Moving to Brazil’s a no-brainer for many Americans looking for an adventure abroad, with some of the world’s best beaches, and a thriving culture and economy. Americans soon learn however that they are still liable to file US taxes, wherever they go in the world. Americans living in Brazil may also have to pay Brazilian taxes, and having to file to both countries can create overlapping obligations. In this article, we explain how US expat taxes work for expats in Brazil, how Brazilian taxes affect you, and what you need to do to stay compliant for both.
Do Americans in Brazil need to file US taxes?
Short answer – yes. Unlike most other countries, the United States taxes US citizens on their worldwide income. This means that all US citizens and Green Card holders have to file a US tax return each year, no matter where they live. This rule applies even if you have lived in Brazil for decades, earn all your income in Brazil, or are also a Brazilian citizen.
That means any salary from either a US or Brazilian employer, rental income from a US or Brazilian property, or business or freelance earnings from clients anywhere must be reported on your US tax return. The minimum filing thresholds are the same as for Americans living in the States. These start at just $400 of self-employment income, or just $5 of any income if you’re married but file separately, as is the case for many Americans married to a non-US citizen.
Key US expat tax deadlines
Living abroad changes your filing deadlines a little. Here are the dates you need to know:
- April 15th – Expats don’t need to file by April 15th, but they do need to pay any tax they may owe.
- June 15th – Thanks to an automatic two-month extension for Americans living abroad, including those in Brazil, June 15th is the filing deadline for expats.
- October 15th – Final extension deadline if you file Form 4868 before June 15th.
How to reduce double taxation as a US expat
The US recognizes that taxing expats twice would be unfair. While there isn’t a tax treaty in place between the US and Brazil, you can still claim three major provisions to reduce or eliminate double taxation.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
This exclusion allows you to remove up to $130,000 (for 2025) of income earned while you live abroad from your taxable income if you qualify under either the Physical Presence Test or the Bona Fide Residence test. Claimed on Form 2555.
Foreign Tax Credit
You can claim a dollar-for-dollar US tax credit if you pay income taxes to Brazil. Since Brazil has relatively high income tax rates, this often eliminates US tax liability for many expats. Claimed on Form 1116.
Foreign Housing Exclusion
If you rent your home in Brazil, you can also deduct certain housing expenses if you qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. This can be valuable if you live in cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, where housing costs are high, and you earn more than the FEIE maximum.
Which of these provisions you should claim depends on your circumstances, so seek advice to ensure you claim in your best interests.
US expat reporting requirements beyond taxes
Filing your tax return is not the only filing requirement you need to be mindful of. For example, the US requires additional reporting if you hold financial accounts in Brazil.
You must report your foreign bank and investment accounts on an FBAR form if their combined balances exceed $10,000 at any point in the year. This includes joint accounts with Brazilian spouses, and business accounts you have signatory authority over.
You must report foreign financial assets if their value exceeds thresholds that vary depending on filing status and residence abroad, but for expats at around $200,000 per person.
Failure to file these forms can lead to significant penalties, even if you owe no tax.
Self-employment taxes and the totalization agreement
Self-employed Americans in Brazil must still pay US self-employment tax on net earnings above $400. This tax covers Social Security and Medicare at a rate of 15.3%.
Brazil also requires social security contributions (INSS). Since the US and Brazil do not have a totalization agreement, you cannot avoid paying into both systems.
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credit do not reduce self-employment tax, since it applies separately from income tax.
Some expats reduce the impact by working as employees of Brazilian companies instead of freelancing. Others accept the double contributions because US Social Security payments may help them qualify for future retirement benefits.
Retirement accounts and investments
If you hold Brazilian retirement or investment accounts, you could face complex US reporting rules. Brazilian private pension funds (e.g. Previdência Privada, such as PGBL or VGBL) may be treated as foreign trusts by the IRS for US tax purposes. This creates complicated reporting obligations on Form 3520 and Form 3520-A.
Mutual funds and ETFS domiciled in Brazil meanwhile may be classified by the IRS as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). US tax treatment of PFICs is harsh, with high tax rates and reporting burdens. Investing in foreign companies meanwhile could trigger complex filing requirements (e.g.: Form 5471), so these should also be avoided. If you plan to invest in Brazil, seek professional advice before buying mutual funds or structured products.
State taxes after moving to Brazil
Many Americans forget about state taxes after moving to Brazil. Some states however, require you to continue filing even after you move abroad. This is typically if you maintain ties in the state where you last lived, such as property, a driver’s license, or voter registration. It depends on the rules in each state, but states with strict rules include California, Virginia, and New Mexico.
If you plan to live in Brazil long-term, take steps to break residency ties with your previous state to avoid ongoing state tax liability.
Even if you break their state residency, any work performed while you’re physically present in the US, (such as during a visit) would be classed as US source income. This it would still be subject to state tax if it meets the state’s filing thresholds for the year. Additionally, this income would not be eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.
Brazilian tax basics for US expats
Brazil taxes residents on their worldwide income. Tax residency begins if you obtain a permanent visa, move with a work contract, or stay more than 183 days in a 12-month period.
Brazil has income tax rates ranging from 0% to 27.5%. Employers withhold tax from salaries, but self-employed individuals must calculate and pay directly. Brazil also requires an annual tax return, known as Declaração de Imposto de Renda, usually due in April. Expats claiming the US Foreign Tax Credit normally file their Brazilian taxes first, then their US return.
As mentioned already, Brazil also has a Social security contribution system if you work in Brazil. Rates vary depending on your income level and employment status.
Tax laws in Brazil and the US are not fully aligned, and certain types of income that are exempt from tax in Brazil may still be taxable in the US. In these cases, no Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) would be available to offset the US tax liability. Common examples include certain types of passive income, severance payments, and others. As a result, US estimated tax payments may be necessary to avoid underpayment penalties.
Common tax mistakes expats make in Brazil
Many Americans living in Brazil make avoidable mistakes when filing their US taxes. Some of the common errors expats make include:
- Forgetting to file FBARs – Expats often don’t realize joint accounts with Brazilian spouses count toward the $10,000 FBAR filing threshold.
- Assuming no filing requirement – Some expats think they do not need to file if they owe no tax. This is incorrect.
- Misunderstanding Brazilian pensions – Many expats contribute to Previdência Privada accounts without realizing the US treats them as foreign trusts.
- Ignoring self-employment tax – Freelancers in Brazil often discover large US self-employment tax bills they did not anticipate.
Tax planning tips for Americans in Brazil
Smart planning helps you reduce stress and avoid penalties. Keep these tips in mind:
- Track your travel days – Whether you use the Physical Presence Test or the Bona Fide Residence test, days outside the US often matter for exclusions.
- Keep records of Brazilian tax payments – Detailed records allow you to maximize the Foreign Tax Credit.
- Avoid investing in Brazilian ETFs and mutual funds – PFIC rules can create significant US reporting headaches and costs, and high taxes.
- Plan before investing in Brazilian pensions – Understand the US treatment before contributing to Brazilian retirement funds.
- Seek professional help – Dual tax filing is complex. A qualified US expat tax professional won’t only keep you compliant, they’ll strategize in your best interest to save you money.
US taxes for Americans in Brazil
Life in Brazil offers opportunity and adventure, but US citizens must stay compliant with their tax obligations both in the US and in Brazil to avoid issues. You’ll need to file a US tax return every year, even if you don’t owe anything. You also need to file a Brazilian return if you qualify as a tax resident.
The good news is that provisions like the Foreign Tax Credit and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion can help you avoid double taxation of the same income. The challenges lie in understanding the full extent of your reporting requirements, and strategizing so you file in your best interest.
Note also that if you’ve been living abroad but not filing, you may be able to catch up without penalties under the Streamlined Procedure amnesty program.
With preparation and expert advice though, you can manage your obligations while enjoying your life in Brazil.
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