Comments on: “Costa Rica economy cannot take another year” without new taxes, president says

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:22:00 +0000

When people start to see their hard earned tax colones is put to good use, they will pay their taxes. But we all know the government only squanders most of the money and then asks for new taxes. We need corrupt free politicians who really love their country and are willing to make the necessary changes.

By: Karen Mata

Karen Mata — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 15:07:00 +0000

Senor promiso’s prior work experience and indiscretions speak volumes.
Very telling that his first interview as pres was with RT.

By: Roald

Roald — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 00:16:00 +0000

Anyone speak tennis, is a friend indeed!
Good to hear that you are comfortable in Panama Karen..
With this latest salvo on taxes from Señor ‘Promiso’ Solis
makes me seriously wonder how deep the problem goes!
It’s easy to say, go after dodger’s, cheat and evaders. Maybe a different strategy is required. You cannot model say a Eorozone industrialized country that utilizes a VAT system into Costa Rica there is little incentive left for larger larger corporations to open up shop, unless of course tax incentives (exemptions) are given. Companies are moving out now.
We love this country and really, really enjoy our piece of paradise when there like no other, including SoCal. Which is why we invested back in the ‘good ol days of 2006.
How much longer we stay is now under serious consideration.
All the best.
Roald

By: Karen Mata

Karen Mata — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:45:00 +0000

The people are equally nice, while overall the COL is nearly half that of CR. The restaurants here are excellent compared to SJ where at the CRTC a salad can be life threatening. Purchased in a new urbanization outside David toward Boquete, and have had no problems with crime.

Membership at the tennis club was only 1500$, It’s a small version of the CRTC with 2 covered courts.

Despite all that after many years in Rohrmoser I look forward to returning. The newly proposed tax laws have given me pause though.

By: Roald

Roald — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 22:13:00 +0000

After 5 years now in Panama how do you feel with the re-location. How is the crime rate, assuming you don’t live downtown Panama City?

By: Karen Mata

Karen Mata — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:52:00 +0000

Spot on, Roald.
Arrived in 91, and moved the family in 95. We loved it!!
Following the changes that started in 2010, moved to Panama.

By: Ken Morris

Ken Morris — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 00:18:00 +0000

Well, most major global financial authorities also say that Costa Rica needs to raise taxes, so Solís isn’t saying anything that everybody doesn’t already know.

My puzzlement still centers on the PLN. Alvarez of the PLN is correct to say that “the government” should “take action to rein in public pensions, wages, and bonuses” as part of any fiscal reform package that includes tax increases, but I’m wondering who he means when he refers to “the government.” My understanding is that the president can’t unilaterally address these issues, but that addressing them requires legislative action in a legislature dominated by the PLN. How can a legislator fault the president for failing to do what only the legislature can do?

Meanwhile, there is of course the issue that the legislators’ salaries and benefits are an obvious place to start cutting, yet the legislators haven’t made a move in this direction.

I can’t help suspecting that the PLN is so bent on destroying the PAC for its own political gain that it is willing to destroy the country in the process.

By: toolman78

toolman78 — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 22:22:00 +0000

The wealthiest families in CR are also the biggest tax cheats out there. That’s the main reason why the loop holes are never dealt with. They have no incentive to give the tax collectors more power, that would only weaken the position of those with the biggest earnings in the country. There a reasons why the whole system seems so convoluted, and it’s not by accident.
One simple example is the way properties are taxed. There are still huge pieces of property that are being used agriculturally that aren’t registered. And the people in possession of those lands have no interest in getting them registered as then they would have to start paying taxes on them. It would be a simple thing to say that all properties must be registered within a 5 year time frame, or they would go to public action. It would create a huge increase in tax income, but it will never happen as the people with the most to lose are also the people pulling the strings.

By: prdatki

prdatki — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 15:50:00 +0000

The First thing that needs to be done is cut all benefits from Congress,no $200 a day for food, no retirement or benefits. Jail the last two Presidents for corruption. Then cut all pay in Private sector by 50%, cut benefits. Do not give the Church one Million dollars a year.Legalize and tax Marijuana. Then audit you and all of the politicians and head of the Private sector. After that you can reduce Taxes.

By: Roald

Roald — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 15:28:00 +0000

Yep. …. what a disappointment CR has turned out to be these last few years.
They need a good leader, motivator.