Accounting in Costa Rica and Company Tax Requirements

Costa Rica presents an excellent opportunity for investment and relocation of your company. With a booming tourism industry and record results in the clean energy sector, it has become an attractive destination for companies from around the world. However, understanding accounting in Costa Rica is essential for all companies and investors operating in this Central American nation.

Accounting in Costa Rica involves compliance with specific tax requirements, such as corporate tax rates, value added tax (VAT) and social security contributions. In addition, companies must adhere to local financial reporting standards, which may differ from International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Companies must be aware of accounting requirements in Costa Rica to avoid penalties and ensure the smooth running of their operations. Understanding these regulations will ensure that your company is compliant and can take full advantage of the opportunities offered by this vibrant economy, whether you want to register a company in Costa Rica or simply outsource some business processes here.

What are the company accounting requirements in Costa Rica?

The companies accounting requirements in Costa Rica are divided into 2 categories: Corporate obligations and employer obligations.

1. Corporate obligations:

• Keep the accounting and legal books updated.
• Make sure that all information regarding the company is up to date with the Ministry of Finance.
• Complete the registry of transparency and final beneficiaries, which consists of a computer system developed by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, which allows legal entities to provide the information to register their participants.
• Presentation of VAT tax declarations, this is presented monthly in the first 15 calendar days of the following month.
• Presentation of income tax returns, this is presented during the first 15 calendar days of March.
• Keep supporting documents for 5 years.

2. Employer obligations:

• Tax withholding: If a worker’s salary exceeds ¢941,000 (around USD$1,800) monthly, the employer must withhold a percentage of the salary, submit a declaration to the Ministry of Finance, and pay the tax.
  
• Employee Social Security: An employer must pay social security charges of 26.67% of employee wages and 10.67% on behalf of the worker. Both payments must be completed by the employer, who must withhold the relevant percentage of the worker’s salary. Payment is made monthly.

INS work risk policy: This policy is mandatory payment and aims to protect workers against work risks that they may suffer from the work carried out. The rate for calculating the policy ranges from 0.36% to 9.04% of the total wages reported at the end of the year.

5 Key dates for accounting in Costa Rica:

1. Last working day of March (first installment of income tax).
2. Last working day of June (second installment of income tax).
3. Last working day of September (third installment of income tax).
4. 15th December (Final day to present a declaration of income tax).
5. 15th of each month (Sales tax).

Note: The main problem that many small and medium companies face in Costa Rica is they often lack an ordered accounting system. According to data from the Public Accountancy College, only 20% of small and medium businesses last more than 3 years, and often these numbers are due to a lack of coordination and accounting support. It is also the major cause of tax evasion cases which costs the government upwards of ₡750 million per year. 

What is the tax structure in Costa Rica?

All persons or legal entities must pay an annual tax as established in Law 9024 of the Tax on Legal Persons. The amount of this tax varies according to the type of commercial activity and company income according to the % of the base salary. The current base salary during 2023 is ₡462,200 (approx USD$900).

Non-contributing companies pay a rate of 15% of the base salary, around ₡69,330 (approx. USD$128). The same amount applies to companies registered in the RUT that do not declare income tax.

Accounting requirements in Costa Rica: Taxpaying companies

Companies that do not declare activity declare income at zero or less than 120 base salaries, approximately $102,800. They pay 25% of the base salary (approx. USD$214).

Companies with gross income between 120 and 280 base salaries pay 30% of the base salary (approx. USD$257).

Companies with gross income of more than 280 base salaries pay 50% of the base salary (approx. USD$428).

Newly created companies pay the same amount as ‘non-taxpayer’ companies, the payment is made proportionally to the date of company formation and the rest of the year.

What is the rate of income tax in Costa Rica?

The generating event of the tax on profits is the perception or accrual of income in money or in kind, continuous or occasional, from lucrative activities of Costa Rican source, as well as any other income or benefit of Costa Rican source not exempted by law. Payment of this tax is made in 3 quarterly installments – in June, September, and December. The payment is made by taking an average of the last 3 fiscal periods.

This tax occurs in the tax year beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each year. It is calculated based on gross income and the relevant percentages of your net income:

1. 5%: The first five million seven hundred sixty-one thousand colones (₡5,761,000) / (USD$10,678) of annual net income.
   
2. 10%: Over the excess of five million seven hundred sixty-one thousand colones (₡5,761,000) / (USD$10,678) and up to eight million six hundred forty-three thousand colons (₡8,643,000) / ($USD16,019) of net income.
   
3. 15%: Over the excess of eight million six hundred forty-three thousand colones (₡8,643,000) / (USD$16,019) and up to eleven million five hundred twenty-four thousand colones (₡11,524,000) / (USD$21,359) of annual net income.
   
4. 20%: On the excess of eleven million five hundred twenty-four thousand colones (₡11,524,000) / (USD$21,359) of annual net income.
   
5. 30%: Legal entities whose gross income exceeds ₡122,145,000,000 / USD$226,383,097, must apply a fixed tax rate.
   

What is the VAT in Costa Rica?

It is an indirect tax that falls on consumption, which means that when a person (customer) purchases a good or service, they are paying this tax at a general rate of 13% or one of the reduced rates of 4%, 2%, 1% or 0.5% that applies to certain exemptions.

What is the general sales tax in Costa Rica?

Any company that sells goods or provides regular services must pay this tax once a month. The tax rate is 13% for the provision of any service or good.

FAQs about accounting in Costa Rica

Based on our extensive experience these are the common questions and doubts from our clients when looking to understand accounting and taxation in Costa Rica.

Get support with accounting requirements in Costa Rica

To start a company in Costa Rica, you need the support of a qualified account and tax specialist from the outset. A well-thought-out business plan will not be able to evolve if your business does not remain in good standing with the local Costa Rican authorities. 

Biz Latin Hub can assist you with all accounting, taxation, and financial matters. Our specialist team has a comprehensive understanding of local laws and complications in the Costa Rican business environment and is well-equipped to work with foreign companies looking to conduct commercial activity in the region.

To learn more about the accounting requirements in Costa Rica, the business opportunities to form a company, and how you might take advantage of this market, please contact us today.

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