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.

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

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 Santa Ana (San Jose) and Nosara (Guanacaste) and has a staff of 6.

He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, The Illinois CPA Society, the American Bar Association, the Association for Certified Fraud Examiners and The Charted Institute of Management Accountants.

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

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

Jun, 1

Beat Market Volatility with a Retirement Bucket Plan

June 1, 2018 by relanetAdmin

We have seen an increase in market volatility in early 2018. A steep pullback in stocks could be good news for working people who are building retirement funds, but those approaching or in retirement might be hurt.
Read more Beat Market Volatility with a Retirement Bucket Plan

Jun, 1

IRS Okays Home Equity Deductions

June 1, 2018 by relanetAdmin

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 affected the tax deduction for interest paid on home equity debt as of 2018. Under prior law, you could deduct interest on up to $100,000 of home equity debt, no matter how you used the money. The old rule is scheduled to return in 2026. The badRead more about IRS Okays Home Equity Deductions[…]
Read more IRS Okays Home Equity Deductions
May, 1

No Tax Deductions for Business Entertaining

May 1, 2018 by relanetAdmin

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 lowered corporate tax rates from a graduated schedule that reached 35% to a 21% flat rate. However, many business expenses are no longer tax deductible. That list includes all outlays that might be considered entertainment or recreation.
Read more No Tax Deductions for Business Entertaining

May, 1

New Tax Law Will Change Divorce Tactics

May 1, 2018 by relanetAdmin

When couples divorce, financial negotiations often involve alimony. The tax rules regarding alimony were dramatically changed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, but existing agreements have been grandfathered. In addition, the old rules remain in effect for divorce and separation agreements executed during 2018. Beginning next year, the rules will change,Read more about New Tax Law Will Change Divorce Tactics[…]
Read more New Tax Law Will Change Divorce Tactics
Apr, 2

Using Illegal Providers

April 2, 2018 by relanetAdmin

Many of you when you engage a professional to manage your property or otherwise perform services for you, you assume that they are legal to work in Costa Rica. But, the truth is that many providers are not legal and do not operate as such. You must be careful when using these kinds of providers.Read more about Using Illegal Providers[…]
Read more Using Illegal Providers

Apr, 2

Property Managers – Tricks

April 2, 2018 by relanetAdmin

Do you rent your property? Do you use a property manager? If yes, then this information is for you. You may be thousands of miles from your property location and you are reliant on a person who is supposed to take care of your property. Do you trust them? How do you know they areRead more about Property Managers – Tricks[…]
Read more Property Managers – Tricks
Apr, 2

Cost Segregation Studies – Why Should I Have One?

April 2, 2018 by relanetAdmin

For those who are building a rental property, the objective when completed is to rent the unit and at the end of the year have a cash flow profit. Of course, you want to hold on to this cash flow as much as possible. So, how can we do that in an tax efficient way?Read more about Cost Segregation Studies – Why Should I Have One?[…]
Read more Cost Segregation Studies – Why Should I Have One?

Apr, 2

Difference Between Property Managers and Outside CPA

April 2, 2018 by relanetAdmin

Some of you who have rental property and are using only a property management company that purported offers as “in-house” accounting services should be advised that is not an ideal practice. You are entrusting a group with your investment and with funds to manage this. Too many times in Costa Rica, there are property managersRead more about Difference Between Property Managers and Outside CPA[…]
Read more Difference Between Property Managers and Outside CPA
Apr, 2

US Tax Amnesty Programs – Update

April 2, 2018 by relanetAdmin

The IRS recently announced that the OVDP (Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program) is coming to an end in September 2018. This means that if you wish to submit to this amnesty program, that you must file by then. Other programs, such as the Streamlined Offshore and Onshore and Delinquent Submissions will continue at this point. However,Read more about US Tax Amnesty Programs – Update[…]
Read more US Tax Amnesty Programs – Update

Apr, 2

Costa Rican Tax Reform – Its Coming Faster Than You Think

April 2, 2018 by relanetAdmin

As some of you might know, there is a high probability that their will be major tax reform in Costa Rica. This is a summary of some of the significant items that will affect you and how you do business in Costa Rica. Moving from a Sales Tax Based System to a Value Added TaxRead more about Costa Rican Tax Reform – Its Coming Faster Than You Think[…]
Read more Costa Rican Tax Reform – Its Coming Faster Than You Think