By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is poised for a significant shift in its tax landscape as the Ministry of Hacienda prepares to launch its new digital platform, Tribu-CR. The existing Administración Tributaria Virtual (ATV) system will be offline starting at 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 25th, marking a crucial step in this ambitious modernization effort.
This transition, part of the broader Hacienda Digital project, signifies a move toward a more efficient and streamlined tax administration system. According to Mario Ramos, Director General of Taxation, the migration process will involve a comprehensive transfer of taxpayer data from the ATV system to Tribu-CR. This “snapshot” of the database, taken at the time of disconnection, will ensure a secure and complete transfer of information.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal implications surrounding Tribu-CR, we turned to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
Tribu-CR’s model raises interesting questions concerning data privacy and user rights within Costa Rica’s legal framework. While the platform offers clear advantages for collaborative consumption, ensuring compliance with regulations like the Personal Data Protection Law (Ley 7973) is paramount, especially regarding data storage, processing, and transfer. Businesses utilizing such platforms must proactively address these concerns to mitigate legal risks and build trust with users.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
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Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s cautionary words are a crucial reminder that innovation, while exciting, must always operate within the boundaries of legal and ethical responsibility. The potential of collaborative consumption platforms like Tribu-CR is undeniable, but their long-term success hinges on prioritizing user trust and data security. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal expertise on this important matter.
With the disconnection of ATV, we will take a ‘snapshot’ of the database to perform a comprehensive data migration—shutting down the systems and transferring all information securely, efficiently, and with minimal interruption—to ensure the process.
Mario Ramos, Director General of Taxation
The migration process is expected to last until October 6th, during which time various tax-related services will be unavailable. Taxpayers are encouraged to review their tax status and address any outstanding issues or delinquencies before the ATV system goes offline. Key information such as fiscal domicile, outstanding balances, and authorized representative details will be transferred to the new platform.
Tribu-CR’s initial launch will include essential modules like an online office (OVI), declarations and payments, an integrated tax account, communication and notification systems, a unified tax registry, comprehensive tax inquiries, electronic file management, a document manager, and the Tico Factura digital invoicing system. The remaining 19 modules are slated for phased integration, with full implementation projected by 2028.
The temporary suspension of services between September 25th and October 6th will affect several platforms, including ATV, TRAVI, tax status inquiry systems, taxpayer identification (SIC), EDDI 7, Declara7, and Declaraweb. While the tax status inquiry system will remain visible, it will be read-only during this period.
This migration to Tribu-CR marks a critical milestone in Costa Rica’s digital transformation journey. The new platform promises to simplify tax compliance for individuals and businesses, enhance transparency, and bolster the efficiency of tax administration. While the temporary disruption in service might pose short-term challenges, the long-term benefits of a modernized tax system are expected to significantly outweigh the inconvenience.
Hacienda has emphasized the importance of this upgrade, highlighting its potential to strengthen tax collection and contribute to a more robust and sustainable fiscal framework for the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio de Hacienda
About Ministerio de Hacienda:
The Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) in Costa Rica is the government body responsible for the country’s public finances. Its main functions include managing the national budget, collecting taxes, administering public debt, and formulating fiscal policies. The Ministry plays a critical role in ensuring the financial stability and economic development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Dirección General de Tributación
About Dirección General de Tributación:
The Dirección General de Tributación (General Directorate of Taxation) is the department within the Ministry of Finance responsible for tax administration in Costa Rica. It oversees the collection of various taxes, enforces tax laws, and provides services to taxpayers. The Directorate plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with tax regulations and generating revenue for the government.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering dedication to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education, sets it apart. By fostering a culture of transparency and knowledge-sharing, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and informed future for all.
