Tax Administration closes 18 businesses

After closing 18 businesses across the country in the last few days, Costa Rica’s Tax Administration said more closures might be coming.

The list of 18 companies closed last week includes grocery stores, factories, restaurants, bars and a bonded warehouse.

According to a recent report from the Tax Administration, delinquent taxpayers owed ​​more than ₡15 billion ($30 million), but not all of them can be closed.

Tax Administration General Director Carlos Vargas said they would close a business’ branch or office if the company fails to issue receipts. If they fail to pay taxes, officials would close all of a company’s branches.

According to Vargas, the goal “is to improve taxpayer compliance.” The closures are “the latest step in a monitoring process that takes no less than five days,” he added.