2026 estimated Expenses for Costa Rica House based on 2025 actual costs:
1. Taxes, paid annually:
a. The Viento Lindo properties consisting of 50 acres plus the house, under the Reforestation and Real Estate in Costa Rica SRL: $1,525.57.
It is currently designated as an inactive corporation, and consists of 3 maps: the 5 acres with the house on it, the adjacent 5 acres, and the 40 acres adjacent to that. I'm not sure how the taxes would break down for one or two of the three parcels.
All property taxes were paid Jan 2026 in arears.
b. The La Gata property consisting of 25 acres, not adjacent to Viento Lindo farms, but on the same "mother farm" a short distance down the road towards Munta Mira and Lagunas.
Corporation: La Gata Pashka, SA $742.24
2. Starlink Internet service (equipment is installed and active). Note that Kolbi local cell service also works here. (an old IMAC computer is included with the property, kept under the bed, along with a large new Samsung TV).
$45/mo and I reimburse a friend who lives in Costa Rica to get Tico rates. The account can be transferred.
3. Electricity from ICE:
Averages $54-58/mo. with lights & security cameras on all night, some air conditioning
4. Water TFT SINPE:
Averages $20/mo + $3/mo for SINPE for total of $23/mo
5. Annual Legal services with Pacific Coast Law in Dominical:
Declarations of Shareholders & other legal services as needed:
$450.00/yr. (note Personerias are typically $60) Usos de Suelos $100/ea.)
Note that Commencing June 4, 2025, Law No.10597 establishes the use of email as the official means of notification for corporations inscribed in Costa Rica, and the law firm can make sure this gets registered.
6. Optional:
a. Caretaker fee to maintain landscaping around the house and keep gutters free: $50-$60/mo Johnny works as an independent contractor and can also provide quotes on projects and arrange for delivery of materials.
b. 2 House cleanings/mo to maintain inside of house and sweep patios outside, and clean windows: $80/mo
c. CR Contadores Accounting firm to make up to 10 payments per month from my escrow account to pay utilities or other expenses:
$60/mo
d. The Diaz family currently maintains the farmland and road frontage in an agreement that can be terminated with notice or renegotiated for the new owners in a legal document called a "Contrato de Uso Por Mera Tolerencia" whereby Johnny & Maryluz can put up to 20 cows, 3 horses, & other small livestock on the farmlands in exchange for maintaining the farm.