Income Tax 2026: Federal Revenue Service announces the rules for this year’s tax returns

The filling period begins on March 23 and ends on May 29

The Federal Revenue Service has published, through Regulatory Instruction No. 2,312, the rules for filing the 2026 income tax return. Taxpayers should pay special attention to new developments such as updates to the filing requirements, refund payment dates, improvements to the online filing system, adjustments to the pre-filled return, and income tax cashback.

One point to note is that, although already in effect, the change in the income tax exemption bracket for those earning up to BRL 5,000 and the tax reduction for those earning up to BRL 7,350 do not take effect this filing season, but only next year, for the 2026 calendar year.

Following the rules is the safest way to ensure an error-free filing, avoiding tax risks. See the key topics below:

 

Deadline

Income tax returns must be filed during the following period: from March 23 through 11:59 p.m. on May 29, 2026.

 

Who is required to file a tax return

• Individuals are required to file a tax return if, in the 2025 calendar year:
• received taxable income, subject to adjustment in the tax return, whose total exceeded BRL 35,584.00 (previously the amount was BRL 33,888.00);
• received exempt income, non-taxable income, or income taxed exclusively at source, whose total exceeded BRL 200,000.00;
• obtained, in any month, a capital gain from the sale of assets or rights subject to the incidence of tax;
• carried out sale transactions on stock exchanges, commodities exchanges, futures exchanges, or similar markets:

a) whose total amount exceeded BRL 40,000.00; or

b) with net gains subject to taxation;

• with regard to rural activities:

a) obtained gross revenue in an amount exceeding BRL 177,920.00 (previously BRL 169,440.00); or

b) ntends to offset, in the 2025 calendar year or subsequent years, losses from previous calendar years or from the 2025 calendar year itself;

• held, on December 31, possession or ownership of assets or rights, including bare land, with a total value exceeding BRL 800,000.00;
• became a tax resident in Brazil in any month and remained in that condition on December 31;
• opted for the exemption from Income Tax on the capital gain earned from the sale of residential real estate, provided that the proceeds from the sale are used to acquire residential real estate located in Brazil within 180 days from the execution of the sale agreement (Law No. 11,196/2005);
• opted to declare the assets, rights, and obligations held by a controlled entity, directly or indirectly, abroad as if they were held directly by the individual (Law No. 14,754/2023);
• held, on December 31, ownership of a trust and other contracts governed by foreign law;
• earned income from capital invested abroad in the form of financial investments and profits and dividends from controlled entities (Law No. 14,754/2023)

 

Also see: IRPF 2026: start preparing for a compliant submission

 

Pre-filled tax return

The pre-filled tax return has become an increasingly popular tool to assist in filing, automatically populating information. It is important to note, however, that the taxpayer must carefully verify the data and be able to provide supporting documentation.

The pre-filled tax return will include data from declarations such as Dimob (Real Estate Activity Information Statement), Dmed (Medical Services Statement), DOI (Real Estate Transactions Statement), and DBF (Tax Benefits Statement), as well as Carnê-Leão, information related to transactions carried out with cryptoassets, and other data obtained through agreements established between the Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) and public or private entities.

The tool can be accessed by logging in to the gov.br portal with a gold or silver digital ID.

 

Tax refund

Pursuant to RFB Executive Declaratory Act No. 2/2026, refund batches will follow the schedule below:

First batch	05/29
Second batch	06/30
Third batch	07/31
Fourth batch	08/28

Refunds will be issued in the order in which applications are received, in accordance with the following priority rules:

• seniors aged 80 or older;
• seniors aged 60 or older, people with disabilities, and those with serious illnesses;
• taxpayers whose primary source of income is teaching;
• taxpayers who used the pre-filled form and/or chose to receive their refund via Pix;
• other taxpayers.

 

Income Tax cashback

With the aim of promoting greater tax fairness, this year there will be a special batch of automatic refunds with income tax “cashback” for those who are due a refund but have not filed their tax return. The payment is expected to be made on July 15.

 

Simplified deduction

Individuals may opt for the simplified tax return, which allows for a deduction of 20% of taxable income, capped at BRL 16,754.34. This amount has not been adjusted.

The full tax return, however, is best suited for those with more deductible expenses. Taxpayers should determine which option will result in the lowest tax liability or the largest refund.

 

Penalty for late filing or failure to file

Filing the tax return after the deadline or failing to file it subjects the taxpayer to a penalty of 1% per calendar month or fraction thereof of the delay, assessed automatically and calculated on the total tax due as determined in the return, even if the tax has been paid in full.

The fine will have a minimum amount of BRL 165.74 and a maximum amount corresponding to 20% of the income tax due.

Count on DPC Private’s Support

For taxpayers facing more complex tax situations—such as multiple sources of income, various investments, or assets held abroad—it’s wise to seek specialized assistance. This ensures that your tax return meets all legal requirements.
The DPC Private team provides services to individual taxpayers, ensuring a stress-free tax season that is fully compliant with the rules. Count on this support: dpc@dpc.com.br.

See more: Imposto de Renda 2026