By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s Central Bank (BCCR) addressed recent adjustments to the popular mobile payment platform, Sinpe Móvil, which took effect on September 1, 2025. The bank emphasized that these changes do not constitute a new tax on users, aiming to dispel circulating rumors and concerns regarding the platform’s usage.
The BCCR released an official statement assuring users that Sinpe Móvil’s functionality remains unchanged and carries no associated tax burden. The clarification comes in response to public speculation regarding potential limitations and fees imposed on the platform.
To understand the legal implications surrounding Sinpe Móvil and its use in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sinpe Móvil’s widespread adoption in Costa Rica has significantly impacted commercial transactions. While it offers undeniable convenience for consumers and businesses, it also raises legal considerations regarding fraud prevention, data security, and consumer protection. Businesses utilizing Sinpe Móvil must ensure compliance with existing regulations related to electronic transactions and data privacy to mitigate potential risks and liabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the dual nature of Sinpe Móvil’s impact: its undeniable convenience coupled with the crucial need for robust security and legal frameworks. As this payment method continues to evolve as a cornerstone of Costa Rican commerce, addressing these considerations will be paramount to ensuring a safe and thriving digital economy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important topic.
SINPE Móvil has not undergone any changes in its operation, and the use of this platform does not imply any type of tax payment for the people who use this service.
Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR)
The sole modification, mandated by the Ministry of Hacienda (Treasury), involves a new requirement for businesses. Commercial entities are now obligated to include a specific code on electronic receipts to identify transactions made via Sinpe Móvil. This practice aligns with existing procedures for tracking payments made through other methods such as cash, bank transfers, and debit or credit cards.
The BCCR reiterated that this change is purely fiscal and does not impact how users interact with Sinpe Móvil. This clarification seeks to reassure the public and maintain confidence in the widely used mobile payment system.
The new coding requirement for businesses will enhance transparency and facilitate better tracking of transactions within the Costa Rican economy. It provides a standardized way to identify Sinpe Móvil payments in electronic records.
The BCCR encourages users to continue utilizing Sinpe Móvil with confidence. The bank remains committed to providing a secure and convenient mobile payment platform for Costa Ricans.
This move by the Ministry of Hacienda reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize tax collection and improve financial oversight. By bringing Sinpe Móvil transactions into the formalized reporting system, authorities aim to enhance efficiency and reduce the potential for tax evasion.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR)
About Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR):
The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) is the central bank of Costa Rica. It is responsible for issuing the national currency, the colón, and for managing monetary policy. The BCCR also plays a role in regulating the financial system and promoting financial stability.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio de Hacienda
About Ministerio de Hacienda:
The Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) is the government ministry responsible for fiscal policy in Costa Rica. It manages government revenue and expenditure, and oversees the collection of taxes. The Ministry of Finance plays a key role in ensuring the country’s economic stability and promoting sustainable economic growth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to societal empowerment. The firm’s unwavering integrity guides its innovative approach to legal practice, serving clients across a wide spectrum of industries while simultaneously striving to demystify the law for all. Through proactive knowledge-sharing initiatives, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more informed citizenry, contributing to a stronger and more just society.
