Brazil Tax Laws and Tax System 2011

Brazil Income Taxes

Last partial update, May 2011

Individual Income Tax: Brazil's individual income tax rates for 2011 are progressive, from 7.5% to 27.5%.

Personal annual tax rates 2011 (BRL)

Income (BRL)	%
1-17,989	-
17,989-26,961	7.5
26,961-35,948	15
35,948-44,918	22.5
over 44,918	27.5

Note: Nonresidents pay a flat 27.5% tax on income earned in Brazil

Corporate Tax: Brazil's combined corporate tax rate for 2011 is 34%. The tax consists of a basic tax of 15%. There is also a surtax of 10% for annual income of over BRL 240,000, about $ 110,000. Additonal 9% are added for social contribution on net profits.
Capital Gains: Capital gains of companies are added to the regular income.
Individuals: Pay 15% tax on capital gains, dividend income from local companies is tax exempt.

Residence

A foreign company is resident if incorporated in Brazil.
An individual is resident when holding a permanent visa, or a temporary visa with an employment agreement, or even without an employment agreement, when staying in Brazil for more than 183 days within 12 months.

Brazil Tax Deductions

Losses are carried forward indefinitely. In future years only 30% of the current year taxable income can be set off against the loss.
Depreciation is deducted using the straight line method. Companies working in 2 shifts can claim 150% of the standard rates, while companies working in 3 shifts are entitled to 200% of the standard rates.
Companies involved in development of technical research can use accelerated depreciation for tax purpose.
There is no company consolidation for tax purpose.
Thin capitalisation rules relating to interest expenses are in effect in Brazil from 1.1.2010.

Brazil Personal Credits and Deductions

For Brazilian residents, the first annual income of BRL 17,989 is tax exempt.
There is a standard monthly deduction for each dependant.
Education expenses are deductible, up to a limit.
Deductions are also permitted for social security payments by an employee, payments to private Brazilian pension plans, up tp a limit, and for alimony payments.

Deduction of Tax at Source

In Brazil tax is deducted at source from the following payments to non residents:
Dividend- 0%.
Interest- 15%/25%.
Royalties- 15%.
Services -15%.

Social Security

The contributions by the employer and the employee are subject to to ceiling defined by law.

Employer: 37.3% of the gross salary, 28.8% social security and 8.5% for severance fund.
Employee: 7.65%-11% of the gross salary. The employee's payment, which is capped, is based on a "contribution salary table", provided by the government.

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