Costa Rica: Starting Wednesday All Tax Filing Must Be Online

Starting next Wednesday, August 1, no more running to the bank by the 15th of each month, as all tax submissions and income statement amendments must be submitted online only.

The Ministeio de Hacienda (Ministry of Finance) released the information on Friday, that according to the entity, the requirement is part of the "Cero Papel" (Zero Paper) program, in which the Tax Administration requires all tax reports to be made online to reduce paper use.

The change also unified procedures, according to Carlos Vargas, director general of taxation.

Vargas explained that, until today a taxpayer would still have to visit a financial agency (bank, for example) to deposit sales tax contributions, for example, even though the form was filed electronically.

But, beginning on Wednesday, the taxpayer can file and pay electronically from home or office without the need to visit a the bank

Vargas added that since the inception of the electronic filing a couple of months ago, 98% of taxpayers have done so and it represents a savings of �141 million dollars to the government.

On August 1, payments to Tributaci�n Directa can be made by connecting to authorized bank websites. Taxpayers without an internet connection can continue to make payments personally but only at tax administration offices with tax services kiosks.

The website for taxation is http://www.hacienda.go.cr/tributaciondirecta/