Important update (27/06/2025): O Legislative Decree 176/2025, approved on June 25th and published in 27/06/2025, suspended Decrees 12.466, 12.467 and 12.499/2025reversing all the changes made in May/June. Thus, the rules of Decree 6.306/2007There are, however, ongoing legal disputeThe PSOL has filed an ADI with the STF and the government is considering an appeal.
O Tax on Financial Operations (IOF) is a Brazilian federal tax that is levied on various business operations. credit, foreign exchange, insurance and investments. In other words, whenever a company or individual carries out certain financial operationsIOF may be levied on transactions such as taking out a loan, buying foreign currency, taking out insurance or redeeming an investment. This tax has dual function: in addition to generating revenue for the Union, it is used as a economic policy instrument.
The government may adjust the IOF rates to stimulate or curb specific economic activitiesIt also measures the demand for credit in the economy (since a high IOF collection indicates a greater volume of financial operations carried out in a given period). In short, the IOF serves both to raising funds as for regulating the financial marketThis influences the cost of financial operations in line with monetary and fiscal policy objectives.
In this complete guide, you will understand how IOF works in practice, what its rates are, when it is levied and how your company can plan to reduce financial impacts.
Listen now and learn how to identify where the IOF is levied and how a good financial and tax planning can help reduce its impact legally. An essential guide for companies and individuals carrying out financial operations in Brazil!
How IOF works in practice
The IOF is levied on different types of financial transactionsEach has its own specific rules. Below, we explain how IOF is charged in the main categories: credit, exchange, insurance and investment operations.
IOF on Credit Transactions
In credit operations - which include loans, financing, use of overdrafts, credit card revolving accountsamong others - the IOF is charged at the time the resources are made available to the borrower. The incidence occurs on the total amount of the debt releasedThe tax is made up of two parts:
Fixed IOF (on contract)A fixed percentage rate is applied only once to the amount of the loan or financing when the credit is released. For example, when taking out a loan, a fixed percentage is charged on the amount released immediately. Historically, this fixed rate was 0.38% for most operations.
Daily IOF (pro rata): a rate that is levied day by day on the outstanding balance for as long as the debt is outstanding, calculated in proportion to the days elapsed. This daily charge accumulates up to a ceiling equivalent to one year's incidence (or until the debt is settled early, whichever comes first). In practice, it works like a percentage per year converted into a rate per day. For example, if the daily rate is 0.0082%, this corresponds to approximately 3% per year (0.0082% * 365 days). Important: even for long loans (e.g. 24 or 36 months), the daily IOF is applied at most for the first 365 days of the contract - after one year, it is no longer charged, as it has already reached the annual ceiling established by law.
In the case of individuals (PF)IOF-credit rates have not been changed recentlyThis is the same as before. In general, individuals pay 0.38% at credit release + 0.0082% per day on the amount owed (which results in approximately 3.0% per year in the daily allotment, reaching a maximum load of around 3.38% per year adding the fixed portion).
After the decree was suspended via Legislative Decree nº 176/2025 (in force since June 27, 2025), the IOF returned to its previous level: 0.38% at contracting + 0.0041% per daytotaling approximately 1.88% per year for PJ.
Currently, companies in general pay 0.95% at contracting + 0.0082% per daywhich results in up to 3.95% per year of IOF levied on corporate credit operations. In other words, if a company takes out a loan and remains in debt for an entire year, it will pay a maximum of 3.95% of the amount borrowed in IOF during that period. This change raised the rate for companies (previously 0.38% + 0.0041% per day, capped at 1.88% p.a.) to the same level as for individuals in terms of the daily rate, significantly increasing the tax cost of corporate financing.
In addition to Decree No. 12.499/2025, the following was published Provisional Measure No. 1.303/2025The new law, which changed several tax rates involving IOF, IR and CSLL. Below, we have compiled the main changes in a clear and objective comparative table, effective as of October 1, 2025:
Summary table of changes to the IOF - Decree No. 12.499/2025
Tax | Previous rate | New Rate | Start of validity |
---|---|---|---|
IOF - Corporate Credit | 0.95% (fixed) + 0.0041% per day | 0.38% fixed + 0.0041% per day | 27/06/2025 |
IOF - Simple Credit / SME | 0.38% (fixed) + 0.0082% per day | 0.38% fixed + 0.00137% (≤R$30 k) or +0.0041% (>R$30 k) | 27/06/2025 |
IOF - Drawn risk/FIDC | Exempt | Exempt (return to previous condition) | 27/06/2025 |
Note: Small businesses are treated differently. Simples Nacional companiesFor credit operations of up to R$ 30,000, they have a lower rate: 0.38% fixed + 0.00274% per dayresulting in up to 1.95% per year. Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEI) have also been officially included in this reduced range, eliminating doubts that used to lead them to pay as an individual; now the MEI is entitled to a rate of 0.38% + 0.00274% per day on their loans, instead of the full rate.
In addition, some specific credit operations are still exempt from IOF by legal determination, even for companies - for example, export financing, rural credit through agricultural cooperatives and operations of government development programs (Constitutional Funds of the North, Northeast and Midwest) remain with zero IOF for encourage these sectors. There is also no IOF on salary advances to employees or on transactions exclusively between financial institutions. In short, in the day-to-day running of companies, any loan, financing, use of bank credit or installment payment that does not fall under a specific exemption will be subject to the IOF taxThe calculation combines an initial fixed rate and a daily rate for as long as the amount remains outstanding.

IOF on Foreign Exchange Transactions
The collection of IOF on exchange rate occurs in buying or selling foreign currencyinternational payments and remittances or receipts of funds from abroad.
It is important to note that several foreign exchange transactions remain exempt or with zero IOF, even after these changes. They remain not taxed foreign exchange transactions related to direct export and import of goods, interbank transactions, inflow of foreign investment into the country (e.g. capital contribution or stock market investment by foreigners), as well as remittances of dividends and interest abroad for foreign investors.
The decree was overturned in 27/06/2025 by Congress, the previous IOF-exchange rates were reinstated:
International card (credit/debit/prepaid): 3.38%
Purchase or withdrawal of foreign currency in cash / remittance to the same owner: 1,10%
Other remittances and transfers for investment: 0.38%
In other words, there is no longer the unified rate of 3.5%, which was revoked by Legislative Decree 176/2025.
In general terms, the taxable event for IOF-exchange is when the foreign currency is converted into another currency (payment or provision) - for example, when your company buys dollars with Brazilian reais or vice versa.
IOF rates on foreign exchange varied according to the purpose of the operationBut in 2025, a standardization of 3.5% for the majority of transactions involving funds leaving Brazil. This unification came about to correct distortions between different rates applied to similar operations and also to increase tax collection. Some examples of how the IOF is applied to foreign exchange:
International purchases by credit or debit card, prepaid card and traveler's checksIOF of 3.5% on foreign currency value converted. Until 2022, this rate was 6.38%, which was gradually reduced to 5.38% (2023) and 4.38% (2024), reaching 3.38% at the beginning of 2025. With the standardization measure, there was a small increase to 3.5% in 2025. In other words, when paying for expenses abroad with a corporate card, the company pays 3.5% of IOF on each purchase.
Buying foreign currency in cash (bureaux de change or banks) and remittance of money abroad (same ownership)IOF of 3.5% per operation. Until then, these operations had a much lower rate (1.10% previously for buying currency or sending it to your own account abroad). Now, if a company or entrepreneur buys dollars in cash for a business trip, for example, they will pay 3.5% IOF on the amount bought. Likewise, a transfer of funds from here to the company's (or person's) own account abroad will be taxed at 3.5%.
Remittances to third parties abroad (international payments, such as importing services or sending money to foreign suppliers): the rate, which was 0.38%, became 3.5% too. This means that a payment of importing goods or services, which previously had an almost symbolic IOF of 0.38%, is now taxed at 3.5%, making foreign trade operations not covered by exemption more expensive.
Conversion of foreign currency into reais (inflow of funds)in general, receipts from abroad kept the IOF rate at 0.38%. For example, if your company receives payment from a foreign client (export) and converts dollars into reais, there is an IOF of 0.38% on this exchange transaction. This lower rate for inflows of funds continues to apply, preserving the tax reduction for inflows of capital, exports and foreign investments, in order to not discourage the entry of foreign currency into the country.
External loansIOF: if the company takes out a loan with an institution abroad, the IOF is also levied on the exchange operation when the funds are internalized. Historically, foreign loans with less than 180 days paid a high IOF (6%) and above that term were exempt, to encourage long-term foreign credit. In 2025, there was a change: it was defined that foreign loans with a term of less than 365 days start paying 3.5% IOF, while loans with a term of more than 1 year remain exempt. So, if a company takes out a loan abroad for 6 months, it will incur IOF; but if it manages to negotiate a term of more than 12 months, it may not pay IOF on this exchange operation.
IOF on Insurance Transactions (VGBL / Pension Plan)
In the insurance sector, the IOF is levied on the insurance premium amount paid, i.e. on the value of the policy charged by the insurer. The rate varies according to the type of insurance taken out:
To general insurance (damage insurance or "elementary branches")In the case of insurance policies such as car, business, home, warranty, etc., the IOF rate is 7.38% on the premium paid. This means that when you take out asset insurance, around 7.38% of the amount you pay to the insurance company will be collected as IOF and passed on to the government. This percentage is applied equally to both individuals and companies - in other words, companies that take out insurance for their assets also pay 7.38% of IOF on the premium.
- For life insurance and private pension plans (VGBL, PGBL, plans with survivor coverage), the IOF has always been 0%without any limit on contributions. With the suspension of Decree No. 12,499 and the effects of Decree No. 12,466, through Legislative Decree No. 176/2025 on June 27, 2025, no IOF of 5% on high contributions - this has been reversed. Currently, there is no taxation on contribution limits in 2025, and the IOF remains at 0%even for high values.
To health insurance (private health plans)the IOF rate is 2.38% on premiums/monthly payments. This percentage, which is lower than that of general insurance, applies to both individual and group health plans. Again, it doesn't matter whether the contracting party is an individual or a company - what changes is only the line of insurance.
In short, when taking out insurance, the company must pay attention because a portion of the cost of the premium is IOF. In the case of property insurance In the case of life and liability insurance (the most common for companies), the IOF of 7.38% makes the policy more expensive. In the case of personal insurance (life and supplementary pension plans), there is usually no such charge, with the new exception of large VGBL contributions, which are now taxed. It is worth remembering that insurance linked to residential real estate financing is also exempt from IOF by law (it is part of the housing incentive package).
IOF on Investments and Securities
In financial investments, the IOF is levied mainly on discourage very short-term operations - in other words, to prevent investors from revolving funds in very quick investments just for immediate financial gain (the so-called "financial circus"). This is why IOF on fixed income investments redeemed in less than 30 days. The way it works differs from the other modalities: it is not a fixed rate on the amount invested, but a percentage. regressive on income of the application, decreasing day by day.
How it works: if a company (or person) invests money in a fixed-income security - for example, a CDB, a fixed-income fund or the Treasury Direct - and redeem the money before completing 30 daysso the IOF eats up part of the interest earned during this period. The rate starts very high on the first day and decreases to zero on the thirtieth day. The regressive IOF table on investments redeemed within 30 days is approximately as follows:
Rescue at day 1 after application: IOF of 96% (Virtually all of the gain is taken by tax, leaving only 4% of the gross profit for the investor).
Rescue at day 2IOF ~93% of income (the rate falls by around 3 percentage points with each additional day).
Rescue at 29thIOF of 3% on income.
Rescue at day 30 or after: 0% of IOF - in other words, after 30 full days there is no more IOF on the investment gain.
It is important to note that this IOF is not levied on the principal investedonly on the income (interest) obtained on the investment. So, if the company redeems an investment before 30 days, it doesn't lose the money invested itself, but it will have a good part of the interest confiscated by the IOF as shown in the table above. This discourages applications for very short periods of time, encouraging the funds to remain invested for at least one month. For investments held for more than 30 days, there is no IOF charge on income - the investor only pays income tax on profits, according to the specific rules of the type of investment.
In addition to the general rule above, there are a few points to mention about investments:
Stock market: no IOF on gains on shares if they are held for more than one day. In fact, no IOF is normally applied to shares, except in very specific very short-term operations (such as day trading within the same day, but then the main taxation is via IR and brokerage fees). In general, the government does not charge IOF on investment in shares so as not to burden the stock and capital markets, or the quotas of long-term investment funds, etc.
Gold financial assetThe purchase and sale of gold, when treated as a financial asset (and not as a physical good), has a specific IOF known as "IOF-gold"with a tax rate of 1% on the value of the operation. In other words, if your company acquires financial gold (used as an investment), it pays 1% of IOF. This is a particular feature of the legislation, which is different from the foreign exchange IOF and the others.
CryptoactiveIOF is not currently levied on the purchase/sale of cryptocurrencies, as they are not recognized as legal tender or as ordinary securities. However, this is a field in regulatory evolution and is not part of the classic scope of the IOF (but foreign exchange transactions to buy crypto abroad, for example, would normally involve IOF).
In short, in the context of investments, the most relevant IOF for companies is the one levied if the company decides to move fixed-income investments with less than 30 days - in these cases, a large part of the income will be lost to tax. With a proper financial planningHowever, it is possible to avoid this by keeping investments for longer than one month whenever possible, in order to not pay IOF on the gain. Apart from this, the company must remember that certain specific assets (such as financial gold) have their own IOF, but productive and long-term investments (shares, funds, etc.) do not suffer this tax directly.
Updated IOF Rates (Table for 2025)
Below is a table with the IOF rates currently in force (last updated in June 2025), valid after the reversal of the changes promoted by the May/June decrees. The data reflects the rules re-established by Decree No. 6,306/2007, as formalized by Legislative Decree No. 176/2025. The table highlights the differences between individuals (PF) and legal entities (PJ), where applicable.
Type of Financial Operation | IOF - Individual (PF) | IOF - Legal Entity (PJ) |
---|---|---|
Credit (Loans and Financing) | 0.38% when contracted + 0.0082% per day on the value of the debt (≈ 3.38% per year) | 0.38% when contracted + 0.0082% per day (≈ 1.5% per year) |
Credit - Simples Nacional / MEI | Not applicable | 0.38% + 0.00274% per day (≈ 1.95% per year, for operations up to R$ 30 thousand) |
Credit Unions | Exempt up to a limit of R$ 100 million per year. Above that, the same IOF applies as for other companies. | |
Foreign Exchange - Inflow of Funds | IOF of 0.38% on the amount in reais. Exports and certain foreign investments have a zero rate according to legislation. | IOF of 0.38%. Exports and foreign investments remain exempt or zero-rated. |
Foreign Exchange - Outflow of Funds | 1.1% for sending funds, buying currency and remittances. 3.38% for international card spending. | Same rates as PF: 1.1% for ordinary transactions and 3.38% for international corporate cards. |
Insurance - General (vehicles, property) | 7.38% on the amount of the premium paid. | 7.38% on the value of the premium, including for business insurance. |
Insurance - Life and Pension (VGBL, PGBL) | Exempt from IOF (previous rule reinstated - no charge on contributions, regardless of the amount). | Exempt from IOF (including contracts in the name of the company, partners or employees). |
Insurance - Health (medical plans) | 2.38% on the amount paid in tuition fees or premiums. | 2.38% on the amount paid for group or business plans. |
Investments - Fixed Income (redemption ≤ 30 days) | Regressive IOF: starts at 96% on the 1st day and drops to 0% on the 30th day. After 30 days, there is no IOF on income. | Same rule as for individuals: regressive IOF for the first 30 days. |
Investments - Shares and Funds | IOF: 0% for investments in variable income, funds and the stock exchange. There is only IOF if it is fixed income redeemed before 30 days. | Same rules as for PF: exempt for variable income. Regressive IOF for fixed income with redemption within 30 days. |
Gold (financial asset) | 1% on the value of the purchase or sale transaction, provided it is characterized as a financial asset. | 1% on the purchase and sale of gold as a financial asset. |
Caption: PF = individual; PJ = legal entity. The rates shown are those in force according to regulations up to May 2025. Remember that the IOF is a tax amended by federal decreetherefore subject to change by the Government over time - especially in IOF-exchange and IOF-credit, which are used as regulatory instruments. Always consult up-to-date sources or expert advice for any subsequent changes.
Practical examples of IOF in day-to-day business
To better understand the impact of IOF on business operations, let's take a look at a few of them practical examples common:
Bank loan for working capital: Suppose a company takes out a loan of R$ 100,000 with a term of 12 months to bolster its cash flow. The bank will charge 0.95% on release (R$ 950) and throughout the year, 0.0082% per day on the outstanding balance. If the loan lasts the whole year, the accumulated daily IOF will be close to 3% of the amount (around R$ 3,000). Adding up the installments, the total IOF cost comes to approximately R$ 3,950 that year. This amount will be included in the effective cost of credit, making the financing more expensive. In other words, in addition to bank interest, the company pays almost 4% more in taxes, which must be taken into account when planning its finances.
Purchase of imported inputs (foreign exchange transaction): Imagine that an industry needs to pay US$ 50,000 to a supplier abroad for raw materials. When making the international remittance via a bank, IOF-exchange will be levied. In 2025, the applicable rate for remittance abroad is 3.5%. Converting US$50 thousand to reais (suppose ~R$ 250,000), the IOF would be R$ 8,750 in this operation. Before the unification of rates, if it was an import of goods, the IOF would only be 0.38% (~R$950); now, with 3.5%, the tax cost is much higher. This has a direct impact on the cost of imports, and the company may have to pass this cost on to the price of the product or absorb it in the margin.
Purchase of foreign currency in cash for a business trip: If an entrepreneur withdraws R$ 20,000 from the company's cash to buy euros at a bureau de change for a business trip, he will have to pay IOF of 3.5% on that purchase. In this case, the IOF would be R$ 700 (3.5% of 20 thousand). This amount comes directly out of the company's resources as a tax expense associated with the trip.
Payment of expenses abroad with a corporate card: A Brazilian startup attends an event abroad and spends R$ 10,000 (converted) on its corporate credit card to cover hotel and meals. IOF of 3.5% on the invoice. This represents R$ 350 tax. When the invoice arrives, the company will have to pay this additional amount on top of the expenses, increasing the cost of the trip. It's a detail that often goes unnoticed until the card bill arrives.
Taking out business insurance: A small factory makes a property insurance of its facilities valued at R$ 5 million, paying an annual premium of, say, R$ 20,000. Applying the IOF rate of 7.38%we have R$ 1.476 IOF included in the premium. The insurance company collects this amount and passes it on to the government. Therefore, of the total paid by the factory, R$ 1,400 is not for risk coverage, but tax. This amount needs to be accounted for as a tax expense related to the insurance.
Redemption of financial investment before 30 days: A company invested R$ 100,000 in a CDB with daily liquidity to temporarily manage its cash, with the expectation of redeeming it in 15 days to pay suppliers. Suppose that in 15 days the CDB earned R$ 500 in interest. When you redeem it on the 15th day, IOF will be levied on the R$ 500 in income. According to the regressive table, redemption on the 15th implies IOF of around 50% on profit. That is, of the R$ 500 in interest, R$ 250 will go to the government as IOF, and the company will effectively be left with only R$ 250 in net profitability (before IR). In practice, half of the short-term financial gain is lost to tax because of the early redemption. This example illustrates why, if possible, it's better to wait 30 days to use invested funds, avoiding the incidence of IOF on income.
These examples show that the IOF can significantly affect the costs of routine business operations - whether by making loans and financing more expensive, increasing the cost of international transactions or reducing returns on investments. It is therefore essential that managers and entrepreneurs consider the IOF in your financial planning and seek efficiency, either by avoiding unnecessary operations that generate IOF or by taking advantage of exemptions and alternatives when feasible.
Frequently asked questions about the IOF
When is the IOF charged?
IOF is charged when the taxed financial transaction takes place. This means that whenever you carry out a transaction covered by the IOF, the tax is calculated and due at that time. For example taking out a loanThe IOF is calculated and included when the credit is released (the fixed installment + any daily charges depending on the number of days). using the overdraft or revolving credit card, the IOF is levied daily on the outstanding balance for as long as the card is used. On international card purchasesThe IOF is calculated at the close of the invoice on which the expense is posted. In exchange rateIt is levied when the currency is converted (either when buying foreign currency or when sending or receiving it from abroad). And in insurance paymentsThe IOF is included in the premium when the policy is issued. In other words, it is not a tax that is charged later on via a bill: is withheld and collected by the financial agent itself (bank, insurance company, broker) at the time of the transaction. It is worth remembering that some common day-to-day operations in which the IOF is levied are: use of a bank limit (overdraft), installment credit, contracted insurance, purchases with an international card, and quick redemptions from investments If you are in doubt, you may have to pay the IOF. "Is there an IOF on this?"A good tip is to check if the operation involves financial credit, foreign exchange, insurance or securities - if so, there will probably be IOF, unless the legislation provides for a specific exemption for that situation.
How to calculate the IOF?
The calculation of the IOF depends on the type of operation, but in general it follows the formula Transaction Value x IOF Rate applicable. For simple transactions with a fixed rate (e.g. IOF on foreign exchange, IOF on insurance), simply multiply the amount in question by the rate percentage. Example: if your company is sending R$ 100,000 abroad with IOF of 3.5%, the tax will be R$ 100,000 x 3.5% = R$ 3,500. In the case of property insurance (7,38%)A prize of R$ 10,000 generates IOF of R$ 10,000 x 7.38% = R$ 738 tax. In the case of creditThe calculation has two parts: (1) the fixed rate on the total amount borrowed, and (2) the daily rate on the balance, proportional to the days. Suppose a loan of R$ 50,000 to be paid back in 6 months is taken out by an ordinary company: upfront there will be 0.95% of R$ 50,000 = R$ 475 fixed IOF. In addition, 0.0082% will be charged daily on the outstanding balance. If the average balance over the 6 months is, say, R$ 25,000 (considering amortizations), the accumulated daily charge would be ~0.0082% * 180 days * 25,000 = R$ 369 (approximately). This would mean a total of around R$ 844 in IOF on this loan (which may vary depending on the actual amortization from month to month). For IOF on fixed income investmentsThe calculation is based on income: suppose a fund yielded R$ 1,000 in 10 days, the IOF (66% on the 10th day, according to the table) would be R$ 1,000 x 66% = R$ 660The investor is left with R$ 340 net profit before IR. In all cases, it's the financial institution involved (bank, broker, insurance company) that does the calculation and collection, but it's important that you understand how the figures are arrived at in order to check the amounts charged.
Is it possible to reduce or get rid of the IOF?
You can't escape the IOF directly when the transaction is subject to it - because it is a compulsory tax. Unlike some taxes that allow for planning to reduce the calculation base or use credits, the IOF is levied in the following ways objective on the financial operation. However, there are some exemption strategies and situations to consider: (1) Avoid unnecessary or costly IOF transactions - for example, if your company has cash, avoid using overdrafts or emergency credit (because in addition to high interest rates, there is a daily IOF); plan your cash flow so that you don't need to redeem investments before 30 days, avoiding IOF on income. (2) Opt for exempt alternatives - For example, residential mortgages are exempt from IOF, so if an entrepreneur were to acquire a residential property via a mortgage, there would be no IOF (unlike an ordinary loan). Likewise, certain public or sectoral financing programs are exempt from IOF (as already mentioned: export credit, working capital via BNDES for some programs, rural credit for cooperatives, etc.), so it's worth checking if your purpose falls under any incentivized line. (3) Structuring operations differently - for example, foreign investors contributing funds to a company generally do not pay IOF (capital inflow as an investment is not taxed), but a short-term international loan would be taxed; thus, in some cases, capitalize the company instead of borrowing can avoid IOF (although it involves other corporate considerations). Another situation: if a partner is going to put money into the company temporarily, a capital increase or contribution via a convertible loan agreement can avoid IOF, while a formal loan to the CNPJ would generate IOF. (4) Taking advantage of legal benefits - For example, Simples companies and MEIs already have a reduced IOF rate on small loans by law. In a nutshell, there is no "way" to avoid paying IOF if you perform the standard operation - the path is plan to reduce incidenceFor example, you can use less short-term bank credit, hold investments for longer periods, consolidate international remittances (instead of several small ones, although the tax rate is proportional, you can save on associated bank fees), and so on. Consulting a tax advisor can help identify whether your operations could be restructured in a more tax-efficient way without breaking the law.
What common mistakes companies make related to the IOF?
Among the most common misconceptions companies make about the IOF are: (1) Do not include the IOF in the cost of operationsOften the company only analyzes interest or fees on a loan or investment, and forgets to factor in the IOF. This can lead to unpleasant surprises, such as a loan that costs more than expected or an investment yield that is lower than expected due to the IOF.
It is essential to include the IOF in the Total Effective Cost (TEC) of financing and in calculating the net return on investments (2) Confusing IOF with interest or negotiating IOFIOF: some managers may think that the IOF is "negotiable" with the bank or part of the interest rate - in fact, it is a tax set by law, which the institution only collects and passes on to the government There is no way for the bank to exempt the client from the IOF or reduce it (except in operations exempted by law). So there's no point in trying to argue with the manager about the IOF; it's better to understand and minimize the need for the taxed operation. (3) Falling prey to IOF scamsUnfortunately, there are reports of fraudsters offering "easy" loans and asking the company to pay the IOF in advance in order to release the credit. this is a scam!
Charging IOF on loans it is never done via boleto in advance and then money is released. The IOF is always charged by the bank itself within the loan. If someone asks you to pay IOF in advance outside of this context, be suspicious immediately. (4) Not knowing about exemptions and paying tax when you couldn'tFor example, a company that takes out a redeemable life insurance policy in the name of its shareholders could have contributions exempt from IOF (up to a certain limit), but if it doesn't know the rule, it might opt for a traditional short-term financial investment and end up paying IOF on the income. Or companies that could use an exempt export credit line but take out a regular loan and pay IOF unnecessarily. Thus, a lack of information can lead to sub-optimal choices. (5) Inadequate classification of operationsIn accounting, it is important to correctly classify and record the IOF paid, usually as a financial or tax expense. Classification errors can make the company lose sight of how much it is spending on IOF over time, making management difficult. In addition, it is worth remembering that, although it is a tax, the IOF paid can be accounted for as a deductible expense in the company's income (reducing taxable profit in the year). IRPJ/CSLL)Some companies forget this detail when calculating corporate income tax, although it's more of an accounting detail than a "mistake" with the IOF itself.
In short, the main errors revolve around inattention and lack of planning. To avoid this, the company must always be aware of the incidence of IOF in each financial operation it carries out, calculate its impact and seek advice from consultants or accountants in order to structure its operations as efficiently as possible within what is permitted in law.

Recent updates and legislative changes to the IOF
The IOF is a peculiar tax, as its rates can be changed via presidential decreeThe IOF does not need to pass through Congress, as it is also regulatory in nature. This is why the IOF has historically undergone frequent adjustments in line with the economic and fiscal situation. In recent years, there have been some important changes:
Gradual reduction of the IOF-Exchange Rate (2022-2024): At the end of 2021, the previous federal government announced a plan for a staggered reduction in IOF rates on foreign exchange transactions, with the aim of bringing Brazil into line with international standards (facilitating adherence to agreements such as the OECD) and lowering the cost for citizens and companies in global transactions. This plan foresaw, for example, that the IOF on credit card purchases abroad would fall from 6.38% to 5.38% in 2023, then to 4.38% in 2024, 3.38% in 2025, and so on until it was completely phased out. zero in 2028. In fact, these reductions were implemented in 2023 and 2024. The purchase of currency in kind and remittances to own accounts abroad were also reduced by 1.1% to lower levels. This especially benefited individuals traveling or investing abroad.
Partial reversal and standardization of the IOF (2025): In 2025, the new government revised some of these reductions and promoted a increase and standardization of IOF rates. In May 2025, through Decree 12.466/2025, most of the tax rates were unified. IOF-Exchange at 3.5% to outflow of resources of the country. Thus, operations that were 0.38% or 1.1% rose to 3.5%, while those that were already at 3.38% were slightly adjusted to 3.5%. The justification for Ministry of Finance was harmonize taxation and avoid arbitration between similar modalities, as well as boosting revenue by around R$ 20.5 billion a year. In this package, as we have seen, IOF-Credit for companies was also raised from 1.88% p.a. to 3.95% p.a.It is equivalent to (and even slightly exceeds) that of individuals. High contributions to pension plans (VGBL) now have an IOF of 5%, where it was previously exempt. There has therefore been a reversal in the trend to reduce the IOF in certain sectors, motivated by the need to increase revenue and correct tax "distortions" between taxpayers.
"In May 2025, by means of Decree 12.466/2025, most IOF-Câmbio rates were unified at 3.5% for funds leaving the country..."
Table Tax Changes - Provisional Measure No. 1.303/2025
Tax | Previous rate | New Rate | Start of validity |
---|---|---|---|
IOF - Corporate Credit | 0.95% | 0.38% | 1º/10/2025 |
IOF - Drawn Risk | 0.95% + 0.0082% a.d. | 0.0082% a.d. | 1º/10/2025 |
IOF - FIDC | Exempt | 0.38% | 1º/10/2025 |
IOF - VGBL (over R$ 300 thousand) | Exempt | 0.38% | 1º/10/2025 |
IR - LCI and LCA | Exempt | 5% | 1º/10/2025 |
IR - Financial Applications | 15% to 22.5% | 17.5% | 1º/10/2025 |
Sports Betting | 12% | 18% | 1º/10/2025 |
CSLL - Fintechs | 9% | 15% to 20% | 1º/10/2025 |
Review and debate: The 2025 changes generated repercussions in the market. For example, the taxation of Brazilian investment funds that invest abroad (which would be taxed at 3.5% on the outflow of funds) was criticized, leading the government to partially retreatkeeping the IOF exemption for these funds, as provided for in the Provisional Measure that replaced the decree. This shows that the IOF, because it is "flexible", is often adjusted quickly and revised if the side effects prove undesirable.
Future of the IOF: There is debate as to whether in the long term the IOF could be replaced or reduced with a broader tax reform (since it was created back in the 1960s in a context of capital flow control). For now, however, it remains an important economic policy tool. The recent trend indicates the use of the IOF as a short-term collection instrument - By 2025, it was clear that the fiscal objective weighed heavily. However, international commitments may once again put pressure on IOF-exchange rate reductions in the coming years, if Brazil resumes its plan to adhere to global standards.
After a strong reaction from financial market entities, the Federal Government announced that the Decree 12.466/2025 will be replaced by a Provisional Measurewith new rules on the IOF. The Provisional Measure will include a new exemption floor for VGBLs (R$ 600,000/month), corrections to the taxation of funds abroad and adjustments to the exchange rate. In addition, there is a proposal to bill to cut 10% in tax benefits between 2025 and 2026, to offset the impact of the possible repeal of the IOF increases. The scenario is still moving through Congress, and new changes could occur soon.
Conclusion: Tax planning and the support of CLM Controller
Attention: the reversal has been in effect since 27/06/2025but is under judicial review by the STF. We recommend follow the ADI and possible new decisions or decrees that change this scenario again.
The IOF, despite being a "small" scale tax on each operation, can have a cumulative significant impact in a company's finances. As we have seen, it is levied on loans, financing, insurance, international operations and short-term investments - critical areas of day-to-day business. Managing the IOF well is part of a good tax planning and financialUnderstanding where it occurs, how to calculate it and what strategies to adopt to minimize it within the law can mean cost savings and increased competitiveness for the business.
In this context, having experienced accounting and tax advice makes all the difference. A CLM Controllerwith its expertise in tax planning, tax analysis, accounting consultancy and strategic support for entrepreneursis able to help your company navigate complex issues such as IOF and other tax obligations. Our professionals closely monitor legislative updates and identify tax optimization opportunitiesThis ensures that you are always in compliance with the rules without paying more tax than necessary. Whether it's advising on the best financing format (considering the incidence of IOF), structuring foreign exchange transactions efficiently, or advising on tax management for your businessCLM Controller positions itself as a strategic partner for your company's success.
In a nutshellThe IOF should be seen not just as another unavoidable tax, but as an element to be actively managed in the financial routine. With information, planning and professional support, your company can reduce the burden of the IOF operations and make smarter decisions. If you are looking for this level of excellence in tax management, the CLM Controller services are available for strengthening financial health of your business, allowing you to focus on what you do best: undertaking and growing with peace of mind.
Na apólice de seguro da frota o total pago contemplou o IOF. Ao excluir um dos itens, o crédito recebido foi o prêmio líquido. Gostaria de saber se isso é correto.
Olá, Valéria! Tudo bem?
Sobre sua dúvida: sim, é correto que, ao excluir um item da apólice de seguro da frota, o valor reembolsado seja referente apenas ao prêmio líquido. Isso acontece porque o IOF (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras) é um tributo recolhido no momento da contratação e repassado ao governo. Por isso, ele não é devolvido em casos de cancelamento parcial ou total da apólice.
Ou seja, o crédito recebido ao excluir um dos itens da apólice considera apenas o valor proporcional do seguro (sem o imposto), o que está de acordo com as práticas do mercado e a legislação vigente.
Se precisar de mais algum esclarecimento, fico à disposição.
A importação de mercadorias é isenta do IOF-Câmbio – RIOF, art. 16, I.