The classic recommendation of the experts is clear: do not leave the Income Tax Declaration for the last minute. This avoids technical unforeseen events, reduces the risk of errors and ensures greater tranquility in the process. Still, every year, many taxpayers wonder if it is worth delivering later to receive the restitution in the last lots – And with a bonus: the correction by the basic interest rate (Selic), which is in a high cycle.
This is because, after the deadline for filing the statement, the IRS corrects the refunds that have not yet been paid by the accumulated Selic fee between May 30 and the payment date. Thus, from June 1, the refunds begin to be corrected, plus 1% more in the month of the deposit. The more it takes to be paid, the greater the increase and the amount will not be taxed.
“All the extra amount is welcome, especially in the case of refund of income tax, because the amount to be refunded is directly updated by Selic and does not suffer income tax on income,” says Daiane Alves, Neon’s financial educator.
She estimates that for a refund of $ 2,000, the gain with the correction in the last lots can reach about $ 90 in four months. “If the taxpayer has financial conditions to wait for a longer deadline, it is worth waiting, as it will receive more and with exempt income.”
But for those with debt, anticipating refund can be much more advantageous than waiting a few months for a correction. “With the money in hand, you can negotiate, complement a value you have already saved and perhaps even pay off the amount due,” says Daiane.
Receive in the last lots or invest the refund?
According to the IRS, in 2024, the average value of the refunds was R $ 1,482.00. Based on this information, the Infomoney simulated the values considering the formula for the refund of the income tax provided by the Maranhão Regional Accounting Council (CRCMA). See below:
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It is worth mentioning that the calculations considered the interest accumulated per month of Selic, currently at 14.25% per year. However, until the payment of the last lot, in September, the Central Bank Monetary Policy Committee will meet on two other occasions and may change this percentage.
Still, Jeff Patzlaff, a financial planner and investment expert, is the team of those who maintain the recommendation to declare as soon as possible to have refund in hand as soon as possible. “You will have the money to use the way you want, even with much more profitable options than Selic’s own correction.”
It brings as an example the IPCA+2035 Treasury, which is offering IPCA+7.63% per year, while the 2028 prefixed treasure is 14.44% per year. “Fixed securities prefixed and linked to inflation can offer higher returns,” he explains.
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For those who want to monetize the refund, thinking of the short and medium term, the planner also highlights applications such as Bank Deposit Certificates (CDBs) and Real Estate Credit Letters (LCIS) and agribusiness letters (LCAS) linked to the CDI or pre-fixed. Patzlaff also suggests considering multimarket funds and ETFs, or even dollar -linked investments, such as forms of diversification and protection.
What are the risks of delaying the delivery of the IR statement?
The order of delivery directly influences the date of refund, so taxpayers who deliver the declaration at the beginning of the deadline are more likely to be contemplated in the first lots. For Daniela Vlavians, partner at the Police Advogados & Associate office, trying to be contemplated in the last lots should be analyzed with caution. “Especially given the legal and administrative risks involved,” he says.
According to her, from a legal and administrative point of view, late delivery can result in a series of complications. “The loss of the deadline is infringement subject to the penalty, with a fine corresponding to 1% per month on the amount of tax due, respecting the minimum limit of R $ 165.74 and a maximum of 20% of the tax due.”
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Along with possible misconceptions of the taxpayer himself, due to the hurry of the filling, the IRS system itself can be another obstacle. Luciano de Almeida Prado Neto, partner of MBC Advogados, points out that, near the end of the deadline, the program can present instabilities and congestion.
“Leaving to declare the IR at the last moment is never recommended. This can cause questions of revenue, fine mesh or penalties,” he warns.
