Income Tax 2025 is the central theme of this article, which is designed to clear up any doubts about who needs to declare, which dependents can be included and how to make the most of the tax benefits provided for in the legislation.
If you want to better understand how this annual obligation works and avoid mistakes that could lead to problems with the IRS, this complete guide is for you.
In this article, we'll go into detail about the mandatory criteria, the categories of dependents, the documentation required, the impacts of a well-done declaration, the risks in the event of errors and other detailed information so that you can prepare your declaration safely.
To find out more and check out what our team of experts has put together for you, stay with us and follow this content to the end.
Who needs to file a 2025 income tax return?
Before we get into the details of declaring dependents, it's very important to understand who needs to file a 2025 Income Tax return.
A Internal Revenue Service establishes objective criteria that define the obligation to submit the declaration. If you meet at least one of the following requirements, you must file a tax return:
- You received taxable income above R$ 30,639.90 last year;
- Received income that is exempt, non-taxable or taxed exclusively at source, the sum of which exceeded R$ 200,000 last year;
- Obtained in any month of the previous year, a capital gain on the sale of goods or rights, subject to tax, or carried out transactions on stock, commodities, futures and similar exchanges whose sum was greater than R$ 40 thousand, or with net gains subject to tax;
- Received exemption from capital gains tax on the sale of residential property, followed by the purchase of another residential property within 180 days;
- Received gross revenue in excess of R$ 153,199.50 from rural activities in the previous year;
- Had until December 31 of the previous year the possession or ownership of goods or rights, including bare land, with a total value of more than R$ 800 thousand;
- You became a resident in Brazil in any month and were in that status until December 31st of the previous year;
- You have chosen to declare the assets, rights and obligations held by the direct or indirect controlled entity abroad as if they were held directly by the individual;
- It has a trust abroad;
- You want to update assets abroad.
If you fall into any of these situations, it is essential that you file your declaration correctly, avoiding inconsistencies that could result in fines and future problems.
A well-organized tax return is the basis for ensuring compliance with tax obligations and taking advantage of the legal benefits offered by the law.
Who can be declared as a dependent in the 2025 Income Tax?
Now that you understand the importance of correctly declaring dependents, let's break down the categories of people who can be included in the 2025 Income Tax return.
Below we present each of the categories, with the conditions and specifications for each case:
1. spouse, partner and stable union
A spouse or partner can be declared as a dependent, provided they meet certain conditions:
- Marriage or stable union: The taxpayer and spouse must have been in a stable union for more than 5 years or be formally married.
- Opting for a joint declaration: If you file jointly, you should make sure that the sum of your incomes does not negatively affect your tax benefits. If you both choose to file individually, the inclusion of a dependent should be evaluated with caution.
Including your spouse in your tax return allows you to add up your medical and educational expenses, making it possible to deduct more.
However, it is important to analyze whether this option is advantageous, as the sum of the income can change the tax base.
2. children and stepchildren
Children, whether biological, adopted or stepchildren, are the most common dependents on the tax return. Income Tax 2025. The general rules for inclusion in this category are:
- Age group: Children and stepchildren can be included up to the age of 21. However, if they are disabled, there is no age limit for inclusion.
- Higher or technical education: Children who are in higher education or technical school can be included up to the age of 24, as long as the taxpayer has legal custody or is responsible for their upbringing and education.
By including children and stepchildren, taxpayers can deduct essential expenses such as education and health, which contributes to a significant reduction in the tax due.
3. siblings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Siblings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can also be included. However, there are specific rules for this category:
- Economic dependence: It is necessary to prove that the dependent is under the legal guardianship of the taxpayer or is economically dependent on them.
- Age limit: They can be declared up to the age of 21 or up to the age of 24 if they are in higher or technical education.
- Exception for disability: For disabled dependents, age is not a limitation.
The inclusion of these dependents can generate advantages in the deduction of education and health expenses, as long as economic dependence is duly proven.
4. parents, grandparents and great-grandparents
Parents, grandparents and great-grandparents can also be included as dependents, but the main rule is proof of economic dependence.
The conditions for this category include:
- Income limit: Dependents in this category must have received income - taxable or not - of up to R$ 22,847.76 in the previous year.
- Proof of dependence: It is essential to demonstrate that these family members are financially dependent on the taxpayer.
Including parents, grandparents or great-grandparents in the declaration can provide significant deductions, especially for medical expenses and medicines, helping to balance the family accounts.
5. poor minors and absolutely incapable persons
There are special situations that allow the inclusion of dependents, such as:
- Poor minor: This refers to minors under the age of 21 who are raised and educated by the taxpayer, provided they have legal custody.
- Absolutely incapable persons: In this case, the taxpayer acts as guardian or curator of the incapacitated person.
These rules aim to protect the most vulnerable individuals, ensuring that the deductions resulting from the inclusion of these dependents can considerably reduce the tax burden.
The importance of including dependents in your tax return
In the context of Income Tax 2025The inclusion of dependents in the tax return is one of the points that can generate significant tax advantages.
The term "dependent" refers to those people who are financially dependent on the taxpayer, and their inclusion allows for the deduction of various expenses, such as education, health and private pension costs.
These deductions reduce the tax base and can increase the amount of the refund or reduce the amount payable.
The inclusion of dependents brings benefits such as:
- Deduction of medical and educational expenses: By declaring expenses for consultations, exams, school fees and other expenses, taxpayers can reduce the amount of tax they owe.
- Financial organization: By grouping family expenses, you can better plan your finances and optimize the use of tax benefits.
- Reduction in the amount of tax: The deductions applied to dependents directly influence the calculation base, which can mean a lower tax bill or a higher refund.
Therefore, knowing who can be included as a dependent and gathering the correct documentation is essential for taxpayers to take advantage of all the benefits allowed by law.
This organization avoids inconsistencies and guarantees a more assertive declaration without the risk of falling into the fine mesh.
What is the difference between a complete and simplified income tax return?
The main difference between the full and simplified tax returns is the way in which the taxpayer's expenses are deducted from the tax base:
Complete declaration
In a complete tax return, taxpayers can deduct the expenses allowed by law, such as health, education, dependents, private pension, among others, on an individual basis.
This option is advantageous for those with high deductible expenses, as the total amount deducted can be higher than the standard discount offered by the simplified declaration.
Simplified declaration
In the simplified return, instead of reporting all deductible expenses, the taxpayer is entitled to a standard 20% discount on taxable income, limited to a ceiling set by the Receita Federal.
This option is ideal for those who don't have many deductible expenses, as the discount is calculated automatically, simplifying the filing of the tax return.
In short, if your deductible expenses are greater than the standard deduction of 20%, it is worth opting for the full declaration; otherwise, the simplified declaration may be the most practical and advantageous choice.
What documents do I need to file my 2025 income tax return?
In order to file the 2025 income tax return correctly, taxpayers need to gather all the documents that prove they received money, as well as ownership, purchase or sale of movable or immovable property in the previous year.
Check out the full list of documents and start sorting out everything you might need:
Previous year's declaration:
- If you've filed a tax return before, keep the last one you filed together with the receipt.
Proof of income:
- Income reports from financial institutions, including stock brokers;
- Proof of income such as salaries, pro-labore, profit distribution, retirement, pensions, etc;
- Documentation of rental income from movable and immovable property from legal entities.
- Information and documents relating to other sources of income, such as alimony, donations, inheritances, etc;
- Monthly summary of the cash book accompanied by the calculation memory of the tax return;
- DARFs relating to the carnê-leão.
Proof of assets and rights:
- Documents certifying purchase and sale, such as contracts, deeds and transfer documents.
Proof of debts and encumbrances:
- Information and documents relating to debts and encumbrances contracted and/or paid off during the period.
Proof of variable income:
- Detailed control of the purchase and sale of shares, including monthly tax calculation.
- DARFs related to variable income operations.
Other information:
- Bank details for possible refunds or debits of tax assessments;
- Information on dependents, including name, CPF, degree of kinship and date of birth, updated address;
- Details of your current professional activity;
- Payments and donations made;
- Payment receipts or income reports from health plans or insurance, with the CNPJ of the issuing company and indication of the patient;
- Proof of medical and dental expenses, with CNPJ of the issuing company or CPF of the professional, indicating the patients;
- Proof of education expenses, indicating the CNPJ of the issuing company and the student;
- Document proving discharge of Social Security and private pension contributions, containing the CNPJ of the issuing company;
- Receipts for donations made;
- Social Security Form (GPS) for the full year and a copy of the domestic employee's professional card;
- Official proof of payment to political candidates or political parties.
If you have any doubts about the documentation required to fill in the 2025 income tax return correctly, contact us and receive advice from our team of experts.
What happens if you don't file your 2025 income tax return?
Taxpayers who are obliged to file a tax return but fail to do so for any reason are subject to a series of penalties:
- Fine of up to 225% imposed by the tax authorities.
- Withholding of the declaration in a fine mesh;
- Suspension of CPF;
- Prohibition on opening bank accounts;
- Barred from taking out loans;
- Prohibition on renewing or taking out a passport;
- Judicial liability for tax evasion;
- Among other possible consequences.
In view of this, and in order to avoid problems with the tax authorities, it is very important to file your income tax return with the support of specialized accounting advice, such as that of CLM Controller Accounting.
Who doesn't need to file a 2025 income tax return?
Not everyone has to file their 2025 income tax return. If you don't fit the mandatory criteria, you are automatically exempt.
Some of the exceptions include:
- Taxpayers who have not reached the established income limits;
- People who have savings account balances of less than R$ 140.00 and have no other income that requires a declaration;
- Taxpayers suffering from serious illnesses, who may be entitled to a special exemption, are not required to file a tax return.
Even if you meet the exemption criteria, it's worth keeping your documents organized and seek the advice of an accountant if there is any doubt about the need to declare.
How to pay Income Tax 2025?
For taxpayers who have an amount to pay, the 2025 Income Tax payment must be made by the due date stipulated by the IRS.
Here's how to proceed:
- DARF Guide: Payment is made using the DARF - Documento de Arrecadação de Receitas Federais (Federal Revenue Collection Document), which is generated as soon as the declaration has been completed and transmitted.
- Installments: If the amount to be paid is significant, the IRS allows the tax to be paid in up to 8 installments, with a minimum installment of R$ 50.00.
Remember that late payment can result in fines and interest, so it's essential to organize your declaration in advance and respect the established deadlines.
What income is exempt from income tax?
Some income is exempt and does not form part of the tax base, but must be reported in the tax return. These include
- Study and research grants: As long as they do not represent a financial advantage for the taxpayer.
- Insurance premiums: Amounts received as a result of the insured's death or permanent disability.
- Labor compensation: Including termination of employment and FGTS.
- Capital gain: Up to certain limits on the sale of shares and other assets.
- Profits and dividends: Amounts from distributed profits and dividends.
- Income from savings and specific investments: Including savings accounts, LCI, LCA, CRA and others.
To declare this income, go to the "Exempt and Non-Taxable Income" and report the amounts received. The correct classification of this income is essential to avoid inconsistencies and possible questioning by the IRS.
What income is subject to exclusive/definitive taxation?
Some income is subject to exclusive or definitive taxation, which means that the tax has already been paid at source and will not form part of the calculation basis for the annual adjustment. However, they must be reported in the tax return.
These include:
- Interest on equity: Informed on the specific "Income Subject to Exclusive/Definitive Taxation" form.
- Profit sharing: Profit sharing amounts.
- Income from financial investments: Withholding tax, such as interest on some investments.
Enter these values on the corresponding sheets, respecting the guidelines of the Receita Federal.
How to declare assets, rights and debts in Income Tax 2025?
Income Tax 2025 also requires the declaration of assets, rights and debts. These items must be reported in detail to avoid future questioning by the IRS.
Assets and rights
On the form "Assets and Rights, you must declare:
- Real estate: Houses, apartments, plots of land, etc.
- Movable property: Vehicles, works of art, etc.
- Participation Companies and Investments: Holdings in companies, financial investments, shares, FIIs, crypto-assets, etc.
- Other assets: Any asset that has economic value and can be classified in the classes defined by the Revenue Department.
Each item must be declared with detailed information, such as address, purchase price, and observations that can help clarify the nature of the asset.
Debts and liens
On the form "Debts and Encumbrances", report:
- Creditor details: Name, CPF or CNPJ, and the nature of the debt.
- Debt information: Number of installments, total loan amount, interest rate and the outstanding balance on the last day of the previous year.
- Personal loans: Also include personal loans, if any, stating what has already been paid off and what is still outstanding.
This data is important for demonstrating the taxpayer's financial situation and for the IRS to understand the relationship between assets and liabilities.
How to declare financing, loans and variable income in Income Tax 2025
In addition to the items already mentioned, Income Tax 2025 covers various financial transactions that must be detailed in the declaration.
Real estate financing
To declare a mortgage:
- Assets and Rights" file: Select the code corresponding to the type of property (e.g. "11 - Apartment" or "12 - House").
- Description: Enter the address of the property, total value, down payment, number of installments and the amount of each installment.
- Situation at 31/12: Record the amount already paid up to the reference date.
Personal loans
If you have loans:
- Debts and Encumbrances" tab: Choose the code "14 - Other debts and encumbrances in rem".
- Description: Enter the name and CPF/CNPJ of the lender, the type of loan, the total amount and the amount paid up to the reference date.
- Discharge: If the loan has already been paid off, record the total amount paid and leave the outstanding balance blank.
Variable income
Investments in shares, FIIs and other variable income operations also need to be declared:
- Profits and dividends: Report exempt income on the form "Exempt and Non-Taxable Income".
- To declare income from the sale of shares with a monthly volume of less than R$ 20 thousand: Fill in the option "Net gains on transactions on the spot market for shares traded on the stock exchange on disposals of up to R$ 20,000 in each month for all shares"on the "Exempt and Non-Taxable Income";
- For monthly sales over R$ 20,000 and Day Trade: In the "Variable Income", go to the "Common Operations/Day Trade" tab and break down the values on the spot, options, futures and forward markets, month by month, separating common operations from those carried out in the day trade mode.
Due to the complexity of variable annuity operations, it is recommended to look for guidance from a specialized accountant.
Fixed income
In the fixed income statement, go to the tab "Assets and Rights and in the "04 - Applications and Investments", report:
- Types of investment: Savings deposits, government bonds, CDB, RDB, LCI, LCA, among others.
- Breakdown of investments: Enter the country of origin, the CNPJ of the bank or broker, the number of quotas, the amounts and the situation on 31/12 of the previous year and the base year.
What expenses can be deducted from income tax?
Choosing a complete tax return allows taxpayers to deduct various expenses, thus reducing the amount of tax payable or increasing the refund.
Check out the main deductible expenses:
- Education expenses: Up to R$ 3,561.50 per dependent, including school fees and courses.
- Medical expenses: Consultations, exams, treatments, health plans and other medical expenses, with no maximum limit.
- Supplementary pensions: Deduction of up to 12% from the income tax base for taxpayers with PGBL-type pension plans.
- Dependents: Each declared dependent can allow a fixed deduction of R$ 2,275.08 from the IR calculation base, in addition to the inclusion of associated expenses such as education and health.
- Donations made: In some cases, donations to charitable or cultural institutions can be deducted.
It is essential that the receipts for these expenses are organized and available, as the IRS may request them to confirm the deductions reported.
Cautions and risks when filing your income tax return 2025
Errors in the 2025 Income Tax return can result in serious consequences. Here are the main precautions to take:
- Full documentation: Keep all receipts, invoices, proof of payment and personal documents. Failure to provide proof can lead to deductions being rejected and the declaration having to be rectified.
- Data review: Before submitting your tax return, check all the fields to avoid typing mistakes or associating income and deductions.
- Updating information: Changes in the financial situation or family composition (such as a change in the number of dependents) must be updated.
- Pay attention to deadlines: Late delivery or late payment can lead to fines and interest, as well as complicating your financial planning.
- Expert guidance: If you have any doubts, seeking the help of an accountant can prevent mistakes that could result in problems with the Internal Revenue Servicesuch as the fine mesh.
It's worth remembering that mistakes can result in anything from large fines to the suspension of your CPF, as well as difficulties in opening bank accounts or obtaining financing. It is therefore essential that the declaration is made rigorously and carefully.
File your income tax return with CLM Controller Contabilidade
Knowing that the process of declaring Income Tax 2025 involves several stages and requires attention to numerous details, expert guidance can be a big difference in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
A CLM Controller Accounting is prepared to offer complete support to its clients, from the organization of the documentation to the final submission of the declaration.
By choosing to declare with CLM Controller Contabilidade, you guarantee:
- Safety and reliability: A team of experienced accountants who know all the nuances of the law.
- Deduction optimization: The correct identification of deductible expenses that can reduce the tax payable or increase the refund.
- Personalized support: Individualized consultancy to clarify doubts and advise on the best way to declare each income and asset.
- Meeting deadlines: Complete support so that your tax return is submitted on time, avoiding fines and complications.
Don't leave it to the last minute and avoid problems with the tax authorities!
Click on the WhatsApp button, contact the CLM Controller Accounting and book an appointment to file your 2025 Income Tax return safely, quickly and with the maximum possible tax benefits.