Costa Rica News – So you are thinking about packing your things and relocating to Costa Rica. But the decision needs to be made on whether to bring your own personal effects or buy in the country. How much are you going to be taxed on the good you are shipping to Costa Rica?
No matter how you plan to import your goods to Costa Rica, through a private service or a commercial offering, import duty and taxes are something you must be in the know about. They are unavoidable.
CIF is something you will hear or read about. It stands for Cost, Insurance and Freight and it is how the taxes due are determined. Additionally, there are sales tax, consumption tax and taxes on estimated earnings to consider.
Sales Tax
Sales Tax is levied on imports at a standard rate of 13%, or a reduced rate of 10% on some goods, calculated on the sum of the CIF value, duty and other applicable taxes.
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Other Taxes and Custom Fees
- Consumption Tax is applicable on some goods at rates between 0% and 95% calculated on the sum of the CIF value and the duty.
- GE (VAT on estimated earnings) is applicable on some goods at rates between 0% and 125% calculated on the sum of the CIF value, duty, Consumption Tax, Law 6946, and Agrar Tax if applicable,
- Golfito Tax (Tourism Development tax) is applicable on most goods at rates between 1% and 30% calculated on the sum of the CIF value and the duty.
- Law 6946 (National Emergency Law) is applicable on all imports at rates between 0% and 1% calculated on the sum of the CIF value and the duty.
If you are a Spanish speaker or in this case reader you can find more information at the Costa Rica Customs website.
