Can I lose my property for failure to pay Costa Rica property taxes?

Just like any country in the world, you are required to pay your taxes. Failure to pay your property taxes can initiate the start of foreclosing on your land or your house by the Municipality.  Most property managers pay your taxes as part of their services, and many law firms offer this service too.  But in the end it is your obligation to make sure they get paid.  So every year you should follow up and confirm that these taxes have been paid. Like anywhere, there are penalties and interest for paying late.

What are Costa Rica closing costs?

In Costa Rica, all closings are handled by a law firm, with a government authorized third party escrow, such as Secure Title Costa Rica. The fees are generally much higher than you would see in the USA or Canada, but surely nothing that will scare you away from a purchase.

The reason for this is simple. The government of Costa Rica, like any government, must collect taxes in order to survive. Most Costa Ricans live in the same house their entire lives. They are not like North Americans, who might buy and sell many properties in their lifetimes. It is very common for Costa Ricans to still live with their parents, even as adults. And many properties are given from the parents to their children for free. A farmer might subdivide his large property and give small sections to each of his children to build a house on. In the USA and Canada, there are many ways to collect taxes to keep the country moving.   Capital gains taxes in the USA are some of the highest in the world. There is also an inheritance tax and unfortunately a death tax. You have very high property taxes in most states, and also many additional taxes: School taxes, road taxes, garbage taxes, State taxes. It never seems to end.