Property Tax
One of the great benefits of owning property in Costa Rica is low property taxes. Here we pay .25% of the registered value per year, so on a property valued at $100,000, the annual taxes would be $250. Property taxes are payable quarterly, but you can pay until the end of the year in advance, and there is a 5% discount if you do so. In most urban districts, there is also normally a fee for garbage collection and maintenance services. In our county called Garabito, the trash collection is roughly $10.50 per month and is included in the property tax statement. You can pay the taxes at the local municipality or via wire transfer.
Luxury Tax
If the construction value of a home or condo is over approximately $230,000, then there is an additional .25% to .55% luxury tax. In our region, it is normally only the finest 3 bedroom + residences with an applicable luxury tax, and they are normally only subject to an additional .25%. Therefore, the total property taxes on such a luxury residence would be the normal .25% property tax + .25% luxury tax = .5%.
Capital Gains Tax
As of July 1, 2019, a capital gains tax is applicable. A primary residence is exempt from the capital gains tax, but investment properties will be subject to a 15% tax on the gain in value from when purchased to when sold. Properties purchased before July 1, 2019, have the option of paying 2.25% of the sales price instead of 15% on the gain in value.
Tax for Non-Domiciled Sellers
This tax only applies if you own your property in your personal name with a foreign passport and is 2.5% of the sales price. If you own your property via a Costa Rican corporation or a Costa Rican ID (cedula), this tax does not apply. Furthermore, this tax does not apply if you occupy the property for 183 days or more per year. This tax ensures that a foreign seller will pay the capital gains tax, so the 2.5% tax must be withheld instead of the capital gains tax for the property title to be transferred.
Vacation Rental Taxes
Vacation rental properties fall under the "hotel tax" and are subject to a 13% value-added tax added to all goods and services in Costa Rica. Most property managers will charge this to the renter and pay the government on behalf of the owner.
Income Tax
Under the Costa Rican tax system, residents and corporations are taxed only on income earned in Costa Rica. If you have a vacation rental property, it would be necessary to file a tax return once a year, and taxes would be paid on the net income. Deductions can be made for depreciation, travel expenses for 1% of the gross income declared insurance premiums and any costs that are incurred necessary to produce the income.
Taxation of Retirement Income
If you retire in Costa Rica, you probably already pay taxes on your retirement income, no matter where you come from. This exempts you from paying income tax in Costa Rica. Yes, retirees in Costa Rica do NOT pay any taxes on their foreign retirement income. You only pay income tax if you run a profitable business.
The Tax Year
The tax year ends on December 30th, and you must pay the annual tax before January 30th of the following year. However, legislation was approved in 2019 that will change to a calendar-based tax year from January to December.