Bahamas vs Costa Rica
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
๐ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ side by side.
๐ง๐ธ Bahamas โ Local Government Rates & Fees
The Bahamas' islands have local government bodies collecting fees for services, building permits, and business licences. The Bahamas famously has no income tax, no capital gains tax, no corporate income tax, and no withholding tax โ making it one of the world's purest zero-tax jurisdictions. Revenue comes through VAT (introduced 2015), real property tax, customs duties, and stamp duty. As a major offshore financial centre and tourism destination, the Bahamas has faced OECD/FATF pressure on transparency and has made significant reforms.
๐จ๐ท 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 2018โ19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.
Bahamas vs Costa Rica: Key Tax Differences (2026)
๐ฐ Income Tax: ๐จ๐ท Costa Rica has a higher top income tax rate (0% vs 0โ25%). ๐ง๐ธ Bahamas is more favourable for high earners.
๐ VAT/Sales Tax: Costa Rica has a higher consumption tax (10% vs 13%).
๐ข Corporate Tax: ๐ง๐ธ Bahamas offers a lower corporate rate (0% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
๐ Capital Gains: ๐ง๐ธ Bahamas taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 15%), benefiting investors.