Accounting, Tax & Compliance Services in Golfito, Costa Rica
Our Accounting Services in Golfito, Costa Rica
Property Tax Declarations
We assist property owners with the preparation and filing of municipal property tax declarations, helping keep property values and tax obligations properly updated.
VAT (IVA) & Income Tax Filings
We prepare and file applicable VAT (IVA) and income tax returns, helping property owners and companies stay current with their Costa Rican tax obligations.
Monthly Bookkeeping
We maintain accurate monthly records of income and expenses, including electronic invoicing, keeping your property or company finances organized and up to date.
Tax Registration with Hacienda
We assist individuals and companies with registration before Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance (Hacienda), including tax obligations and electronic invoicing setup.
Annual Corporate Tax Compliance
We help coordinate annual tax and corporate obligations, including required declarations and payments, to keep your company in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have tax obligations in Costa Rica simply because I own a property?
Potentially. Property ownership can involve municipal property taxes and declarations, while additional tax obligations may arise depending on how the property is owned, it's tax value and whether it generates income. Properties owned through a Costa Rican corporation can also create separate corporate obligations.
2. Do I need to register with Hacienda if I use my property as a rental ?
Generally, rental activity can create tax registration and filing obligations in Costa Rica - in particular short term rentals. The exact obligations depend on the ownership structure, type of rental activity, and other circumstances. We can help determine the appropriate registrations and filings for your situation.
3. What taxes may apply when I rent my property in Costa Rica?
Rental income may create income or real-estate capital income obligations and, depending on the activity and circumstances, VAT (IVA) obligations. The appropriate tax treatment should be determined based on how the property is used, who owns it, and the nature of the rental activity.
4. Do I need to issue electronic invoices for rental income?
The answer to this depends on a few factors including the length and terms of the rental agreement. We need to know more about your specific case. If your activity requires electronic invoicing under Costa Rican tax regulations, the appropriate electronic receipts must be generated and properly incorporated into your accounting records. We can assist with the initial setup and ongoing accounting of electronic invoices.
5. What is the annual Corporate Tax (Impuesto a las Personas Jurídicas)?
Costa Rican companies are generally subject to an annual corporate tax. The amount depends on whether the company is active or inactive and, for active companies, its level of gross income. For 2026, Hacienda lists different amounts for inactive and active companies and warns that late payment can result in interest and penalties.
6. Does an inactive corporation still have tax and compliance obligations?
Yes. Owning property through an "inactive" corporation does not necessarily mean there are no compliance obligations. For example, Hacienda confirms that inactive companies are still subject to the annual Corporate Tax unless an exemption applies. Other corporate or reporting requirements may also apply depending on the entity.
7. What is the Beneficial Ownership Declaration (RTBF)?
The Registro de Transparencia y Beneficiarios Finales identifies the individuals who ultimately own or control certain legal entities. Companies subject to the requirement need to keep this information compliant. Failure to comply can also affect certain transactions before the Registro Nacional.
8. How often do I need to declare the value of my property?
Under Costa Rica's Property Tax Law, property owners must declare the value of their real estate to the municipality where the property is located at least once every five years. We can assist with this compliance together with the legal owner or by assignment of a POA.
9. Why is monthly bookkeeping important for a rental property?
Good bookkeeping keeps income, expenses, invoices and supporting documents organized throughout the year. It also gives your accountant the information needed to prepare applicable tax filings and helps property owners understand the actual financial performance of their property.
10. How do I know which tax obligations apply to me?
It depends on factors such as whether the property is held personally or through a corporation, whether it generates income, the type of rental activity, and the company's tax registration. We can review your situation and help identify the recurring accounting and tax obligations applicable to your property or company.
DISCLAIMER
Tax and accounting requirements vary according to each property owner's circumstances, ownership structure and economic activity. The information provided here is for general informational purposes and should not be considered individualized tax or legal advice. Contact us to review the obligations applicable to your property or company.