Brazil vs Costa Rica
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
π° Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country β side by side.
π§π· Brazil β State & Municipal Taxes
Brazil has one of the world's most complex tax systems. States levy ICMS at 7%β18% varying by state. Municipalities levy ISS (services tax) at 2%β5% and IPTU (urban property tax). A sweeping tax reform (EC 132/2023) is gradually replacing ICMS/ISS with unified IBS and CBS taxes through 2033. States impose ITCMD (inheritance/gift tax) up to 8%.
π¨π· Costa Rica β 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 JosΓ© and other urban cantons have highest rates. National taxes are administered by the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda). Costa Rica underwent significant fiscal reform in 2018β19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.
Brazil vs Costa Rica: Key Tax Differences (2026)
π° Income Tax: π§π· Brazil has a higher top income tax rate (0β27.5% vs 0β25%). π¨π· Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.
π VAT/Sales Tax: Brazil has a higher consumption tax (~27.5% combined vs 13%).
π’ Corporate Tax: π¨π· Costa Rica offers a lower corporate rate (30% vs 34%), which can influence business location decisions.
π Capital Gains: π¨π· Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 22.5%), benefiting investors.