As 2025 begins, it’s crucial for property and business owners in Costa Rica to stay informed about corporate tax obligations. Missing deadlines or failing to address back taxes can result in costly penalties and legal issues. This guide outlines the most important tax deadlines for the year, with actionable steps to ensure compliance and peace of mind.
Why is it important to address your Corporate Taxes now?
Ignoring taxes can lead to increased penalties and potential legal issues for your business. The Dirección General de Tributación is committed to improving tax collection efficiency and has been enhancing its monitoring capabilities to track unpaid dues. Companies failing to settle taxes could face:
- Higher Penalties and Accrued Interest: The longer taxes go unpaid, the more interest and penalties accumulate, which can significantly increase the total amount owed.
- Legal Complications: Persistent non-compliance can trigger legal actions, including fines or even the suspension of a company’s operations.
- Hurdles in Accessing Public Services and Government Contracts: Many public sector projects and contracts require that companies are in good standing with their taxes. Outstanding tax obligations could disqualify a company from these opportunities.
Key Tax Deadlines for 2025
Here we have created a timeline of the taxes and deadlines you will need to be sure to pay this 2025 tax year.
Luxury Home Tax
Deadline: January 15
Details: If you own a property classified as a “luxury home” (“viviendas de lujo”), the luxury tax (“Impuesto Solidario”) must be declared and paid. This tax applies to residential properties with construction values exceeding a certain threshold, as defined annually by the Ministry of Finance. The Tax Administration updates the land and construction values every three years, with the next update in 2025.
Recommendations:
- Review the valuation of your property to confirm whether it meets the taxable threshold.
- Declare and pay this tax by January 15 to avoid penalties.
Corporate Tax
Deadline: January 31
Details: Mandated by Laws 9027 and 9428, the Corporate Tax applies to all commercial companies registered with Costa Rica’s National Registry. You must comply with this mandate to stay in business. This tax funds the National Registry’s operations and related services.
Consequences of Non-Payment:
- Accumulation of fines and interest.
- Restrictions in the National Registry, making it impossible to register changes or transactions.
- Disqualification from bidding on government contracts—barring participation in public tenders or contracts with public institutions.
Recommendations:
- Verify your company’s information to determine the correct applicable rate
- Submit payment early to avoid system delays, technical or bank issues near the deadline.
Property Taxes
Deadline: Quarterly or Annually (first quarter must be paid by March 31)
Details: Municipal property taxes are assessed yearly and must be paid to the local municipality. Property owners can pay in full at the start of the year or in quarterly installments.
Recommendations:
- Check your local municipality for updated 2025 tax amounts after Jan 1st annually.
- Choose the payment option (quarterly or annual) that best fits your financial planning.
Educational Stamp (Timbre de Educación y Cultura)
Deadline: February to March
Details: The Timbre de Educación y Cultura is an annual obligation for all corporations. While the tax administration has historically delayed its billing—as was the case in October 2024—it is generally expected to be paid between February and March. Recent enforcement actions by Costa Rica’s tax authorities highlight the importance of addressing back taxes promptly to avoid penalties and accrued interest.
Recommendations:
- Use the Administración Tributaria Virtual (ATV) portal to verify your business’s compliance.
- Address any outstanding dues promptly to avoid additional penalties.
Income Tax
Deadline: March
Details: Income tax is a critical annual obligation for businesses and individuals. Accurate filing requires up-to-date financial records.
Recommendations:
- Consult with a professional accountant to ensure accurate declarations. This is highly recommended due to Costa Rica’s constant growth and any sudden changes in laws, which can negatively affect your business.
- File early to avoid last-minute issues or miscalculations.
Final Beneficiaries Owners Declaration
Deadline: April 30 (annually)
Details: All legal entities domiciled in Costa Rica must submit an annual declaration of their ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) through the Registry of Transparency. ***Changes in ownership must be reported within 15 business days.
Recommendations:
- Prepare this declaration in advance, especially if your ownership structure has changed.
- Seek legal assistance to ensure accuracy in reporting.
Non-Active Entities Filing
Deadline: April 30
Details: Entities without commercial activity must file an annual declaration, often with the help of a local accountant.
Recommendations:
- Verify whether your business qualifies as “inactive.”
- Ensure proper documentation for timely filing.
How do You Verify Your Tax Status in Costa Rica?
Use the Administración Tributaria Virtual (ATV) portal to check your tax obligations. The Consulta de Situación Tributaria tool provides insights into all outstanding dues. It is easy to use, just make sure you have the proper form of identification that aligns with your business so you can find what you are looking for faster.
4 Proactive Tax Management Tips
- Set Reminders: Use digital tools or calendars to stay ahead of deadlines.
- Consult Experts: Work with a legal or accounting professional familiar with Costa Rican tax laws to ensure compliance and optimize your tax obligations.
- Use the ATV Portal Regularly: The ATV platform provides detailed information on outstanding obligations. It is a valuable tool for maintaining compliance and staying up to date with any potential changes or sudden back taxes.
- Keep Receipts and Records: Maintain documentation of all payments to easily respond to any future inquiries from the tax authorities.
Summary of 2025 Tax Deadlines
| Tax | Deadline | Details |
| Luxury Home Tax | January 15 | Applies to properties exceeding the taxable threshold for construction and land value. |
| Corporate Tax | January 31 | Mandatory for all registered commercial entities. |
| Property Taxes | Quarterly/Annual | Pay to local municipalities based on your chosen frequency. First quarter must be paid by March 31. |
| Educational Stamp | February/March | Annual tax supporting education and cultural programs. |
| Income Tax | March | Annual declaration for businesses and individuals. |
| Final Beneficiaries Declaration | April 30 | Report ultimate beneficial owners annually or within 15 business days of changes. |
| Non-Active Entities Filing | April 30 | Applies to entities with no commercial activity. |
Stay Compliant with Blue Zone Legal’s Award Winning Team
Corporate taxes are not just a legal obligation but an investment in Costa Rica’s development. As tax authorities increasingly enforce their requirements, businesses must stay vigilant and proactive in managing their tax obligations, especially if facing potential back taxes. In short, ensuring tax compliance helps avoid penalties, supports national initiatives, and keeps your company in good standing.
For those feeling overwhelmed or unsure about navigating these back taxes, BlueZone Legal is here to help. Our team of tax experts specializes in Costa Rican corporate law and can guide you through understanding, calculating, and resolving any current or outstanding tax obligations. Don’t let these charges take you by surprise—reach out to BlueZone Legal today for a consultation and ensure your company remains compliant with all its tax obligations in Costa Rica.
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