Sign up for tax alert emails    GTNU homepage    Tax newsroom    Email document    Print document    Download document

September 2, 2021
2021-5915

Brazilian House of Deputies approves bill modifying the corporate income tax system as part of comprehensive tax reform

The bill would reduce the corporate income tax rate, establish a withholding tax on dividends and strengthen the rules on the disguised distribution of profits. Taxpayers should continue to monitor the bill’s progress as it moves through the Senate and determine its possible impact on their operations.

On 1 September 2021, Brazil’s House of Deputies approved (398 - 77 votes) Bill 2,337, which would reduce the corporate income tax rate and establish a 15% withholding tax on dividends as part of a comprehensive reform to the Brazilian tax system. The approved version includes changes proposed by taxpayers and members of Congress to the original draft presented in June. For more information on the original draft, see EY Global Tax Alert, Brazilian Government proposes changes to corporate income tax system as second phase of comprehensive tax reform, 28 June 2021.

Next, the bill will be sent to the Senate. If approved by the Senate, it goes to the President, who can then sanction or veto it, in total or partially.

If enacted, the bill would:

  • Reduce the corporate income tax rate, from a combined 34% to 27% (may be reduced further to 26%, subject to certain budgetary targets being met)
  • Require corporate income taxes to be calculated and paid on a quarterly basis, rather than an annual basis
  • Establish a 15% withholding tax rate on dividends (currently, zero)
  • Eliminate the interest on net equity (i.e., similar to a dividend payment that is deductible in Brazil)
  • Require taxpayers to carry out capital reductions at fair market value (currently allowed at book value)
  • Strengthen the rules on disguised distributions of profits, which would require domestic transactions between related parties to be at arm’s length (additional compliance requirements)

The bill also includes provisions on indirect tax incentives, the taxation of individuals, and the treatment of investment funds.

The legislative process usually takes time in Brazil, and the current wording of the bill may still be amended in the next steps of this process. If the bill is approved before the end of October 2021, it would be effective 1 January 2022. That being the case, taxpayers should evaluate whether they need to act before year end in light of these expected changes. As part of their evaluation, they should consider waiting periods and other aspects that could prevent a smooth implementation of changes in structure/activities.

This bill is the second phase of Brazil’s comprehensive tax reform. For information on the first phase, see EY Global Tax Alerts, Brazilian Federal Government has announced comprehensive tax reform to be implemented in 2020, dated 5 December 2019 and Brazilian Government proposes new federal VAT as first phase of comprehensive tax reform, dated 22 July 2020.

_________________________________________

For additional information with respect to this Alert, please contact the following:

EY Assessoria Empresarial Ltda, São Paulo

Ernst & Young LLP (United States), Latin American Business Center, New York

Ernst & Young LLP (United Kingdom), Latin American Business Center, London

Ernst & Young Tax Co., Latin American Business Center, Japan & Asia Pacific

 
 

The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal, accounting or tax advice or opinion provided by Ernst & Young LLP to the reader. The reader also is cautioned that this material may not be applicable to, or suitable for, the reader's specific circumstances or needs, and may require consideration of non-tax and other tax factors if any action is to be contemplated. The reader should contact his or her Ernst & Young LLP or other tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. Ernst & Young LLP assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.

 

Copyright © 2024, Ernst & Young LLP.

 

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, retransmitted or otherwise redistributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including by photocopying, facsimile transmission, recording, rekeying, or using any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from Ernst & Young LLP.

 

Any U.S. tax advice contained herein was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by the recipient for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law provisions.

 

"EY" refers to the global organisation, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

 

Privacy  |  Cookies  |  BCR  |  Legal  |  Global Code of Conduct Opt out of all email from EY Global Limited.

 


Cookie Settings

This site uses cookies to provide you with a personalized browsing experience and allows us to understand more about you. More information on the cookies we use can be found here. By clicking 'Yes, I accept' you agree and consent to our use of cookies. More information on what these cookies are and how we use them, including how you can manage them, is outlined in our Privacy Notice. Please note that your decision to decline the use of cookies is limited to this site only, and not in relation to other EY sites or ey.com. Please refer to the privacy notice/policy on these sites for more information.


Yes, I accept         Find out more