Brazilian States and Cities Launch 2025 Refis as Rio Awaits Governor’s Sign-Off

Overview

• Ceará’s state program opened on Oct. 15 for debts generated through Dec. 31, 2024, offering reductions on ICMS (65%–100%), ITCD (30%–100%) and IPVA (40%–100%), with provisions for Detran fees and BEC/FDU credits.
• After Alece rejected including audit‑court penalties owed by public managers, legislative leaders said they are negotiating the issue with the state court of accounts (TCE‑CE).
• João Pessoa’s municipal Refis runs Oct. 15–Nov. 14 with up to 100% forgiveness on interest and major cuts to fines, plus an extra 5% fine reduction for one‑time virtual payments via the taxpayer portal.
• In Rio de Janeiro, Alerj approved a new Refis granting up to 95% relief on interest and fines for lump‑sum payments and allowing installment plans for traffic debts and TCE‑RJ fines, pending Governor Cláudio Castro’s sanction.
• The Rio plan aims to raise R$2–3 billion and permits using court‑ordered precatórios to offset up to 75% of balances, while opposition lawmakers argue the relief could encourage tax evasion.