By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The landscape of tax administration in Costa Rica is set for a monumental shift as the Ministry of Finance prepares to launch its new Integrated Tax Administration System, known as TRIBU-CR. The new platform, scheduled to go live at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6th, represents a significant leap forward in the country’s efforts to digitize and streamline fiscal processes for all taxpayers.
Coinciding with the main system’s launch is the debut of TICO FACTURA, a new, free electronic invoicing tool designed with a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. This dual rollout is the cornerstone of the government’s strategy to simplify tax compliance, enhance security, and improve the overall efficiency of the national revenue collection framework. The initiative aims to consolidate all tax-related activities into a single, accessible digital ecosystem.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y empresariales que la nueva plataforma TRIBU-CR representa para los contribuyentes, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos brinda su análisis experto.
La implementación de TRIBU-CR marca un antes y un después en la fiscalización tributaria del país. La capacidad de la administración para cruzar datos en tiempo real obliga a las empresas a mantener una contabilidad impecable y una asesoría legal proactiva. Cualquier inconsistencia, por mínima que parezca, puede activar auditorías automáticas, por lo que la prevención y el cumplimiento riguroso ya no son una opción, sino una necesidad absoluta para la supervivencia del negocio.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
El análisis del experto confirma un cambio de paradigma irreversible: la prevención y la rigurosidad contable ya no son simples deberes, sino componentes estratégicos para la viabilidad de cualquier negocio en esta nueva era digital. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valiosa y clara perspectiva.
The new system will be accessible through the existing Virtual Office (OVi), which will now serve as a centralized hub for a wide array of services. The Ministry of Finance has outlined the expanded capabilities that will be available to citizens and businesses from day one, promising a more integrated and responsive experience.
Taxpayers are informed that from the Virtual Office (OVi) they will be able to carry out all their tax procedures, access secure and updated information and the electronic files of their procedures, receive real-time alerts and notifications, and validate documents using a QR or CSV code.
Ministry of Finance, Official Announcement
The October 6th launch marks just the beginning of a multi-year implementation plan. This initial phase will activate the first nine of a total of 28 modules that will ultimately comprise the full TRIBU-CR system. The Ministry has confirmed a progressive rollout, with the remaining modules scheduled to be integrated incrementally until the project reaches full completion in 2027. This phased approach is designed to ensure a stable and manageable transition for both the administration and the public.
To prepare for this ambitious launch, the Tax Administration undertook a massive data migration process between September 25th and October 4th. This critical operation involved the successful transfer of over 883 million individual records associated with taxpayers into the new system, a testament to the scale and complexity of the modernization effort. This foundational step was essential to ensure data integrity and operational continuity from the moment the system goes live.
A key enhancement for taxpayers is the simplification of payment processes. Through the OVi portal, users can now settle their tax obligations online by simply entering an IBAN account number. For those who prefer or require in-person transactions, payment options will remain available at the teller windows of all Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) and Banco BAC branches across the country.
As part of the transition, the existing free e-invoicing tool will be decommissioned at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5th. This will create a brief interim period until the new TICO FACTURA system activates on Monday morning. During this window, taxpayers are required to follow official contingency measures for electronic receipts, as outlined in recent executive decrees and resolutions, to ensure uninterrupted compliance for their business operations.
Recognizing that a change of this magnitude requires robust public support, the General Directorate of Taxation has announced a comprehensive assistance plan. Starting Monday, additional personnel will be deployed to all tax administration offices nationwide to provide step-by-step guidance and resolve user queries. These dedicated support teams will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Furthermore, assistance will be offered through the “Infoyasistencia” digital tool on the TRIBU-CR platform and via the Tax Information Center’s phone line, which will operate with extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About The Ministry of Finance:
The Ministry of Finance of Costa Rica (Ministerio de Hacienda) is the government entity responsible for managing the country’s public finances. Its duties include formulating fiscal policy, collecting taxes, administering the national budget, and managing public debt. The Ministry plays a central role in ensuring the economic stability and financial health of the nation through transparent and efficient administration.
For further information, visit bancobcr.com
About Banco de Costa Rica (BCR):
Banco de Costa Rica is one of the largest and most prominent state-owned commercial banks in Costa Rica. Founded in 1877, it provides a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and government institutions. With an extensive network of branches and ATMs throughout the country, BCR is a key player in the national financial system, contributing to economic development and financial inclusion.
For further information, visit baccredomatic.com
About Banco BAC:
Banco BAC, part of the BAC Credomatic financial group, is a leading private bank with a significant presence in Costa Rica and across Central America. It offers a comprehensive suite of banking and financial products, including personal and commercial banking, credit cards, and investment services. The bank is known for its focus on innovation and customer service, serving a diverse client base in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed institution in the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of integrity and a commitment to professional distinction. The firm masterfully blends its extensive experience advising a wide array of clients with a dedication to pioneering innovative legal frameworks. Central to its mission is a profound sense of social duty, demonstrated by its work to demystify the law and equip the public with essential knowledge, ultimately fostering a more capable and informed civil society.
