TAX IN PORTUGAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED TAX QUESTIONS
We've compiled a list of the most common questions that we get asked about filing annual tax returns in Portugal. There's some really useful information below that will help you prepare for your tax submission.
2024 Tax Filing Engagement Forms will be available soon and can be sent to your mailbox on 7th March 2025. If you would like our local tax partners to submit your 2024 Tax Return on your behalf, click on the button below and submit the contact form with TAX in subject line. We will get back to you shortly.
The tax year in Portugal runs according to the calendar year, meaning it starts on the 1st January of every year, and ends on the 31st December of the same year.
You only have to report your income from the time you became a tax resident in Portugal, until the 31st December of that year, or until you cease to be a tax resident.
You will need to file two separate tax returns, one for the period when you were not a tax resident and another one for the period after you became a tax resident, up until the end of December.
Yes, if you have foreign income and are required to file a foreign tax return, you are eligible to obtain an extension. You will only be able to get an extension if you apply for it before the 30th June 2025. Only registered tax residents qualify for extensions..
If you applied for an extension and your application was approved, the deadline to file your tax return is the end of December 2025.
Portugal works on the residence basis of taxation; this means that if you are a tax resident and receive income from anywhere in the world, you are required to file a tax return in Portugal.
If you have a foreign bank account, or an investment account, then you have to disclose these account numbers in your annual tax return. Even if you have no annual income but have foreign accounts, you are required to file a tax return.
No, in Portugal you have access to your tax file via Portugal's tax portal (Portal das Finanças). All you need is your NIF number and Passcode (Senha) to login.
Although it is not a legislative requirement to use a tax practitioner or accountant to file your tax return, it is recommended that you use a professional to file your tax return.
Once your tax return is filed, the system will capture it and verify that it is correct. This means that the tax office will confirm that there is no information contained in the tax return that is in contradiction to information that they may have at their disposal.
You will be sent an email from the tax office that will either confirm the validity of your return or alert you that errors were found in the submission.
If your return was validated, it will be assigned to an assessor, who will evaluate the return and raise a tax assessment. The assessment will be posted to your registered address via CTT.
There is no fixed time frame from the time you file your return until an assessment has been raised.
If you have a Portuguese bank account, there is an option on your electronic banking profile to select either Public Services or State as your payment beneficiary. Enter your tax number (NIF), payment reference number (which will appear on the assessment) and the amount of tax due.
You are required to pay the amount presented to you in your tax assessment by the 31st August. If you were granted an extension, your payment deadline will be extended accordingly.
Yes, you can apply for a payment plan - 12 months or more depending on the outstanding value. Should the value be considerable, then the tax office may require a guarantee to be provided
Yes, in Portugal you may raise an objection; it is called a “Reclamacao Graciosa”. It is important to understand that the submission of the objection does not stay the requirement to pay the tax. Should the objection not be resolved prior to the tax payment deadline, you are required to settle the full tax amount owed. If the objection results in your favour, then a refund will be issued to you.
Yes, before the 30th June deadline, you are permitted to submit as many tax returns as you like, however after the June deadline, there are certain rules that determine whether you can or cannot resubmit your tax return.