Navigating VAT in Costa Rica

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Costa Rica, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Costa Rica.

Last Updated: November 2025
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2019

is when Costa Rica transitioned from a sales tax to a comprehensive VAT system.

Costa Rica at a glance.

Standard rate

13% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 13%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Zero-rated items

Education services (regulated), Books, Exports, etc.

VAT format

10-digit number

Fiscal representation

Yes, required for non-resident businesses conducting VAT-related activities in Costa Rica

VAT compliance in Costa Rica.

Doing business in Costa Rica? You’ll need to play by the Value Added Tax Act rules.

Who needs to register?

Any business carrying out taxable activities in Costa Rica is required to register.

VAT registration in Costa Rica
VAT filing deadlines in Costa Rica

Monthly

15th day of the following month

VAT payment deadlines in Costa Rica

Monthly

15th day of the following month

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Costa Rica requires foreign digital service providers to register for VAT if they supply digital services to consumers in Costa Rica.

e-invoicing in Costa Rica.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

Yes

B2C mandate in place

Yes

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

Historic

B2B e-Invoicing model

N/A

Name of exchange infrastructure

Virtual Tax Administration (ATV) system

Format(s) used

XML (Costa Rica Comprobante Electrónico schema) with digital signature

FAQs

Only businesses registered for IVA with the Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) may reclaim VAT. The expenses must directly relate to taxable business activities.

VAT reclaim is done through the monthly IVA return (Formulario D-104). Input VAT on purchases is deducted from output VAT on sales. If credits exceed liabilities, the remaining credit is carried forward. Refunds are possible in specific cases (e.g., exporters).

VAT returns are filed monthly, using the D-104 form. Payments are due by the 15th of the month following the taxable period.

Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

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