Brazil’s Tax Agency Seeks R$10 Billion Over PIS/Cofins Credits From Nearly 3,000 Supermarkets

Overview

• The Receita Federal began sending notices to 2,959 supermarkets to recover about R$10 billion in tax credits flagged as improper, using the e-CAC mailbox and postal mail.
• The move follows the Caixa Rápido review, which found inconsistencies in more than 55,000 refund and offset claims tied to PIS and Cofins.
• The agency says some tax consultancies exploited complex rules to promote credits that lack legal basis.
• Companies must correct filings, cancel irregular requests, and repay amounts taken through offsets by June 30, 2026.
• Noncompliance can bring fines and joint liability for partners and executives, with many cases tied to mixed tax treatment of goods like zero-rated staples and items taxed earlier in the chain such as drinks, fuels, and hygiene products.