Rich Coast Accounting

Our Story

Rich Coast Accounting was founded by Robert L. Pioso, US CPA CGMA in 2012 after moving to Costa Rica permanently in 2009. With 25 years of experience as a CPA licensed in the State of Illinois, he is one of the few professionals in Costa Rica who understands and works with both US and Costa Rican tax systems and accounting compliance and business planning matters, while being able to communicate in English.

Robert has extensive experience in financial, operational and internal control matters of Costa Rican businesses and the regulatory environment for successfully operating small businesses.

He also provides counsel and reviews cross border tax structures (US and Costa Rica) to create tax savings and minimization strategies. He also assist taxpayers in both the US and Costa Rica with their compliance needs.

A native of the US Midwest (Chicago and Milwaukee), Mr. Pioso worked for two large CPA firms and was the CFO of a real estate development and timeshare company. As one of the only three recognized tax professionals in Costa Rica, by the Internal Revenue Service, he has offices in both Escazu (San Jose) and Nosara (Guanacaste) and has a staff of 6.

Rich Coast Accounting services a variety of clients all over Costa Rica - Nosara, Puerto Viejo, San Jose, Jaco, Manual Antonio, Perez Zeldon, Tamarindo, Playa de Coco, Playa Flamingo, and Uvita.

Robert is a member in good standing in the following professional organizations. Click below to see which ones and review his credentials.

LIcenses/Memberships

Our Services

Costa Rican Business Accounting and Bookkeeping

Need a new way of tracking, organizing and managing your finances?

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Costa Rican Tax Planning and Compliance

Nobody likes to pay more taxes than they should and many find taxation a foreign language.

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Cost Segregation Studies

Are you a real estate developer?

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Operational and Internal Control Assessments

Operating a business in a foreign country can be very challenging.

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US Tax Compliance and Planning

If you are from the USA you are generally are required to file a income tax return – even if the source of the income is outside the USA.

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New Company Registration Services

Costa Rica remains one of the safest and most attractive countries for foreign investment in Latin America and also has become a very popular destination for tourism given its proximity to the United States.

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Our Customers

Here's what real clients have to say about Rich Coast Accounting...

Rich Burnam, Surfing Nosara Services

Nosara, Costa Rica

"We are proud to recommend Rich Coast Accounting. We very much appreciate their attention to detail and guidance. They have provided clear and coherent tax advice and transaction planing for many of our clients and ourselves. Having an English speaking CPA who is knowledgeable about US and Costa Rican taxes and business allows us to add deeper value to our relationships and operating ventures."

Brandon Richardson, Wanderlust Realty

Nosara, Costa Rica

"Over the last few years I have entrusted Robert and his team with all of my personal accounting and the books for my business as well. Not only is the service they offer impeccable, but Robert plays a key role in assisting me with my financial and growth strategy. As an American businessman who has operated multiple businesses in Costa Rica for the last 16 years, Robert and his team are indispensable to my success."

Javier Escalante, Attorney

San Jose, Costa Rica

"Robert (Rich Coast) has been of great help in providing crucial insight and support to a joint client who develops real estate and provides property management services. With his guidance and ideas, the client has been able to create the internal processes and financial systems that were needed. He has vast knowledge of both US and Costa Rican tax, accounting and operating aspects of businesses."

Josh Walker, Pura Vida Management

Nosara, Costa Rica

"Rich Coast Accounting provides Skipper Property Management with prompt and professional services and support. Our back office is able to maintain valuable repport with our clients due to the support that Rich Coast has helped develop and streamline."

Andrew Saxton, Nosara Design & Build

Nosara, Costa Rica

"I use Robert/Rich Coast Accounting for my personal and business accounting both in the US and Costa Rica. Being able to know I'm correctly covered in both gives me and my business peace of mind."

Camilo Guarin, Secure Wrap

Alajuela, Costa Rica

"Rich Coast accounting and their staff are very professional and they know what it takes to create and maintain a business in Costa RIca. When entering a new market, you always feel the fear of the unknown, thankfully we had Robert and his staff to help guide us through the every step of the process. Their team proved to us that they have the experience and professionalism to address all kinds of problems. When issues come up, Rich Coast addresses them quickly and provides solutions. They always go the extra step, and for that we are grateful."

Mike Dlugosh

Jaco, Costa Rica

"Robert has been a true help in understanding my financial situation and managing my US and Costa Rican tax filings. He has provided me timely advice that has helped me save taxes. It is unique to find somebody who speaks English that can explain the nuances of the Costa Rican business and tax system."

Eric Robinson, Adventure Inn

San Jose, Costa Rica

"I have been doing business in Costa Rica since 1995 owning two consecutive San Jose hotels. I have had bookkeepers and so called accountants doing my books and it was a huge mistake, ruining on more than one occasion the sale of my hotels. They just didn't have any ideas, or ways to reduce my taxable income. Out of frustration, I miraculously found Robert Pioso on the Internet. I was finally able to communicate with my accountant in English, and go very in depth with our conversations. For two and a half years Robert has been doing my books, and finally I have clear concise financial statements I can proudly present to potential buyers. He formed other corporations to spread out the tax burden and reduced my taxes to a fraction of what I was paying before, yet we are grossing and netting higher than ever before. But more than this, Robert takes the time to explain my options. He makes suggestions where we are weak and could use improvement, and has voluntarily made good solid suggestions to keep my hotel viable. I can't express enough how happy and satisfied I am with the work he does for me."

Latest News

Feb, 6

Tax Tips for Marriage Status Changes

February 6, 2025 by relanetAdmin

Your tax filing status generally depends on being married or unmarried on the last day of the year – which means that your marital status as of December 31, 2024, determines your tax filing options for all of 2024. For filing purposes, the IRS generally considers you as married if you are separated but notRead more about Tax Tips for Marriage Status Changes[…]
Read more Tax Tips for Marriage Status Changes

Feb, 6

IRS Increases Standard Mileage Rate in 2025

February 6, 2025 by relanetAdmin

The IRS has announced that the optional standard mileage rate for automobiles driven for business will increase by 3 cents in 2025, while the mileage rates for vehicles used for other purposes will remain unchanged from 2024. Optional standard mileage rates are used to calculate the deductible costs of operating vehicles for business, charitable andRead more about IRS Increases Standard Mileage Rate in 2025[…]
Read more IRS Increases Standard Mileage Rate in 2025
Jan, 6

Beware of Fraudulent “Charitable LLC” Schemes

January 6, 2025 by relanetAdmin

IRS officials have warned taxpayers to avoid promoters of fraudulent tax schemes involving donations of ownership interests in closely held businesses, sometimes marketed as “Charitable LLCs.” These promotions often target higher-income filers and are considered abusive transactions by the IRS. While taxpayers can properly deduct donations of closely held business interests, unscrupulous promoters sometimes lureRead more about Beware of Fraudulent “Charitable LLC” Schemes[…]
Read more Beware of Fraudulent “Charitable LLC” Schemes

Jan, 6

Save for Retirement Now, Get a Tax Credit Later

January 6, 2025 by relanetAdmin

Low- and moderate-income taxpayers can save for retirement now and possibly earn a tax credit in 2025 and future years thanks to the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, also known as the Saver’s Credit. This credit can help offset a portion of the first $2,000 ($4,000 if married filing jointly) you voluntarily contribute to Individual RetirementRead more about Save for Retirement Now, Get a Tax Credit Later[…]
Read more Save for Retirement Now, Get a Tax Credit Later
Dec, 6

Form 1099-K Threshold Set to $5,000 for 2024

December 6, 2024 by relanetAdmin

The IRS has announced a change to the requirements that third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs), also known as payment apps and online marketplaces, have regarding reporting transactions during calendar years 2024 and 2025 on Form 1099-K. Under the issued guidance, TPSOs will be required to report transactions when the amount of total payments for those transactionsRead more about Form 1099-K Threshold Set to $5,000 for 2024[…]
Read more Form 1099-K Threshold Set to $5,000 for 2024

Dec, 6

2024 Qualified Charitable Distribution Reminder

December 6, 2024 by relanetAdmin

The end of the year is fast approaching, and with it come a few deadlines that you should consider. If you are age 70½ or older and have an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), one thing you should think about is whether you want to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) for 2024. Qualified IRA ownersRead more about 2024 Qualified Charitable Distribution Reminder[…]
Read more 2024 Qualified Charitable Distribution Reminder
Nov, 6

Inflation Adjustments for 2025

November 6, 2024 by relanetAdmin

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced updates to several amounts that are updated annually for inflation. The tax year 2025 adjustments described below generally apply to income tax returns to be filed starting tax season 2026. The tax items for tax year 2025 of greatest interest to many, include the following dollar amounts: Standard deductions.Read more about Inflation Adjustments for 2025[…]
Read more Inflation Adjustments for 2025

Nov, 6

401(k) and IRA Limit Increases in 2025

November 6, 2024 by relanetAdmin

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that the annual contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $23,500 in 2025, up from $23,000 in 2024. The limit on annual contributions to an IRA remains $7,000. The IRA catch‑up contribution limit forRead more about 401(k) and IRA Limit Increases in 2025[…]
Read more 401(k) and IRA Limit Increases in 2025
Oct, 6

More ERC Forgiveness

October 6, 2024 by relanetAdmin

The IRS has opened a second round of the Employee Retention Credit Voluntary Disclosure Program (or “ERC VDP”) for businesses who may have improperly claimed the ERC in the past. The ERC VDP is open now and runs through Nov. 22, 2024. This ERC VDP helps businesses repay credits they received after filing ERC claimsRead more about More ERC Forgiveness[…]
Read more More ERC Forgiveness

Oct, 6

Tax Treatment of Crowdfunding

October 6, 2024 by relanetAdmin

Crowdfunding is a method of raising money through websites by soliciting contributions from a large number of people. The contributions may be solicited to fund businesses, for charitable donations, or for gifts. Sometimes, the money raised through crowdfunding is solicited by crowdfunding organizers on behalf of other people or businesses. In other cases, people establishRead more about Tax Treatment of Crowdfunding[…]
Read more Tax Treatment of Crowdfunding