legal entities'
Amount: There will be a fixed fee for inactive corporations and a progressive rate for active corporations depending on their income. As of today, the tax will be as stated below:
If the tax is not duly paid, the National Registry will not issue, certify or register any documents for the companies, furthermore, the companies will not be able to contract with the Government or any public institution
PROPERTY TAXES & GARBAGE COLLECTION FEE: .Due date: March 31st, 2018
Real property owners must pay the Impuestos Bienes Inmuebles (Property Tax) and recolección basura (garbage collection fee) to the Municipalidad (Municipal Government) where the real property is located.
The property tax is 0.25% of the registered value of the property, which is either the purchase price paid or the value assigned by the Tax Office.
The garbage collection fee is a fixed amount, adjusted yearly, that must be collected along with the property taxes. The municipality determines the fee based on location and on whether the property is used for residential or commercial purposes.
The Municipalidad de Santa Cruz does not always charge both in the same statement, causing confusion and problems to owners. The municipality has attributed this to 'lack of updated records and/or to administrative errors within the system'. Therefore, please review your statement carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises.
This property tax and garbage collection fee can be paid a year in advance or quarterly. However, if paid quarterly, you must pay before the end of each quarter to avoid interests. The first quarter of the year ends on March 31st of each year-
Owners must fill out a form to update the value of the real property every five years. Failure to do so can lead to a Municipality assessment and fines.
