Income Tax 2023: what should I do if I failed to file my tax return?

Noncompliance should be remedied as soon as possible to prevent further penalties

If you were required to file the 2023 Income Tax Return, but did not meet the deadline set by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (RFB), you should follow a few recommendations to put your tax situation back into good order. Keep in mind that all tax returns due for this year should have been filed by May 31.

Depending on the situation, failure to comply with the legal deadline can cost you dearly. Read more below on the penalties in place for noncompliance and on how to proceed to get back on track.

What happens to those who missed the deadline for filing their tax returns?

Failure to comply with the deadline entails the payment of a late filing penalty. Noncompliance can also hinder the issuance of debt clearance certificates and deny credit facilities, and the Revenue Service may also register the taxpayer's ID number as irregular.

How much is the late filing penalty?

The fine is 1% per month on the income tax due for the year, as shown on the tax return. The amount ranges from BRL 165.74 to 20% of the total income tax due.

What should I do if I didn't file my income tax return?

You should remedy your situation as soon as possible. After all, the longer you wait, the greater the penalties and the complications.

How do I file a past-due return?

Even if you missed the deadline, you could still use the Revenue Service’s software or the "Meu Imposto de Renda" service, filling in all the proper information.

How do I calculate my income tax penalty?

Once you are done filling out and submitting your past-due return, the Revenue Service software will calculate the fine automatically.

What is the deadline for paying the Income Tax fine?

Taxpayers must pay the fine imposed by the Federal Revenue within 30 days, after which point interest will be charged (Selic rate).

I filed my return past the deadline, but I am entitled to a refund. What should I do? What can I expect?

Once a past-due tax return has been filed, the taxpayer must pay the corresponding fine within 30 days. The refund will be paid according to the schedule set by the Federal Revenue Service.

If the taxpayer is entitled to a refund, but the fine was not paid on time, a deduction (discount) will apply with the corresponding legal charges (interest) on the tax subject to the refund.

I believe a mistake has been made and the fine is not due. What should I do?

If you believe that you filed your return on time or that for whatever reason the penalty is not due, you can file an objection with the Federal Revenue Service within 30 days of the fine’s due date.

Tax claims in good standing

DPC has a department dedicated to assisting individuals in remaining in compliance with the Tax Authorities, providing support with the preparation of their annual Income Tax Returns and the monitoring of their deficiency notices and tax claims. You can count on our support to remain in good standing: dpc@dpc.com.br.