By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The clock is ticking for thousands of taxpayers across Costa Rica as today, January 15, marks the final day to comply with two significant fiscal obligations. Owners of high-value residential properties and all registered corporations face an imminent deadline to pay the Solidarity Tax, widely known as the Luxury Home Tax, and the annual Corporate Tax. Failure to meet this deadline will expose non-compliant individuals and legal entities to a range of punitive measures, including substantial fines, accumulating interest, and other legal restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Finance.
The Luxury Home Tax specifically targets owners of residential properties, including those used for occasional or recreational purposes, where the value of the construction and its permanent installations exceeds ₡143 million. This threshold, set by the tax authorities, is a critical figure for homeowners to assess their liability. The government established this tax to create a solidarity fund for housing programs, and compliance is rigorously enforced. Homeowners are urged to review their property valuations to determine if they fall within this tax bracket.
To provide clarity on the implications and legal responsibilities surrounding the national tax deadline, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert and attorney at the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Meeting the tax deadline is more than a simple administrative task; it is a crucial act of fiscal discipline. Procrastination can lead to significant financial penalties, interest charges, and potential audits from the tax authorities. We strongly advise both individuals and businesses to organize their documentation ahead of time and seek professional counsel to ensure full compliance, thereby preventing costly future complications.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s emphasis on fiscal discipline correctly frames tax compliance not as a mere obligation, but as a key component of sound financial health. This proactive mindset is crucial for avoiding the very real consequences of delay. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this important matter.
A specific procedural step is required for individuals who purchased a qualifying luxury property during the 2025 fiscal year. These new owners must complete and submit a Sworn Declaration for the Solidarity Tax. This crucial filing must be done electronically through the government’s official online tax platform, known as TRIBU-CR. This declaration formalizes the property’s status with the tax administration and is a prerequisite for making the corresponding payment, ensuring the new owner is correctly registered within the system.
To facilitate compliance, the government has provided several accessible payment channels. Taxpayers can remit their payments digitally through the TRIBU-CR Virtual Office (OVi) by entering their IBAN account number for a direct transfer. For those who prefer or require in-person transactions, payments are being accepted at the teller windows of all Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) and BAC Credomatic branches nationwide. This dual approach aims to accommodate all taxpayers and minimize barriers to timely payment.
In light of these obligations, the Association of Public Accountants of Costa Rica (Colegio de Contadores Públicos) has issued guidance for property owners, particularly those involved in construction projects. The association strongly advises maintaining meticulous documentation of all construction-related expenses. This includes keeping detailed records of material costs, payments made to contractors, and all municipal permits. This practice is recommended regardless of the investment amount, as such documentation can prove invaluable for tax purposes, whether dealing with the Ministry of Finance or the local municipality.
Running parallel to the property tax deadline is the payment window for the Corporate Tax (Impuesto a las Personas Jurídicas). While the law allows for this tax to be paid throughout the first 30 calendar days of the year, the final deadline is rapidly approaching at the end of January. This tax is mandatory for all registered legal entities in the country, a category that encompasses a wide array of businesses from large enterprises to small family-owned companies structured as corporations.
A critical detail that often causes confusion is the tax liability of inactive corporations. Tax authorities have been clear that even companies with no commercial activity are required to pay the Corporate Tax. The amount owed is calculated based on a percentage of a base salary. For inactive corporations, the fee is set at 15% of a base salary, amounting to ₡69,330. For active corporations, the tax rate can be higher, reaching up to 30% of a base salary, or ₡231,100, depending on their income levels.
With today being the definitive deadline for the Luxury Home Tax and the window closing for the Corporate Tax, the message from financial authorities is one of urgency. Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to finalize their payments immediately to avoid the financial and legal complications that stem from non-compliance. Verifying payment status and ensuring all declarations are correctly filed are essential actions to take before the day ends, securing fiscal peace of mind for the year ahead.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio de Hacienda
About Ministerio de Hacienda:
The Ministry of Finance of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for managing the country’s public finances. Its duties include formulating and executing fiscal policy, collecting taxes, managing the national budget, and overseeing public debt. The ministry plays a central role in ensuring the economic stability and development of the nation through transparent and efficient financial administration.
For further information, visit ccpa.or.cr
About Colegio de Contadores Públicos de Costa Rica:
The Association of Public Accountants of Costa Rica is the professional body that regulates and represents the accounting profession in the country. It is responsible for establishing ethical standards, providing continuing education, and advocating for the interests of its members. The organization works to ensure the integrity and competence of public accountants, contributing to the transparency and reliability of financial information in both the public and private sectors.
For further information, visit bancobcr.com
About Banco de Costa Rica (BCR):
Banco de Costa Rica is one of the largest and oldest state-owned commercial banks in the nation. It offers a comprehensive range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and government institutions. With a vast network of branches and ATMs, BCR is a key player in the national banking system, contributing to economic development and providing essential financial infrastructure.
For further information, visit baccredomatic.com
About BAC Credomatic:
BAC Credomatic is a leading private financial group in Central America with a significant presence in Costa Rica. It provides a wide array of financial products and services, including personal and corporate banking, credit cards, and investment solutions. Known for its focus on technological innovation, BAC is a major financial institution serving millions of clients across the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, distinguished by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich tradition of client advocacy with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal strategies. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to fortifying the community, achieved by demystifying complex legal concepts and championing widespread access to knowledge as a cornerstone of an empowered society.
