Double Taxation Prevention Treaties – Brazil

In an increasingly globalized world, countries need to have treaties that avoid double taxation of businesses. This is necessary to, amongst other purposes, foster business and move economies and international trade.

With regards to the Brazilian economy, tax credits are available in respect of income tax paid to countries with which Brazil has a ratified taxation treaty or to countries that would render reciprocal treatment of income tax paid to the Brazilian government, provided some requirements are fulfilled.

An exemption or tax at a reduced rate is available in respect of interest, royalties, dividends, capital gains and transactions carried out between parties associated with the Double Taxation Prevention Treaty.

These examples illustrate Brazil’s extensive network of tax treaties designed to minimize double taxation exposure from activities carried out by foreign individuals or legal entities in Brazil.

Further, when income is taxable under the Brazilian Income Tax Ordinance but there is an exemption under any taxation treaty, the income is taxed only according to the provisions of the taxation treaty.

Brazil is a signatory to a treaty for the prevention of double taxation with many countries across the world, such as: Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.

In the case of the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, the Brazilian authorities officially recognize the reciprocity of tax treatment which permits the offsetting of tax paid in these countries against the tax due to Brazil. It should be noted that draft agreements with additional countries are at the discussion stages.

The treaties are subject to tax restrictions from the contracting countries which attempts to eliminate or minimize the possibility of taxation and provides security for the activity in general.

For a foreign (non-resident) to invest in Brazil, it is necessary to contract the services of one or more institutions to act as legal and fiscal representatives. These legal representatives are responsible for submitting all information to the Brazilian authorities, such as the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), the Central Bank of Brazil (Bacen) and the Federal Revenue Secretariat, in accordance with its assignments.

The production of such treaties reflects the country's initiative to expand and modernize the network of tax treaties and commercial activities. It also provides a way for the Brazilian government to promote the internationalization of its companies and economy through allowing investors to pay less fees and taxes.

ALMEIDA PRADO E HOFFMANN ADVOGADOS ASSOCIADOS
Luiz Augusto Azevedo de Almeida Hoffmann

Alameda Casa Branca, 652, 6º e 9 º andares               
Jardins, São Paulo - SP - Brasil - CEP 01408-000   

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luiz@aphoffmann.com.br
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