The deadline for submitting the 2025 Individual Income Tax Return (IRPF) is fast approaching, with taxpayers required to file by 11:59 PM on May 30, 2025. This year, the deadline is three days shorter than in 2024, putting pressure on millions of Brazilians to complete their declarations on time.
As of April 30, 2025, approximately 17.9 million taxpayers have already submitted their returns, which represents about 38.77% of the expected 46.2 million declarations. In 2024, 43.3 million declarations were filed within the deadline, so the Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) is urging taxpayers to act quickly to avoid penalties.
Those who fail to submit their declarations by the deadline may face fines that start at R$ 165.74 and can escalate to as much as 20% of the tax owed. Furthermore, missing the deadline does not result in the blocking of a taxpayer's CPF, debunking a common misconception. However, late filers will incur a monthly penalty of 1% on the tax due.
The new regulations for the 2025 tax year include mandatory declarations for updated assets and income earned abroad. The annual income threshold for mandatory declaration has been set at R$ 33,888, meaning anyone earning above this amount in 2024 must file their taxes.
Among the 17.9 million declarations submitted so far, it is reported that over 71% are eligible for refunds. The refund schedule includes several installments, with the first payment scheduled for May 30, 2025, followed by subsequent payments on June 30, July 31, August 29, and September 30, 2025.
For those who wish to receive their refunds promptly, it is advisable to file as early as possible. The order of filing can influence the speed of refund processing; early filers are prioritized, provided their submissions are error-free.
Taxpayers are reminded to gather all necessary documentation well in advance of the deadline. This includes personal identification, income statements from employers, bank statements, and any other relevant financial documents. The Receita Federal emphasizes that even though the pre-filled declaration option is available, taxpayers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information provided.
"It is important that individuals prepare their declarations early. The pre-filled option is a facilitator, but it can also bring disadvantages due to missing data. Many people trust the pre-filled information blindly, but it is essential to check and have all the necessary documents on hand," said José Carlos Fonseca, a supervisor at the Receita Federal.
In 2025, taxpayers who are required to declare include those who received taxable income above R$ 33,888, those with non-taxable income exceeding R$ 200,000, individuals who realized capital gains from asset sales, and those who owned assets worth over R$ 800,000 as of December 31, 2024.
Additionally, taxpayers who updated the value of their properties or who received income from foreign investments must also file. The Receita Federal has implemented these new rules to ensure comprehensive reporting of income and assets.
For those who are unsure whether they need to file, the Receita Federal provides guidelines. Taxpayers are encouraged to consult these resources to avoid unnecessary penalties.
To file, taxpayers can download the necessary software from the Receita Federal's website, which is compatible with various operating systems. The platform also offers an online filing option through the Receita Federal's official app, available on both Android and iOS.
Taxpayers are advised to be cautious of unofficial applications, as only the official Receita Federal app is authorized for use. The process of filing involves entering personal details, income information, and any deductions applicable, such as medical expenses or educational costs.
"The most challenging part is gathering all the required documents to fill out the declaration correctly and check the pre-filled data that is already included," said Richard Domingos, executive director of Confirp Contabilidade.
Once the declaration is submitted, it is crucial for taxpayers to keep a copy of their receipt, as the Receita Federal has up to five years to contest any submitted declarations. This ensures that individuals have proof of their filings in case of any future discrepancies.
As the deadline approaches, the Receita Federal continues to remind taxpayers of the importance of timely and accurate submissions. Delays or errors in filing can lead to complications, including potential audits or fines.
In summary, with just a month left until the deadline, taxpayers are encouraged to take action now. The consequences of late filing can be significant, and the potential for refunds makes timely submission all the more appealing. Organizing documents and utilizing available resources can ease the process, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
