Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies has taken a significant step towards implementing a major indirect tax reform by approving new legislation. This reform, which will now be sent to the Senate for approval, aims to replace and unify several current indirect taxes with new ones. The taxes that will be replaced include PIS, COFINS, IPI, ICMS, and ISS. The new taxes that will be introduced are CBS and IBS, which will be administered by the federal government and representatives of the states and municipalities, respectively. Additionally, a new federal selective tax (IS) will also be introduced as part of this reform.
The implementation of this new tax system will be done gradually over a period of seven years, starting in 2026, with the aim of achieving full implementation by 2033. This phased approach is intended to give businesses and individuals enough time to adapt to the changes and ensure a smooth transition. During this transition period, certain rate reductions will be provided for specific sectors and services.
Education services, public transportation, agricultural inputs, medical devices related to disabilities, basic medications, and certain sector-specific tax incentives will all benefit from rate reductions. This is an important aspect of the reform as it aims to alleviate the burden on these sectors and ensure that essential services remain affordable and accessible to the public.
The approval of this legislation is a significant development for Brazil’s tax system, which has long been criticized for its complexity and high tax burden. The current system, with its multiple indirect taxes, has often been seen as a barrier to economic growth and investment. By replacing and unifying these taxes, the government aims to simplify the system and create a more business-friendly environment.
The introduction of CBS and IBS, administered by the federal government and representatives of the states and municipalities respectively, is expected to streamline the tax collection process. This unified approach will reduce compliance costs for businesses and make it easier for them to navigate the tax system. It will also help to reduce tax evasion and increase revenue collection, which will in turn benefit the government and allow for greater investment in public services.
The new federal selective tax (IS) that will be introduced as part of this reform is aimed at targeting specific goods and services. This type of tax is often used to discourage the consumption of certain products that are deemed harmful to public health or the environment. By implementing this tax, the government hopes to promote healthier and more sustainable consumption patterns.
Overall, the approval of this legislation marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s efforts to reform its tax system. If approved by the Senate, this reform has the potential to simplify the tax system, reduce compliance costs, and create a more business-friendly environment. Additionally, the rate reductions for specific sectors and services will help to ensure that essential goods and services remain affordable and accessible to the public. This is a positive step towards promoting economic growth and investment in Brazil.
