Airbnb has announced an update on its tax contributions in Costa Rica, revealing that as of December 2024, the platform has contributed over $5 million in taxes. This milestone follows Airbnb’s June 2023 registration with the Ministry of Finance as a cross-border digital service provider, making it the first foreign accommodation platform to comply with Value Added Tax (VAT) regulations in the country.
Airbnb: A Leader in Tax Compliance
Since registering with Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance, Airbnb remains the only platform in its sector that is fully registered and tax compliant. This move underscores Airbnb’s commitment to local tax regulations and responsible business practices.
“Taxes are a vital source of funding for local governments and communities and are key revenue-generating mechanisms for jurisdictions in all countries,” said Carlos Muñoz, Director of Public Policy for Airbnb Central America and the Caribbean. “Airbnb proudly collaborates with the government on local tax matters and is committed to continuously promoting this responsibility among the host community throughout the region.”
Growing Taxpayer Participation Among Airbnb Hosts
Airbnb has also played a significant role in encouraging compliance among hosts. According to data from the General Directorate of Taxation, the number of registered hosts renting real estate for residential use for periods of less than one month has increased notably:
- 2023: 5,621 registered hosts
- 2024: 6,815 registered hosts
- Growth: 21.24% increase in host tax registration
This increase highlights Airbnb’s ongoing efforts to promote fiscal responsibility within its host community in Costa Rica.
Airbnb’s Commitment to Tax Transparency and Compliance
One of Airbnb’s primary objectives in Costa Rica is to foster a culture of tax compliance and transparency among hosts.
“One of Airbnb’s goals is to continue promoting fiscal responsibility among the host community in Costa Rica. The idea is for hosts to understand and comply with their tax obligations. Airbnb is committed to continuing to work closely with the Costa Rican government to provide the necessary information in an adequate and timely manner, always in line with the parameters established by the OECD,” added Muñoz.
Costa Rica’s Role in International Tax Cooperation
Costa Rica stands out as one of the first Latin American nations—and the first in Central America—to sign and implement the Multilateral Convention on Exchange of Information on Tax Matters for digital platforms and the collaborative economy.
This agreement strengthens Airbnb’s position as a tax-compliant platform and reinforces the company’s commitment to adhering to international tax regulations. By maintaining proactive cooperation with Costa Rican authorities, Airbnb continues to ensure that its operations contribute to the economic development of the country while supporting hosts in meeting their fiscal obligations.
Airbnb’s $5 million+ tax contribution marks a significant step in the company’s collaboration with the Costa Rican government. With growing numbers of hosts registering with tax authorities and Costa Rica’s leadership in international tax transparency, Airbnb continues to set an industry example for responsible tax compliance and economic contribution.
