The complete pre-filled Income Tax declaration is now available for taxpayers in Brazil starting April 1, 2025. This year, the Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) has introduced a more robust and user-friendly system that aims to simplify the tax filing process, especially for individuals who may find the task daunting.
After two weeks of limited access, where only partial data was available, the full pre-filled version of the Income Tax (Imposto de Renda Pessoa Física - IRPF) is now accessible. The delay in the release was attributed to a strike by tax auditors, which caused disruptions in the normal processing of tax information. Now, taxpayers can access their complete tax declarations through the Meu Imposto de Renda app and the Virtual Service Center for Taxpayers (e-CAC).
The pre-filled declaration is designed to streamline the filing process by automatically importing data from previous years and various sources, including employers, banks, and medical service providers. This includes information on income, deductions, assets, and even foreign bank accounts. Taxpayers are encouraged to verify the accuracy of the information provided, as any discrepancies remain their responsibility.
According to the Receita Federal, approximately 57% of the expected 46.2 million tax declarations for this year are anticipated to utilize the pre-filled option. This feature not only simplifies the filing process but also prioritizes taxpayers for refunds, which can be particularly beneficial for those expecting a return.
To access the pre-filled declaration, taxpayers must have a gov.br account at the silver or gold level. This requirement ensures a higher level of security for sensitive financial information. Taxpayers can create or upgrade their accounts by completing facial recognition and validating their identity through accredited banking services.
Experts highlight the advantages of using the pre-filled model, noting that it significantly reduces the time and effort required to complete the declaration. Adriana Ruiz Alcazar, a director at Seteco Consultoria Contábil, emphasized that the automated system imports essential data, which minimizes the risk of inconsistencies that often lead to tax issues. “The pre-filled model can help avoid errors that arise from manual entry, forgotten information, or discrepancies between taxpayer and third-party data,” she noted.
However, while the pre-filled declaration offers many benefits, it is not without its pitfalls. Tax consultant Henrique Paslar cautioned that the accuracy of the data depends heavily on third-party reporting. Errors or omissions from employers or financial institutions can lead to complications, including being flagged for audit, commonly referred to as the "malha fina." Taxpayers must manually input any transactions not captured by the system, such as certain real estate or investment activities, which can further complicate the filing process.
In addition to the pre-filled option, taxpayers still have the choice to file a new declaration or modify last year’s submission. The Receita Federal has made it clear that despite the convenience of the pre-filled model, the ultimate responsibility for the accuracy of the information lies with the taxpayer. The agency advises individuals to carefully review their submissions and ensure all relevant documents are at hand to avoid potential pitfalls.
The deadline for submitting the 2025 IRPF declaration runs until May 30, 2025, at 11:59:59 PM. Any late submissions will incur penalties, with fines ranging from 1% of the owed tax amount, with a minimum of R$ 165.74, up to a maximum of 20% of the tax due.
For those unsure about their filing obligations, the Receita Federal outlines several criteria that mandate the submission of a tax declaration. These include individuals who earned taxable income exceeding R$ 33,888.00 in 2024, those with exempt income over R$ 200,000.00, and individuals who conducted transactions on the stock exchange exceeding R$ 40,000.00. Additionally, anyone who holds assets valued over R$ 800,000.00 is required to file.
As of 10:00 AM on April 1, 2025, the Receita Federal reported the submission of over 5.5 million declarations, indicating a strong early response from taxpayers. The agency expects this number to grow significantly as the deadline approaches.
In conclusion, the introduction of the pre-filled Income Tax declaration marks a significant step towards modernizing Brazil’s tax filing system. While it offers a more efficient and user-friendly approach, taxpayers must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring their information is accurate. The balance between convenience and responsibility is crucial as individuals navigate the complexities of their financial obligations.
