The year 2016 has begun with a series of significant changes in
tax legislation. These changes range from an attempt by the
Brazilian government to implement a "fiscal adjustment"
to measures that redistribute Tax on the Circulation of Merchandise
and Services (Imposto sobre Circulação de
Mercadorias e Serviços - ICMS) revenue, thereby making
adjustments to the Brazilian federative system. This article will
present a brief explanation regarding the alterations that may
affect Brazilian companies and individuals in 2016, without delving
deeper into the specific details of each one of these changes.
- Taxation of capital gains earned by individuals
increased
Currently, capital gains are subject to a 15% Withholding Income
Tax (WHT) rate. On September 22, 2015, however, the Brazilian
Government issued Provisional Measure 692/15, increasing the
taxation of the capital gains earned by individuals. On March 16,
2016, this Provisional Measure was converted into the