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Taxpayers have until May 29th to submit their 2026 Income Tax return and avoid financial penalties, while data reveals that more than half have not yet regularized their situation with the Federal Revenue
The information was released by “R7.com”, based on updated data from the Federal Revenue, and reveals a scenario that requires immediate attention from Brazilian taxpayers. The deadline for submitting the 2026 Income Tax return (Individual Income Tax) is approaching, and millions of people have not yet filed with the Tax Authorities.
Currently, more than half of taxpayers have not yet submitted their return, even though the submission period has been underway since March 23rd. This means that the remaining time is short, especially for those who still need to gather documents and organize financial information.
Furthermore, the final deadline for submission is set for 11:59 PM on May 29th. Those who miss this date will be subject to financial penalties that can directly impact their finances.
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Fine can reach 20% of tax due, and deadline already concerns taxpayers
One of the main points of attention for those who have not yet filed is the fine applied in case of delay. According to the established rules, the minimum amount is R$ 165.74, and can reach up to 20% of the tax due.
Consequently, leaving it until the last minute can be a significant risk. This is because any error or unforeseen event can prevent submission within the deadline, generating unnecessary costs.
As of this Friday (1st), approximately 18.1 million returns had been submitted. This number represents only 41% of the expected total of 44 million. In other words, there is still a large portion of the population that needs to regularize their situation.
Furthermore, there is an important benefit for those who file early. Those who submit their return by May 10th will be eligible for the first batch of refunds, which will be paid on May 29th.
On the other hand, those who have tax to pay also need to be aware. The May 10th deadline is equally relevant for those who wish to opt for automatic debit of the first installment or the single installment.
Who needs to declare and how to submit the 2026 income tax
Not all Brazilians are required to file, but it is essential to understand the criteria to avoid problems with the Federal Revenue. This year, individuals who received taxable income above R$ 35,584.00 must submit their return.
In addition, those who had gross income from rural activity exceeding R$ 177,920.00 are also obligated. Other criteria include income above R$ 200,000, capital gains subject to tax, and stock market operations above R$ 40,000.
Taxpayers who own assets above R$ 800,000, who became residents in Brazil, or who have investments and income abroad also need to declare.
On the other hand, those who received up to two monthly minimum wages during the year 2025 are exempt, provided they do not fall under other mandatory criteria.
As for submission methods, taxpayers can choose from three options. The return can be filed through the Federal Revenue program (PGD), through the online system on e-CAC, or through the Meu Imposto de Renda (My Income Tax) app.
Complete 2026 income tax calendar and important dates
To facilitate planning, the Federal Revenue released a detailed calendar with all relevant dates for the 2026 Income Tax. Organizing these steps is essential to avoid delays and take advantage of benefits.
The schedule began on March 20th, with the release of the program for download and completion, still without transmission. Subsequently, on March 23rd, the reception of returns began, from 8 AM, with the pre-filled option.
On March 27th, the processing of information and the release of the statement for monitoring began.
May 10th marks two important moments. Besides being the deadline to opt for automatic debit of the first installment, it is also the deadline to compete for the first batch of refunds.
Finally, May 29th represents the official closing of the deadline for submitting returns, in addition to the payment of the first installment, the single installment, and the first batch of refunds.
Furthermore, those who need to pay tax can divide the amount into up to eight installments. The dates are:
- 1st or single installment: 29/05
- 2nd installment: 30/06
- 3rd installment: 31/07
- 4th installment: 31/08
- 5th installment: 30/09
- 6th installment: 30/10
- 7th installment: 30/11
- 8th installment: 30/12
In the case of refunds, there will be four main dates this year, with early payment for most taxpayers:
- 1st batch: 29/05
- 2nd batch: 30/06
- Special batch 2025: 15/07/2026
- 3rd batch: 31/07
- 4th batch: 31/08
Additionally, there is an automatic refund for those who did not need to file in 2025 but had tax withheld at the source and have amounts up to R$ 1,000. These payments will be generated starting June 15th, with credit on July 15th, exclusively via Pix with a CPF key.
Have you already submitted your return or are you also leaving it until the last minute?
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