1. Property Taxes (Muni Tax)
- General Notes:
- If you own property with a co-owner, each owner must pay their share separately
- Be aware that tax bills do not show if the other owner has paid, so coordination is necessary
- Pay Online: Go to page https://comercio.ifam.go.cr/sanmateo
- Log into the municipal tax system using your identification number (or corporation number)
- You can select if you want to see what is owing for part of the year or the full year
- The system will show you what is owing for the property taxes, but also some smaller fees owing to clean the parks and maintain the roads
- Pay online
- In Person: If you are unable to pay the property taxes online, you can go in person to the San Mateo City Hall (located to the left of the Banco National ATM in San Mateo).
- Provide your identification number (or corporation number)
- Pay in person (they do accept credit cards for payment)
2. Electricity & Water Bills
- Electricity Provider: ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad).
- Water Provider: AyA (Acueductos y Alcantarillados)
- Payments can be made through:
- Bank transfers via Costa Rican banks.
- CR banking apps like BCR Móvil, BAC San José, and BNCR.
- Supermarkets and authorized payment centers.
3. Internet & Mobile Services
- Popular providers include ICE, Liberty, Kolbi, and Claro.
- The Mi Liberty app allows customers to pay their bills online without needing to visit a store.
- Phone plans can be recharged at convenience stores or paid through apps.
4. Bank Transfers & General Payments
- When filling out bank forms, addresses in Costa Rica are descriptive, often using landmarks instead of formal street numbers.
- Most banks offer online banking apps to make bill payments easier.
5. Using SINPE for Payments in Costa Rica
- SINPE Móvil allows transfers between Costa Rican banks using a phone number.
- Payments can be made via banking apps (BCR, BAC, BNCR, etc.).
- Maximum transfer limit depends on the bank, usually between ₡100,000 to ₡2,000,000 per day.
- Works for bill payments, rent, and purchases at businesses that accept SINPE.
6. Corporate Taxes
- Corporate taxes must be paid by January 31 every year
- Payment can be made at any BCR or BAC branch by providing your corporation number (there is a BCR branch in Orotina)
- Cash only (credit card payments are not accepted)