149 Days of Work for Taxes: Brazil's Tax Burden and the Promise of Reform

Brazilians Worked 149 Days to Pay Taxes in 2025: Tax Reform Offers Hope, But Challenges Remain Brazil's high tax burden is a significant concern for its citizens. This year, Brazilians worked 149 days to cover tax obligations, according to a report by the Brazilian Institute of Tax Planning (IBPT). This figure represents the average time spent working to pay taxes over the last six years. The recently approved tax reform aims to address this issue by simplifying tax collection and increasing transparency. The goal is to make it clear to consumers exactly how much tax is included in the price of goods and services. However, the IBPT cautions that the changes, which require further regulation, won't eliminate the core problem of excessive taxation. "The changes depend on regulation and won't put an end to the main complaint," stated an IBPT representative (paraphrased). The institute also points out that Brazil, among the 30 countries with the highest tax burdens globally, offers the least return in benefits to its citizens. The transition to the new system is expected to begin in two years. The hope is that this reform will eventually lead to a fairer and more efficient tax system, benefiting both taxpayers and the nation as a whole.