WorldTax Compareโ† All Comparisons

Costa Rica vs United Kingdom
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica
vs
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom
Tax Year:

๐Ÿ’ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ€” side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison โ†’
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
Top Income Tax Rate
0โ€“25%
25% top; fiscal consolidation achieved
No change
0โ€“45%
Thresholds remain frozen; fiscal drag continuing
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
13%
13% IVA maintained
No change
0โ€“20%
Standard 20% maintained
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
30%
30%; Pillar Two for MNCs; tech sector growing
No change
19โ€“25%
25% main rate; possible future reform discussions
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
15%
15% maintained
No change
18โ€“24%
Post-Oct 2024 rates in full effect
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~41.17%
High contributions; reform proposals for sustainability
No change
~28.3%
15% employer NI; lower secondary threshold remains
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica โ€” Municipal Taxes

Costa Rica's 84 cantons (municipalities) levy the impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles (property tax at 0.25% of assessed value), business licences (patente municipal), and construction permits. The Municipalidad de San Josรฉ and other urban cantons have highest rates. National taxes are administered by the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda). Costa Rica underwent significant fiscal reform in 2018โ€“19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom โ€” Devolved, Council & Business Rates

Scotland sets its own income tax bands (six bands; top rate 48%). Wales has limited income tax-varying powers. Northern Ireland follows UK rates. All residents pay Council Tax to local authorities (typically ยฃ1,200โ€“ยฃ4,000+/year). Business rates are set nationally but collected locally. SDLT applies to property purchases (LBTT in Scotland, LTT in Wales).

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025โ€“2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

Costa Rica vs United Kingdom: Key Tax Differences (2026)

๐Ÿ’ฐ Income Tax: ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom has a higher top income tax rate (0โ€“25% vs 0โ€“45%). ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.

๐Ÿ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: United Kingdom has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 0โ€“20%).

๐Ÿข Corporate Tax: ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom offers a lower corporate rate (25% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Capital Gains: ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 24%), benefiting investors.

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