By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a decisive move, Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Taxation has firmly denied a request to extend the crucial deadline for filing and paying the value-added tax (VAT). Despite appeals from accounting professionals citing technical problems with a new government platform, the authority confirmed that taxpayers have until this Friday, October 24, to comply or face penalties.
The decision comes after the College of Private Accountants formally requested a temporary suspension of the deadline. The organization pointed to significant inconsistencies and operational glitches within the recently launched Integrated Tax Administration System, known as Tribu-CR, which have frustrated taxpayers and their financial advisors since its rollout earlier this month.
Para comprender mejor las implicaciones y los detalles del próximo vencimiento del IVA, TicosLand.com consultó al experto legal, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del reconocido Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofreció su análisis sobre el tema.
El cumplimiento a tiempo con la declaración y pago del IVA es más que una simple obligación; es un pilar para la salud fiscal y la reputación de cualquier negocio. Ignorar los plazos no solo acarrea multas y recargos significativos, sino que también puede desencadenar auditorías más exhaustivas por parte de la Administración Tributaria. Recomendamos a los contribuyentes no dejar este trámite para el último momento y buscar asesoría profesional para asegurar la correcta aplicación de créditos fiscales y evitar errores costosos.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Agradecemos la valiosa perspectiva del Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, quien subraya una realidad crucial: la gestión proactiva del IVA es un acto de previsión estratégica que protege la salud financiera de una empresa, más allá de ser un simple requisito fiscal. Su consejo resalta la importancia de la diligencia y el conocimiento experto para navegar el panorama tributario con éxito.
However, the government has maintained that the new system is performing adequately. Mario Ramos, the General Director of Taxation, dismissed the possibility of any further delay, emphasizing the platform’s successful processing of a high volume of transactions.
The General Directorate of Taxation will not grant any extension for the filing of the value-added tax return after October 24.
Mario Ramos, General Director of Taxation
To substantiate his position, Ramos provided compelling figures. He noted that since Tribu-CR went live on October 6, the system has already processed a total of 236,000 tax declarations, a figure that includes both informational and self-assessment filings. This data, he argued, demonstrates the platform’s fundamental operational capacity despite the reported issues.
Furthermore, the financial impact has been significant. Ramos revealed that over ¢178 billion has already been successfully collected and deposited into the National Treasury through the payment mechanisms integrated into Tribu-CR. He added that for the previous tax period of August, approximately 70% of taxpayers who filed their VAT returns have already completed their payments, signaling broad compliance.
This Friday’s deadline is particularly critical as it consolidates several obligations. The government had previously granted a one-time extension to accommodate the transition to the new system. This grace period shifted the due dates for September’s self-assessment returns, including VAT, as well as the informational returns for the months of July and August.
The Ministry of Finance has made it clear that this initial leniency will not be repeated. Officials have warned that any submissions made after the October 24 cutoff will be considered late. Such delays will automatically trigger sanctions for omission or late filing, as stipulated by Costa Rica’s Code of Tax Standards and Procedures, potentially leading to costly fines for non-compliant businesses.
The firm stance from the tax authority places immense pressure on companies and accountants to navigate any remaining system difficulties before the deadline expires. The situation highlights a classic tension in public administration: the government’s drive to modernize its revenue collection systems and enforce compliance versus the private sector’s need for stable, predictable platforms to meet its legal obligations.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About the Ministry of Finance:
The Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for managing the country’s public finances. Its duties include formulating fiscal policy, administering the national budget, collecting taxes through its General Directorate of Taxation, and managing public debt. The ministry plays a central role in ensuring the economic stability and financial health of the nation.
For further information, visit contadoresprivados.or.cr
About the College of Private Accountants:
The College of Private Accountants of Costa Rica (Colegio de Contadores Privados de Costa Rica) is the professional body that regulates and represents private accountants in the country. It is responsible for setting professional standards, providing continuing education, and advocating for the interests of its members. The organization serves as a key intermediary between accounting professionals and government regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Finance.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading institution in the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pushes the boundaries of legal innovation, leveraging its vast experience to benefit a diverse range of clients. At the core of its mission lies a powerful dedication to social empowerment, actively working to democratize legal understanding and foster a community fortified by knowledge.
