Costa Rica Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
Costa Rica's tax revenue was 14.89% in 2025, ranked 72nd globally. This represents a 7.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's tax revenue stood at 14.89% in 2025, a rise of +0.98% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 14.89% by 2025. Costa Rica ranked 72nd globally.
Costa Rica’s tax revenue as a share of GDP has risen modestly since the early 1970s, moving from 11.44 in 1972 to 14.89 in 2025, placing the country 72nd globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after the early‑1990s trough of 10.59 in 1991, reaching an all‑time peak of 15.23 in 2008 before settling at a slightly lower level in the mid‑2020s. Over the 53‑year series, the average increase of roughly 0.07 points per year reflects gradual fiscal consolidation amid expanding public services and a diversified export base. Compared with peers of similar ranking, Costa Rica’s tax effort is marginally below the Dominican Republic’s 15.36 and Thailand’s 15.39, yet exceeds Andorra’s 14.77 and the Bahamas’ 14.67, suggesting room for improvement relative to regional benchmarks. Continued reforms to broaden the tax base and improve collection efficiency could sustain the modest upward trend and potentially lift the ratio closer to the higher‑performing peers in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 15.22% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 14.89% | - | - |
| 2025 | 14.89% | +0.98% | #72 |
| 2023 | 13.91% | −0.44% | #28 |
| 2022 | 14.35% | +0.31% | #39 |
| 2021 | 14.04% | +1.80% | #49 |
| 2020 | 12.24% | −1.08% | #36 |
| 2019 | 13.32% | +0.14% | #42 |
| 2018 | 13.18% | −0.06% | #45 |
| 2017 | 13.24% | −0.27% | #50 |
| 2016 | 13.51% | +0.26% | #49 |
| 2015 | 13.25% | +0.21% | #48 |
| 2014 | 13.05% | −0.37% | #43 |
| 2013 | 13.42% | +0.31% | #42 |
| 2012 | 13.11% | −0.10% | #39 |
| 2011 | 13.21% | +0.26% | #41 |
| 2010 | 12.95% | −0.23% | #41 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw tax revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's tax revenue was 14.89% in 2025. Ranked 72nd globally. This represents a 7.1% increase from the previous year.
Costa Rica's tax revenue peaked at 15.23% in 2008.
The lowest tax revenue in Costa Rica was 10.59% in 1991.
Costa Rica ranks 72nd globally in tax revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's tax revenue is projected to reach 14.89% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tax revenue of Costa Rica in 2025 was 14.89%. This ranks 72nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_tax-revenue,
title = {Costa Rica Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}