Published on Friday, August 29, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Starting September 1, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance will update its online invoicing system, known as ATV, to improve tracking of payments made through the National Electronic Payments System (Sinpe).

Authorities say the new system (version 4.4) will remain accessible via the Ministry of Finance’s website but will introduce several changes to the invoice format.

Under the current Value Added Tax (VAT) law, all businesses, including professionals and companies providing goods or services, are required to issue electronic invoices. These invoices must clearly show the 13% VAT, commonly referred to as the sales tax.

One of the most significant changes is the ability to categorize payments received through Sinpe directly on the invoice. Going forward, all Sinpe payments must be properly recorded on the corresponding invoice.

The update comes as banks, both public and private, will no longer send reports to the Ministry detailing Sinpe transactions in the country. As a result, it is now the responsibility of businesses and professionals to issue electronic invoices specifying whether payments were made in cash, by bank transfer, bank deposit, or via Sinpe.


This addition comes just weeks before the Ministry launches its new invoicing platform, "TRIBU Costa Rica," in October. Authorities estimate that more than $20 million in transactions will be processed through Sinpe in 2024.


For clarification on the new invoice format and recording Sinpe payments, users can contact Ministry of Finance experts by phone at (506) 2539-4777 or visit the customer support department at the Ministry’s central offices on Avenida 2 in downtown San José.


The Ministry of Finance is the government agency responsible for regulating fiscal policy and managing public resources, guided by principles of economic efficiency and effectiveness.

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