The concept of tax heavens or privileged tax jurisdictions has been expanded by Federal Law 11.727 and consequently, the traditional black list of jurisdictions that receive "special" tax treatment by Brazilian Tax Authorities is no longer applied strictly.
In fact, after Law 11.727, the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service may apply more stringed taxation rules even if the jurisdiction is not expressly black listed.
Article 22 has included in the concept of tax heaven all jurisdictions where the local legislation does not allow access to information about corporate structure, stake holders or beneficial holders identities.
Article 23 establishes a more penalized treatment to commercial or investment transactions made with countries considered tax heavens or with privileged taxation.
According to the new legislation, the concept of privileged taxation jurisdiction is applicable where:
- income is not taxed or taxed under 20%
- a more beneficial tax treatment is applied to non-resident: 1. without demanding substantial economic activity in the said jurisdiction; or 2. conditioned to non exercise of economic activity in said jurisdiction
- income produced outside of said jurisdiction is not taxed or taxed under 20%
- access is denied to information about the corporate structure or title of assets or rights or economic operations
As a result of the above expansion of the concepts, we believe that many jurisdictions will be included in the Brazilian black list, but more important is that non listed jurisdictions may also suffer adverse consequences. In conclusion, special attention must be given when planning investments in Brazil, because the remittance of dividends, royalties or others may be subject to special tax treatment by Brazilian Tax Authorities.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
