QCOSTARICA – Every year, at the beginning of November, drivers learn the cost and are able to pay for the following year’s Marchamo. Last year, the 2015 Marchamo went on sale on November 10. This year, it was to have been on November 16. But…
Delays in the “official” publication of the decree has meant the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) cannot just yet start collecting from the 1.4 million vehicle owners.
The INS, the State insurer responsible for the collection, expects the publication by next week; but, there is no assurance that it will happen. Part of the delay is the missing tax portion, about 69% of the total cost of the Marchamo, set by the Ministerio de Hacienda (Ministry of Revenue).
Once the decree is published, vehicle owners will be able to pay they 2016 Marchamo at some 1.800 points of sale that includes banks, supermarkets, authorized insurance agents and INS offices.
The Marchamo is annual circulation permit for all registered vehicles. It is due and payable by December 31 each year.
Years ago, the payment of the Marchamo was a chore, long lines forming at the few authorized INS payment centres, requiring a grace period that extended pretty much up to January 15 of the new year.
This has all changed. There are no long lines (unless you wait to the very last day) and no grace period. On January 1, the Policia de Transito (traffic police) will start fining drivers in vehicles without the Marchamo.
Once the 2016 Marchamo, the Q will include a link to the INS page for consulting the amount and online payment options.
