One of the major proposed changes would swap the current sales tax for a value added tax that would encompass services as well as goods. Tourism activities would be exempt for the first year after the law goes into effect, then charged 5 percent in the second year, 10 percent in the third and 15 percent starting the fourth year.
President Luis Guillermo Solís on Tuesday evening sent the Legislative Assembly a bill proposing the cancellation of a backlog of sales taxes, interest and fines for tourism businesses as stipulated by a new provision of the country's Sales Tax Law that took effect Aug. 1.
Employees whose gross monthly income is less than ₡793,000 ($1,455) will be exempt from paying income tax, according to the latest update for the fiscal year 2015 approved by the Finance Ministry last week.
Leaders of the National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR) on Tuesday said they will use all available legal tactics to challenge a Finance Ministry order to start collecting 13 percent sales tax on all tourism activities, including several that previously were exempt.
A reorganization of the Solís administration has the tourism sector on edge. On Monday, the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels criticized a decree signed by President Luis Guillermo Solís that places the tourism sector under the authority of the Economy Ministry.
Leaders of the National Tourism Chamber sent President Luis Guillermo Solís a letter asking him to block a Finance Ministry decree ordering tourism businesses to collect sales tax on several tourism activities that were previously exempt.
Concerns by the National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR) became a reality on Friday as the Tax Administration issued an order to businesses to begin charging sales tax on all tourism activities.
In preparation for year-end Christmas bonuses, which usually prompt a spike in robberies and assaults, police are stepping up patrols in the nation’s capital.
