Taxes for U.S. expatriate in Costa Rica?

Question

As an american working in Costa Rica, what additional taxes will I have to pay? I am asking now in order to have complete information before negotiating a salary, car allowance, etc. Thanks to all serious answers.

Answer 1

You have to pay US tax on top of Costa Rican tax, but you get a deduction of US$80K per year before having to pay any and then a credit for taxes you pay there as long as you are a legal permanent resident that spends at least 181 days a year there.

You must pay Social Security which is 26% for the employer, nto sure what it is for the employee.  You may be able to opt out like most countries if you are not a citizen and get a waiver, but it requires a lot of paperwork.

The car allowance is probably taxable, but you probably wouldn't have to include it in US income.