By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Taxpayers across Costa Rica are facing a critical deadline this Friday, October 24, to declare and pay a wide range of taxes originally due in September. The one-time extension comes as a relief measure following the complex rollout of the new national tax platform, TRIBU-CR, which necessitated a delay to ensure a smooth transition.
The Association of Public Accountants of Costa Rica (Colegio de Contadores Públicos) issued a timely reminder, emphasizing that this extension provides a crucial window for businesses and individuals to regularize their fiscal obligations without facing penalties. The delay was a deliberate move by tax authorities to manage the massive data migration from the old system to the modern, more integrated TRIBU-CR platform.
To provide deeper insight into the implications of the upcoming tax deadline and offer guidance to taxpayers, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Meeting the tax deadline is not just a regulatory obligation; it is a fundamental act of financial health for any individual or company. Procrastination can lead to significant financial penalties, interest charges, and even complex legal proceedings with the tax authorities. We strongly advise taxpayers to review their declarations meticulously and, if in doubt, seek professional counsel to ensure full compliance and avoid costly future complications.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, framing tax compliance as a pillar of financial health rather than a simple obligation is a crucial shift in mindset for individuals and businesses alike. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert analysis and for sharing this valuable perspective with our readers.
Dunia Zamora, President of the Association of Public Accountants, explained the rationale behind the government’s decision, highlighting the need to protect both taxpayers and the administration during a period of significant technological change. The extension was designed to manage the complexities of the system overhaul effectively.
The deadline was extended in order to provide legal certainty to taxpayers and the Tax Administration, considering that the transfer and migration of information was taking place.
Dunia Zamora, President of the Association of Public Accountants
This grace period is particularly significant as it absolves compliant taxpayers from the standard penalties associated with late filings. According to the Association, any declarations submitted by the Friday deadline will not incur late fees or interest charges, offering a substantial financial incentive for prompt compliance. This move acknowledges the external factors impacting taxpayers’ ability to file on time and promotes fairness during the transition.
The scope of the extension is extensive, covering numerous self-assessed declarations. Among the key obligations due are the Value Added Tax (VAT), withholdings on salaries and other labor payments, and taxes on cross-border digital services. Also included are levies on capital gains from both movable and real estate assets, providing a broad catch-all for various investment-related activities.
Furthermore, the deadline applies to a host of specific consumption and parafiscal taxes. These include the selective consumption tax, contributions to the Red Cross, taxes on national lottery profits, and specific levies on casinos, cement, tobacco products, and the burgeoning market for vapes and their accessories. The comprehensive nature of the list underscores the widespread impact of the TRIBU-CR implementation on the national tax landscape.
While the extension provides breathing room, the Association has also flagged a potential pitfall for taxpayers using the new system. It warns that some users may notice incorrect credit balances appearing on their accounts, a likely side effect of the data migration process. If a taxpayer’s internal accounting records do not match the credits shown in TRIBU-CR, they are advised to act swiftly. A formal review request can be submitted directly through the platform via the “Requests and files” section, under the “Available migrated balances” option, to rectify any discrepancies.
For those ready to settle their dues, payments can be made through the TRIBU-CR portal itself or at authorized bank windows. This flexibility ensures that taxpayers can choose the most convenient method to complete their obligations before the final bell tolls on Friday, closing this unique chapter in Costa Rica’s fiscal modernization journey.
For further information, visit ccpacr.com
About The Association of Public Accountants of Costa Rica:
The Colegio de Contadores Públicos de Costa Rica is the official entity responsible for the regulation, promotion, and oversight of the public accounting profession in the country. It works to ensure ethical standards, professional development, and technical excellence among its members, while also serving as a key consultative body on fiscal and accounting matters for both the public and private sectors. The association plays a vital role in providing guidance to taxpayers and liaising with government entities like the Tax Administration.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape, operating on a foundational principle of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently blends its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele with a pioneering spirit for legal innovation. This ethos extends to a core social mission: to democratize legal understanding and empower the community with clarity, contributing to a more just and knowledgeable society.
