Brazil Crypto Tax 2025: A Complete Guide

Cryptocurrency continues to evolve in Brazil alongside new legislation and ever-expanding public adoption. Whether you’re a casual investor, professional trader, or experimenting with DeFi, understanding your crypto tax obligations is crucial to stay compliant and avoid errors with the Receita Federal (Brazilian Federal Revenue). This comprehensive guide explains how crypto is taxed in Brazil in 2025, covering all essential rules, updates, and practical examples. You’ll find current tax rates, declaration deadlines, crypto losses, and strategies for navigating DeFi and cross-border rules. We’ll also discuss the best practices for recordkeeping, alert you to recent legislative changes, and introduce helpful tools like the WEEX Tax Calculator to streamline your tax reporting.

Do You Pay Cryptocurrency Taxes in Brazil?

Is crypto taxable in Brazil?

Yes, cryptocurrencies are taxable in Brazil. Since 2019, the Receita Federal (RFB) has made it clear that all Brazilian residents must report and, when applicable, pay taxes on cryptocurrency transactions and holdings. Crypto is treated as a movable asset—similar to property—and not as currency, with specific rules covering sales, trades, staking rewards, income, and assets held abroad.

When does tax apply to crypto transactions?

Tax does not apply to all crypto activity. The most significant trigger is when your sales or similar disposals of crypto in a given month exceed BRL 35,000 (~USD 6,900 as of 2025) and produce a gain. In other words, small investors who sell (or swap) less than this threshold in any given month and realize a profit are not subject to capital gains tax for those transactions. However, there’s a separate rule for cryptocurrencies held or transacted abroad—since January 2024, assets abroad exceeding BRL 6,000 may also be subject to tax.

Scenarios that result in taxation

Here’s a quick overview of common crypto transactions and their tax treatments:

Understanding these categories will help you determine when you should report transactions and whether tax is due based on your activity.

How Much Tax Do You Pay on Crypto in Brazil?

The Brazilian crypto tax system mixes elements of capital gains tax and regular income tax, depending on the nature of your transaction and where the assets are held.

Capital gains tax on crypto sales and swaps

If you sell or swap crypto (including crypto-to-crypto) and your total disposals for the month are above BRL 35,000, any gain is subject to capital gains tax. Compare this to many other countries with much lower or no minimum exemption thresholds—Brazil favors small investors with this relatively high limit.

The tax rate follows a progressive system based on the value of the gain in a given month:

For most retail participants, the 15% rate will apply. Over-the-counter (OTC) transactions, regardless of size, are taxed at a straightforward 15%.

Example: Calculating capital gains tax

Suppose Maria sold BRL 50,000 worth of Bitcoin in July 2025, having previously purchased it for BRL 40,000. Her gain is BRL 10,000. Since she exceeded the BRL 35,000 threshold and the gain is under BRL 5,000,000, she will pay a 15% tax, totaling BRL 1,500, due by the last business day of the following month.

Taxation of cryptocurrency held abroad

Since 2024, legislation tightened the rules for assets outside Brazil. Now, crypto held abroad is taxed when gains exceed BRL 6,000 within a year. The capital gains tax rate can reach up to 22.5% on larger gains, meaning effective rates may be higher than for assets held domestically.

Income tax on crypto earnings

Not all crypto revenue comes from buying and selling. If you earn crypto through mining, staking, payments for work, or airdrops, these are treated as income for tax purposes.

The tax rate follows the same progressive brackets as standard income, ranging from 7.5% up to 27.5%, after allowable deductions:

Example: Receiving staking rewards

If João receives the equivalent of BRL 700 per month in staking rewards and has a regular monthly salary of BRL 3,000, his crypto income is added to his total income and taxed at the applicable marginal rate.

Exemptions and exceptions

Not all crypto transactions are taxable in Brazil, with key exemptions including:

• Purchases with fiat currency (BRL or other official money): No tax applies, though reporting is often required.
• Monthly disposals ≤ BRL 35,000 domestically: No capital gains tax applies to small sales.
• Asset holdings (holding without disposing): No property or annual holding tax.

Always remember: even when no tax is due, you may still have to report your holdings or activity if they exceed certain acquisition thresholds.

Can the Receita Federal Track Crypto?

Crypto “feels” anonymous, but in Brazil, monitoring of digital assets is robust—and growing stronger with each legislative update.

Reporting requirements for exchanges

Since August 2019, Brazil’s Receita Federal requires all domestic exchanges to report detailed customer transaction histories. Foreign exchanges operating in Brazil are also compelled to submit records upon official request. The data provided typically includes transaction date, value, wallet addresses, asset type, and personal identification.

Blockchain transparency

Beyond centralized reporting, blockchains themselves are public ledgers. Brazilian authorities have invested in sophisticated analytical tools that can link wallet addresses to individuals using a combination of exchange/KYC data and blockchain analytics.

Individual responsibilities

For transactions on platforms outside Brazil (including DeFi and foreign exchanges), you are required to self-report activity if your monthly transactions exceed BRL 30,000. These disclosures, known as IN 1.888, help the RFB cross-check transactions that might otherwise fall outside domestic reporting.

Practical example: Tracking a cross-border transfer

If you transfer 2 ETH from your self-custody wallet to a foreign exchange and sell it for USDT, you are responsible for declaring this movement and disposition if your total sales/trades exceed the BRL 30,000 threshold in that month. Failure to disclose does not guarantee invisibility—if the foreign exchange is later served with a data request, or if you move funds back into the Brazilian banking system, the RFB can detect discrepancies.

How Is Crypto Taxed in Brazil?

Brazil’s crypto tax framework splits into capital gains taxes for asset disposals, income tax for crypto-derived revenue, and special reporting for overseas assets. Below, we break down each element in detail.

Capital gains on sales and swaps

When you dispose of crypto—selling for BRL or another official currency, or even swapping it for another token—capital gains tax applies if your total monthly disposals exceed BRL 35,000. The calculation is straightforward but requires diligent record-keeping:

• Sum all sales and swap transactions for the month.
• If total value received > BRL 35,000, determine gain for each transaction.
• Calculate capital gain as [Sale Price] – [Cost Basis + Transaction Fees].
• Apply relevant progressive rates (15–22.5%).

Tax Treatment of Swaps (Crypto-to-Crypto)

Since 2022, swapping one cryptocurrency for another—such as trading ETH for BTC—is also viewed as a taxable event. You must determine the BRL equivalent for both the asset given up and the asset received at the time of the trade.

Example: Crypto-to-crypto trade

If Carla purchased 1 ETH for BRL 9,000 and later swaps it for 0.02 BTC valued at BRL 12,500 at the time of the swap, she has a BRL 3,500 gain. However, if this swap is her only crypto transaction of the month, and the total value is below BRL 35,000, she owes no tax—but must still keep detailed records.

Taxation of overseas assets

From January 2024 onward, crypto assets held abroad face lowered exemption limits—only BRL 6,000 per year—and increased top rates of up to 22.5%. This change targets expatriates, digital nomads, and those trading frequently on global platforms.

Reporting and payment obligations

• Annual capital gains above exemption: Must be reported on the GCAP schedule and paid by the last business day of the month after the transaction.
• Large monthly foreign transfers (>BRL 30,000): Require monthly reporting via IN 1.888 by the last business day of the following month.
• Yearly summary: All cryptocurrency assets with a cost basis above BRL 5,000 must be disclosed in your IRPF (annual income tax return).

Income from cryptocurrencies

Mining, staking, validator rewards, and tokens received for services count as income at the BRL market value on the day received. Add this amount to other taxable income for the year; the total will determine your final tax bracket.

Non-taxable events

Certain scenarios are not taxable—but often still require reporting:

Brazil Income Tax Rate

The taxation of crypto income—whether from employment, freelance work, mining, staking, or similar sources—falls under the general income tax regime. The Brazilian Income Tax calculation considers progressive brackets, allowing for deductions and credits.

Brazilian Income Tax Brackets for 2025

Example: Taxation of freelance crypto payments

If an independent contractor is paid BRL 4,000 per month in crypto for their work, the applicable rate would be 22.5%, after factoring in deductions. The BRL value is determined on the date of receipt using the fair market exchange rate.

Calculating taxable crypto income

When you receive crypto as payment, reward, or compensation:

• Determine its BRL market value on the date received.
• Add it to your total taxable income for the year.
• Apply deduction if eligible.
• Calculate income tax based on the applicable bracket.

Crypto Losses in Brazil

Brazilian tax policy has improved flexibility regarding losses since 2024, especially for investments and trades involving assets abroad.

Offsetting and carrying forward losses

If you incur losses—either from selling crypto at a loss or from lost/irretrievably stolen coins—you may be able to offset these against current or future capital gains from crypto transactions:

Example: Offsetting gains

Amanda realized a BRL 15,000 gain in January 2025 and a BRL 10,000 loss in February 2025. She can offset the loss against January’s gain, potentially reducing her taxable gain for the year.

Documentation for losses

Retaining evidence of losses—including transaction records, exchange statements, and (for theft/hacks) police or support reports—is essential and can be required if audited.

Defi Tax

Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, platforms, and tokens are now commonplace in Brazil, but tax guidance is still evolving. However, the Receita Federal treats DeFi income similarly to other crypto income forms.

How DeFi activities are taxed

DeFi makes tracking cost bases more complex due to frequent small transactions. Proper use of crypto tax software or detailed spreadsheets is recommended.

Real-world analogy

Think of DeFi platforms as similar to managed investment funds. When you receive interest or yield, it’s like earning dividend income—taxed when received. When you remove your stake and realize a gain, it’s similar to selling shares and owing capital gains.

Weex Exchange: Reliability and Innovation for Crypto Traders

As the Brazilian crypto ecosystem becomes more sophisticated, choosing the right exchange becomes crucial for maintaining security and compliance. WEEX stands out in the market for its reliable platform and innovative approach to trading and asset management. Whether you are an experienced investor or just beginning your crypto journey, WEEX’s commitment to top-tier security measures and user-centric features helps ensure that your transactions remain smooth and your records accessible when needed for tax reporting. Their emphasis on transparency and robust reporting infrastructure aligns well with Brazil’s evolving regulatory landscape.

Simplify Your Taxes with the Weex Tax Calculator

Staying compliant with Brazil’s crypto tax laws can be challenging, especially when juggling transactions across multiple exchanges, blockchains, or complex DeFi protocols. The WEEX Tax Calculator is a valuable resource for users seeking efficiency and accuracy. Designed to help you estimate your potential capital gains, taxable income, and other crypto-related taxes, this calculator provides up-to-date computations tailored to Brazilian regulations. Remember that while the WEEX Tax Calculator offers helpful estimates, it is not a substitute for professional tax advice.

Try it here: [https://www.weex.com/tokens/bitcoin/tax-calculator](https://www.weex.com/tokens/bitcoin/tax-calculator)

Frequently Asked Questions

What cryptocurrencies are subject to tax in Brazil?

All cryptocurrencies are subject to taxation under Brazilian law when sold for fiat or swapped for other tokens, as long as the exemption thresholds (BRL 35,000 for domestic and BRL 6,000 for foreign assets) are surpassed in a calendar period. This includes popular assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, as well as tokens acquired through airdrops, mining, or staking. Holding crypto alone is not taxable, though declaration may be required for holdings over BRL 5,000 in acquisition value.

How do I calculate my crypto tax liability?

To calculate your crypto tax liability, follow these steps:

• Aggregate all monthly disposals (sales, swaps, etc.) and compare against exemption thresholds.
• For taxable transactions, subtract your cost basis (acquisition cost plus any allowable fees) from your disposal price to calculate net profit.
• For income events (mining, staking, payments), determine the BRL market value on receipt and add to your total taxable income for the year.
• Apply the appropriate tax rate—capital gains rates (15–22.5%) or income tax brackets (up to 27.5%)—to calculate how much you owe.
• Don’t forget to account for eligible offsets if you have recognized losses.

What records should I keep for crypto taxes?

You should maintain precise and detailed records for every crypto transaction, both for your own reference and to satisfy any future audit requests by the Receita Federal. At minimum, keep:

• Dates of each transaction (buy, sell, swap, reward, etc.)
• Description and quantity of assets involved
• Value in BRL at transaction date (exchange rate source)
• Details of all transaction fees
• Exchange statements and wallet transaction IDs
• Documentation of any lost, stolen, or irretrievable crypto
• Monthly and annual summaries as declared to authorities

When are crypto taxes due in Brazil?

Key dates to remember for Brazilian crypto tax compliance in 2025:

• Annual declaration: Last business day of April, for all crypto assets and gains in the preceding year.
• Monthly IN 1.888 declaration: Required if your transactions on foreign platforms exceed BRL 30,000 in a month—due by the last business day of the next month.
• Capital gains tax payment: Due by the end of the month following the taxable event, generally paid with a DARF form.

Late filings can result in penalties, interest, and possible future scrutiny of your returns, so mark these deadlines clearly.

What happens if I don’t report crypto taxes?

Failure to report your crypto activity or pay due taxes can result in significant penalties. The Receita Federal has access to a wide range of transaction data and cross-border exchange reports, making enforcement more effective each year. Non-compliance may lead to:

• Fines (typically a percentage of the undeclared tax, plus daily interest)
• Increased chance of audit or further investigations
• Potential criminal tax evasion charges in extreme cases

It is always best to voluntarily comply, maintain accurate records, and seek professional assistance for complex or high-volume transactions.

By keeping up-to-date with Brazil’s new crypto legislation, maintaining records, and using reliable platforms like WEEX to streamline your compliance, you will be well-positioned to make the most of the opportunities in the crypto market while staying on the right side of the law. If in doubt, consult a professional accountant specializing in crypto assets.