Deloitte – LATAM regional indirect tax interview (i)
International Tax Review is part of the Delinian Group, Delinian Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX, Registered in England & Wales, Company number 00954730
Copyright © Delinian Limited and its affiliated companies 2023

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement
Features

Deloitte – LATAM regional indirect tax interview (i)

Sponsored by

Sponsored_Firms_deloitte.png
Monique Almeida.jpg

Interview with Monique Teixeira Lourenço de Almeida, partner, Indirect Tax, Deloitte Brazil

1. What is the most significant change to your region/jurisdiction’s tax legislation or regulations in the past 12 months?

Brazil is taking a significant step towards simplifying its indirect tax system by proposing to replace its current multi-level (federal, state, and municipal) VAT system with a simpler new system with a dual VAT approach and an additional selective tax.

The proposed system would create a dual VAT system by:

  • Combining the ICMS (state VAT) and the ISS (service tax) into a single tax on goods and services called IBS, managed by the states and municipalities;

  • Combining the PIS and COFINS (federal contributions on gross revenue) into a contribution on goods and services called CBS, managed by the federal government; and

  • Replacing the IPI (excise tax) with a selective tax called IS, due on items harmful to health and/or environment, managed by the federal government.

2. What has been the most significant impact of that change?

The tax reform will span a seven-year transition phase, which will create a hybrid system between the current system and the new system. The coexistence of the two systems is expected to increase tax compliance for taxpayers.

3. How do you anticipate that change impacting your work and the market moving forward?

The tax reform will require an evaluation of the effects of the new rules on tax compliance management, tax return filings, computation accuracy, monitoring and monetising input tax credits, and managing tax risks and potential penalties for non-compliance that may be applied in assessments by the Brazilian tax authorities.

4. How has this changed the way you offer tax advice?

Companies will require tax advice to anticipate the effects of tax reform while they continue to operate under the current system. For example, certain tax incentives will be cancelled after the seven-year transition period.

5. What potential other legislative/regulatory changes are on the horizon that you think will have a big impact on your region/jurisdiction?

Brazilian indirect tax filing and tax invoices will change due to tax reform and the resulting regulations.

6. What are the potential outcomes that might occur if those changes are implemented?

To comply with the new system and the current system concurrently, companies will be required to invest in updating their ERP systems and local tax engines to meet new requirements imposed by the new Brazilian indirect tax filing and tax invoices.

7. Do you think that change will have a positive effect on both your practice and the wider regional/jurisdictional market?

Indirect taxes are considered one of the most complex areas in the Brazilian tax environment. Once the new system is fully implemented and the transition phase is concluded, businesses operating in Brazil will benefit from reduced costs to run the tax function. The change is also expected to attract new businesses to Brazil.

8. Are there any regulatory/legislative changes you believe should be implemented in your region/jurisdiction?

The proposed new system should be adjusted to encompass the current and future tax systems to avoid increasing compliance costs.

9. How do you believe those changes would help improve the tax landscape in your market?

The simplification of the tax structure in Brazil can lead to better compliance, less administrative burden for businesses, and fewer opportunities for tax evasion. It can provide businesses with a clearer long-term planning horizon, encouraging investment and strategic decision-making focused on the new tax landscape.

10. How are issues surrounding the taxation of the digital economy affecting your work?

Most of the time, the digital economy operates across borders, and current tax rules may not effectively capture the revenue generated by digital transactions.

Due to the uncertainty about how these activities should be taxed, we have been advising companies on how to structure their digital operations and services.

11. How would you describe the tax authorities’ approach in your region/jurisdiction?

The Brazilian tax authorities are currently pressed to increase revenue collection, resulting in tax litigation. A change in the tax system is viewed as a positive means of simplifying rules and reducing litigation.

Tel: +55 21 3981 0666

E: molourenco@deloitte.com

This document has been prepared solely for the purpose of publishing in the 2024 ITR World Tax guide and may not be used for any other purpose. This document and its contents may not be reproduced, redistributed, or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other person in whole or in part without Deloitte’s prior written consent.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit and assurance, tax and legal, consulting, financial advisory, and risk advisory services to nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500® and thousands of private companies. Our people deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society, and a sustainable world. Building on its 175-plus year history, Deloitte spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 415,000 people worldwide make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com.

This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser.

No representations, warranties or undertakings (express or implied) are given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this communication, and none of DTTL, its member firms, related entities, employees or agents shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly in connection with any person relying on this communication. DTTL and each of its member firms, and their related entities, are legally separate and independent entities.

© 2023. For information, contact Deloitte Global.

more across site & bottom lb ros

More from across our site

HM Revenue and Customs believes US companies were responsible for almost half of the underpaid UK tax from all foreign companies last year, it has been claimed
ITR highlights the good, the bad and the ugly in tax figures from 2023, profiling politicians, in-house practitioners, public officials and more
Scalia is head of tax at Nestlé Health Science and chair of the Tax Executives Institute’s Student Case Competition
Agergaard is the director of Skatteforvaltningen, the Danish tax authority
Kadiri is tax director for UK & Ireland at L'Oréal and chair of Women in Tax
Stephens is the outgoing CEO of accountancy professional services network RSM
Ward is the principal analyst of CICTAR
Serafi is KPMG’s newly appointed vice chair for tax
Burt is the premier of Bermuda
Modi is Prime Minister of India