As of April 1, 2025, the updated version of the Meu Imposto de Renda platform is now operational, introducing features aimed at simplifying the tax filing process for Brazilian taxpayers. With the deadline for submitting the 2025 Income Tax declaration set from March 17 to May 30, taxpayers are urged to familiarize themselves with the new rules announced by the Receita Federal to avoid errors that could lead to complications, such as falling into the infamous "malha fina" (tax audit).
Taxpayers who make mistakes in their declarations still have the option to amend their submissions. According to Luísa Macário, a tax attorney at Grupo Nimbus, "The rectification of the Income Tax allows correcting errors or omissions in declarations already sent to the Receita Federal." If a taxpayer identifies an error before the submission deadline, they can even change their taxation regime from the complete model to the simplified one or vice versa.
Even after the deadline, rectifications remain possible for up to five years, provided the declaration is not under inspection. However, if a taxpayer's declaration is under review or if they receive a notification, amendments can only be made with the Receita's authorization through a process called Solicitação de Retificação de Lançamento (Request for Rectification of Entry).
To successfully amend a declaration, taxpayers should use the same program from the Receita Federal that they initially used. They must open their previous declaration, select the "Declaração Retificadora" option, input the receipt number, and adjust any incorrect information. Following submission, it's essential to monitor the status of the rectification through the Receita's portal.
Taxpayers are encouraged to gather their documents well in advance to avoid issues during the filing process. The necessary documentation includes income reports from employers or the INSS for retirees, bank income statements, receipts for medical expenses, and proof of private pension payments. Henrique Coimbra, an associate attorney at VLF Advogados, highlights that filing early has significant advantages.
"The main advantage of declaring Income Tax early is guaranteeing priority in the refund queue," Coimbra explains. Since the previous year, taxpayers who opt to receive their refunds via PIX have also been given priority in payment. This early filing can help avoid technical difficulties that often arise in the system as the deadline approaches, which can hinder timely submissions.
Who needs to file an Income Tax declaration in 2025? A notable change this year is the increase in the threshold for mandatory filing. The limit for taxable income has risen from R$ 30,639.90 in 2024 to R$ 33,888 in 2025 due to updates in the progressive tax table implemented in February of the previous year. Additionally, the threshold for mandatory rural activity revenue has increased from R$ 153,999.50 to R$ 169,440.00.
New criteria for mandatory declaration have also been introduced. Individuals who updated real estate assets by paying differentiated capital gains in December 2024 must file their Income Tax in 2025. Similarly, those who earned income abroad from financial investments, profits, or dividends are also required to declare.
Taxpayers must declare if they fall into any of the following categories:
- Individuals receiving taxable income exceeding R$ 33,888 in 2024.
- Those with exempt, non-taxable, or exclusively taxed income exceeding R$ 200,000 in 2024.
- People with gross revenue surpassing R$ 169,440 from rural activities in the previous year.
- Taxpayers with assets and rights totaling over R$ 800,000 as of December 31 of the previous year.
- Individuals who realized capital gains from the sale of assets or rights.
- Those engaged in stock exchange transactions whose total sales exceeded R$ 40,000 in the previous year.
- Anyone who sold residential properties and opted for tax exemption must declare.
- Individuals who began residing in Brazil in any month of the preceding year.
- Taxpayers who earned income abroad from financial investments and profits in the previous year.
The Receita Federal has also announced the refund calendar for the 2025 Income Tax, which includes five payment batches from May to September 2025. The first payment is scheduled for May 30, 2025, followed by subsequent payments on June 30, July 31, August 29, and September 30.
Taxpayers using the pre-filled declaration and indicating a PIX key for their refunds will be prioritized. The order of priority for refunds is as follows:
- Individuals aged 80 or over.
- Individuals aged 60 or over, people with disabilities, or serious illnesses.
- Individuals whose primary source of income is teaching.
- Taxpayers who used the pre-filled declaration and opted for PIX.
- Taxpayers who used the pre-filled declaration or opted for PIX.
In a related update, the Receita Federal has extended the deadline for submitting the Final Estate Declaration and the Declaration of Definitive Exit from the Country to May 30, 2025. This extension aligns these deadlines with the Annual Income Tax Return for Individuals (IRPF) for the fiscal year 2025, which pertains to the calendar year 2024.
Both the Final Estate Declaration and the Declaration of Definitive Exit will now share the same submission and tax payment deadline, reducing confusion regarding the due date for taxes assessed in these declarations and providing greater security for taxpayers.
As the deadline approaches, taxpayers are encouraged to stay informed and prepared to ensure compliance with the new regulations and avoid potential penalties.
