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New National Minimum of R$ 1,621 Modifies the Monthly Rate of MEI Starting in January 2026, Updates the Value of DAS, Affects Truck Drivers, and Reorganizes Social Security Rights and Obligations
An economic adjustment with a direct impact on millions of small businesses has been defined for 2026. The measure alters the monthly contribution of the Individual Microentrepreneur (MEI). With the minimum wage set at R$ 1,621, the amount paid to INSS will be updated starting in January 2026. The change follows the legal rule that links the contribution to the national minimum.
With this revision, the monthly social security contribution of the MEI rises from R$ 75.90 to R$ 81.05. The increase reaches 6.8%. This happens because the collection corresponds to 5% of the current minimum wage. Thus, whenever the minimum wage is adjusted, the value of the Document of Collection of the National Simple (DAS) also changes.
The new value comes into effect after the officialization of the minimum wage by presidential decree. The federal government expects this procedure to take place in 2025, within the budget calendar. The measure occurs under the management of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
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New Values of the Monthly Contribution of MEI in 2026
With the revised minimum wage, the monthly amounts paid by individual microentrepreneurs are defined as follows:
- R$ 81.05 for INSS, equivalent to 5% of the minimum wage of R$ 1,621
- R$ 5.00 for ISS, for activities subject to municipal tax
- R$ 1.00 for ICMS, for commercial or industrial activities
Even with the adjustment, the MEI maintains fixed taxes. The amount does not vary according to monthly revenue. This rule applies to those who respect the annual limit of R$ 81,000, according to current legislation.
Truck Driver MEI Will Have Greater Impact with the New Minimum Wage
For the truck driver MEI, the update of the national minimum generates a more significant increase. The monthly contribution rises from R$ 182.16 to R$ 202.42. In some cases, it can reach R$ 207.42. The variation depends on the type of cargo transported and the destination of the goods.
This higher amount occurs because the calculation considers 12% of the minimum wage for INSS. Additionally, the fixed amounts for ICMS and ISS remain the same as those for traditional MEIs. This combination of factors raises the monthly cost for the transporter.
Payment Date for DAS Remains Unchanged
Despite the increase in amounts, the payment deadline for the DAS remains the same. The document is due on the 20th of each month. It includes the social security contribution and mandatory taxes.
Issuance occurs through the National Simple Portal or the MEI App, available for Android and iOS. Payment can be made via bank slip, PIX, or automatic debit, among other official options.
Deadline for Regularizing Debts with the Federal Revenue
In addition to changes in values, the government established an important deadline for tax regularization. MEIs, micro-enterprises, and small businesses have until January 31, 2026 to regularize debts with the Federal Revenue.
Meeting this deadline prevents the exclusion from the National Simple. Losing the regime can increase the tax burden. It may also jeopardize the continuity of the business’s activities.
Social Security Rights Guaranteed to the MEI
By keeping contributions up to date, the individual microentrepreneur ensures access to various INSS social security benefits, including:
- Retirement by Age
- Retirement by Disability
- Sickness Benefits
- Maternity Leave Pay
- Death Benefits
- Prison Aid for Dependents
The calculation of benefits considers the contributions made over time. Each modality requires meeting minimum waiting periods. For clarifications, assistance is available through INSS, by calling 135, or through the institutional website.
How the Minimum Wage for 2026 Was Defined
The new minimum wage represents an increase of R$ 103. The variation corresponds to 6.79% compared to the current value of R$ 1,518. The floor was below the R$ 1,627 initially projected in the 2026 LDO. This difference generated relief for the federal budget.
The calculation considered the INPC accumulated over 12 months until November 2025, which reached 4.18%. To this index, 2.5% of real gain was added, limited by the growth of GDP in 2024. The methodology was disclosed by IBGE.
Additionally, INSS benefits will also be adjusted in 2026. About 70% of retirements, equivalent to 28 million insured individuals, receive a minimum salary. The benefits above the minimum cater to approximately 12 million beneficiaries. For this group, the adjustment follows the INPC of 2025, with a projected 4.66%, according to government estimates.
In light of this scenario, the adjustment of the minimum wage in 2026 redefines the contribution of the MEI. The change also requires attention to financial planning.
Have you calculated how this new amount may impact your monthly budget next year?
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