No, the Brazilian ‘IRS’ Isn’t Tracking You

If you’ve recently seen online posts claiming that the Brazilian tax authority will start “tracking” citizens who moved overseas, don’t worry. The Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) has made it clear that’s simply not true.

A rumor began circulating on social media recently saying that, starting in January 2026, Brazilians living abroad who hadn’t formally reported their exit from the country would be monitored. Yet according to the Receita Federal, there’s no such system in place. There’s also no such plan for the future.

That said, Brazilian citizens (like other fiscal residents) who permanently move abroad do have real tax obligations if they don’t want to be considered tax residents anymore. The first step is to file the Comunicação de Saída Definitiva do País, which serves as notice to the Receita Federal of your departure. Then, the following year, you must file the Declaração de Saída Definitiva do País, which is the final income tax return that closes out your fiscal relationship with Brazil.

Once these steps are completed, you’re no longer taxed in Brazil on your worldwide income. Just remember that even nonresidents are still taxed on their earnings from Brazilian sources, such as rental income from real estate. The two filings also prevent confusion over your tax residency status later on.

So if you’re a Brazilian living in the United States or elsewhere, don’t panic about new “tracking” rules. They simply don’t exist. Just make sure you properly declare your departure, keep your records organized, and rely on real news from official sources.