Real Estate  /  Rentals  /  Hotels  /  Professional Services Classifieds  / Garden  Restaurants / Tourism  / Culture & Lifestyle  /  Food   / Sports   / BusinessHealth /
Wild Costa Rica






































Photo via Ministry of Public Transports.


Costa Rica’s marchamo tax deadline approaches this week



You Might
Also Like




















































































Published on Monday, December 30, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff




Approximately 1.9 million vehicle owners in Costa Rica must pay the marchamo tax before January 1, 2025, to avoid fines, according to the National Insurance Institute (INS).




As of Friday, approximately 500,000 vehicle owners have yet to pay their marchamo, INS reported.



The marchamo is a mandatory tax required to operate a vehicle in Costa Rica. Similar to the Road Use Tax in the United States, it helps fund accident insurance, road maintenance, infrastructure, and other related expenses.



This tax applies to the year 2025 and must be paid annually in advance.



The marchamo revenue is allocated as follows: 60% goes to the Ministry of Finance for collecting the annual property tax, 20% is directed to the National Insurance Institute (INS) for the Obligatory Insurance for Motor Vehicles (SOA), and the remainder supports other government institutions.



Vehicle owners can access information and calculate their tax costs through the "Consulta Marchamo" section on the INS website, which allows them to determine the final payment amount.



Once on the site, vehicle owners must enter the plate number. The system will then display the vehicle’s value and the corresponding tax amount.






 


The Ministry of Finance is responsible for determining vehicle values. If the ministry sets a vehicle's price higher than its market value, owners can request a review by selecting the "Solicitud de Revisión" option to claim the assessed value.



The online complaint form allows vehicle owners to contest the assessed value. To file a claim, owners must provide supporting documents, such as the original invoice, sales agreement or at least three advertisements for similar cars (same model, year, and style) listed at prices lower than the ministry's assessment.



However, the ministry's response may take several weeks.

Those looking to pay the tax can do so at the institute’s offices across the country or through any local bank, whether public or private.



The institute also provides a toll-free 11-digit phone line, 800-6272-4266, where a customer service representative can assist with the payment process.



After January 1, 2025, late marchamo tax payments will incur an additional fee, and traffic police may issue a $120 fine for nonpayment, authorities warn.



However, anyone who has to file a claim or process related to the vehicle's license, plates, or fines should wait due to the Traffic Police offices would be closed for in-person service until January 2025 owing to the holiday season.



The National Insurance Institute (INS) is a state-owned agency that provides a range of insurance services, including health, life, vehicle, and natural disaster coverage.



The Ministry of Finance is the government agency responsible for regulating fiscal policy and managing public resources, guided by principles of economic efficiency and effectiveness.



 

---------------
What have you heard about expats having issues paying the marchamo tax? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com



  


hotelrestaurant103017.jpg