New online tax filing system in Costa Rica starts in October

Starting Oct. 4, a new online system will replace the software taxpayers currently use in Costa Rica to submit tax returns, Finance Ministry officials reported on Monday.

The new online platform, called Virtual Tax Administration (ATV), will be available at the ministry’s website and will replace current software taxpayers are required to install on their computers.

Finance Vice Minister Fernando Rodríguez said ATV will expedite the filing process for taxpayers and will allow the agency immediate access to updated reports.

The new system can be accessed from any computer with Internet service and works with most browsers, Rodríguez said.

Taxpayers already registered with the Tax Administration can log on the system using identification numbers and passwords. Users who forgot their passwords can call 2539-4000 and ask for assistance in Spanish.

ATV will ask users to register a cellphone number and email address. This information will be used to notify taxpayers about the completion of procedures in the system, but the platform will not be available for mobile devices.

Tax Administration Director Carlos Vargas Durán said the system adds improved security features over the software version, and “users can have complete confidence that their information will not be accessed or stolen by unauthorized persons.”

In its first stage, the ATV will be used for filing income taxes, sales taxes and solidarity taxes.

The older EDDI-7 system will remain active temporarily for administrative procedures including the processing of tax payment forms (D.110), payment of fines for administrative violations (D.116), payment of property transfer taxes (D.120) and filing of tax returns for the transfer of vehicles, aircraft and watercraft (D.121).

Taxpayers who do not have access to a computer with an Internet connection can use computers with public access at the Tax Administration’s branches in all provinces, as well as public libraries, intelligent community centers and kiosks that will be available at the University of Costa Rica and the National Technical University.