- Investors who sold more than R$20,000 in stocks in any month of 2024, with profit
- Anyone who owned stocks or other variable income assets on 12/31/2024
- Taxpayers who conducted day trade operations, regardless of the amount
- Investors who received dividends (exempt) or Interest on Equity (taxed at 15%)
- Brazilians who invested in foreign stocks, with a value exceeding US$5,000
Correctly reporting stocks on Income Tax is essential for every Brazilian investor. This handbook provides a detailed step-by-step on tax obligations, necessary documentation, and proven strategies to optimize your declaration, avoiding fines of up to 20% on the tax owed to the Federal Revenue.
The importance of knowing how to declare stocks in Brazil in 2025
The Brazilian stock market hit a record in 2024, with 5.8 million active individual taxpayers on B3. With this significant growth comes the inevitable obligation: correctly declaring these investments on Income Tax. Mastering how to declare stocks not only avoids fines of up to 20% on the tax due but also efficiently organizes your financial assets.
Pocket Option has developed specific tools that help Brazilian investors navigate the complex process of stock declaration. Our platform integrates data from more than 35 Brazilian brokers, facilitating the organization and compliance with tax obligations.
Before addressing the technical details on how to declare stocks on IR, remember: the Federal Revenue Service already automatically receives data from all your stock market operations. In 2024, more than 87,000 investors were fined for inconsistencies in the declaration of financial assets, with an average value of R$3,200 per assessment.
Understanding the tax obligations of stock investors in 2025
In Brazil, every investor who owns stocks needs to report to the Federal Revenue Service, regardless of the amount invested. The obligation to declare stocks applies in two main situations: when you conduct profitable operations during the year or when you hold stocks in your portfolio on December 31.
Who needs to declare stock investments in 2025?
Brazilian tax legislation establishes specific criteria for those who must include stocks in their IR declaration:
Pocket Option offers an automated tax report that identifies exactly which of your operations require declaration, eliminating doubts about your specific situation — a tool used by 83% of our clients in the 2024 declaration.
Essential documents for declaring stocks accurately
The main challenge for investors is organizing all the necessary tax documentation. To facilitate the process of how to declare stocks, prepare these essential documents before starting your declaration:
| Document | Information provided | Available from |
|---|---|---|
| Broker’s Income Statement | Custody position and summary of operations for the year | 02/28/2025 |
| DARFs paid in 2024 | Proof of taxes already collected | Immediately on e-CAC |
| Brokerage notes | Details of each operation performed | Available daily at the broker |
| B3 custody statement | Official position of assets on 12/31/2024 | 01/03/2025 |
| Proof of Interest on Equity and dividends | Values and dates of all earnings received | 5 business days after payment |
Pocket Option experts recommend creating monthly digital folders to store all documents as they are generated. Our exclusive “Tax Organizer” tool automates this process for 93% of Brazilian brokers, automatically categorizing your documents.
The critical importance of the income statement
The income statement deserves special attention as it consolidates official data that the Revenue Service will use for cross-checking. This document contains:
- Exact custody position on 12/31/2024 with acquisition value
- Monthly summary of operations classified as common and day trade
- Discriminated values of dividends and Interest on Equity received by company
- Taxes withheld at source (15% on Interest on Equity)
- Balance of accumulated losses available for compensation
IMPORTANT: Verify each piece of information in the statement. In 2024, we identified discrepancies in 7% of statements issued by major brokers. The final responsibility for the correct declaration always lies with the taxpayer, not the financial institution.
Detailed step by step: How to declare stocks on IR in 2025
Now that you have the documents, let’s go to the practical procedure of how to declare stocks on income tax for 2025. Follow exactly this sequence to avoid inconsistencies:
Declaring the custody position (stocks in portfolio)
First, declare the stocks you owned on 12/31/2024, following exactly these steps:
- In the Revenue program, access the “Assets and Rights” form
- Click on “New” and select group “03 – Corporate Participations”
- Choose the specific code “01 – Shares (including those listed on the exchange)”
- In the discrimination, detail: “X shares of company Y (CODE), CNPJ 00.000.000/0001-00”
- In “Situation on 12/31/2023”, report the acquisition value declared in the previous year
- In “Situation on 12/31/2024”, report the current total acquisition value (not the market value)
ATTENTION: The most common error we detected in 2024 was declaring the market value of stocks, not the acquisition cost. Pocket Option verified that 32% of Brazilian investors make this mistake, which can generate automatic assessment by the Federal Revenue Service.
| Event in 2024 | How to declare correctly in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Purchase of new shares of the same company | Add the value of new acquisitions to the previous value (average cost) |
| Partial sale of shares (30% of position) | Reduce 30% of the acquisition value previously declared |
| Total sale of a position | Zero or completely remove the item from the declaration |
| Split 3:1 (tripling of shares) | Keep exactly the same acquisition value, update only the quantity |
| Inplit 1:10 (reduction of quantity) | Maintain the same acquisition value, update only the quantity |
Declaring operations with capital gains (sales with profit)
When you sell stocks with profit, you need to pay 15% tax on the gain. Understanding how to declare stocks on ir with capital gains is fundamental, especially considering that the Revenue Service intensified auditing in this area in 2024:
For normal operations (not day trade) with sales above R$20,000 in the month:
- The tax must be paid by the last business day of the month following the operation (DARF code 6015)
- The standard rate is 15% on profit (sale value minus purchase value)
- Sales of small caps stocks may have partial or total exemption (check specific requirements)
- Losses can be indefinitely compensated with future gains of the same type
In the annual declaration, you must report these operations in the “Capital Gains” form, selecting “Assets and Rights” and filling in the data according to your operations. The GCAP program (available on the Revenue Service website) automatically calculates the tax due.
Differentiated taxation: Day trade versus common operations
Day trade operations (buying and selling in the same trading session) have specific taxation in IRPF stocks. Know the crucial differences:
| Characteristic | Common operations | Day trade |
|---|---|---|
| Tax rate | 15% fixed | 20% fixed |
| Monthly exemption limit | Sales up to R$20,000/month | No exemption (taxes R$1.00) |
| Loss compensation | Only with common operations | Only with other day trades |
| Collection deadline | Last business day of the following month | Last business day of the following month |
| DARF code | 6015 | 6015 |
The “Tax Calculator” tool from Pocket Option automatically identifies your day trade operations, calculating the tax due monthly. In 2024, our system detected that 22% of day traders failed to pay taxes on profitable operations due to lack of knowledge of the obligation.
How to correctly declare dividends and Interest on Equity
Another fundamental aspect of how to declare stocks refers to the earnings received. Dividends and Interest on Equity have completely different tax treatments:
- Dividends: 100% exempt from IR (not to be confused with capital gains)
- Interest on Equity: 15% taxation withheld at source by the paying company
- Both must be declared in specific and different forms
To declare dividends, follow exactly this process:
- Access the “Exempt and Non-Taxable Income” form
- Select code “09 – Profits and dividends received”
- Enter the CNPJ and exact name of the paying company (not the broker)
- In the “Value” field, enter the total received in 2024
To declare Interest on Equity, follow this different procedure:
- Access the “Income Subject to Exclusive/Definitive Taxation” form
- Select code “10 – Interest on equity”
- Enter the CNPJ and exact name of the paying company
- Fill in the “Value” (gross, before tax) and the “Withheld Tax” (15% of the value)
5 legal strategies to optimize your investment declaration
Mastering how to declare stocks on income tax allows you to apply legitimate strategies to reduce your tax burden. See the most effective ones:
| Tax strategy | Potential savings | How to implement |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic loss compensation | Up to 15% on accumulated losses | Realize profits in assets with the same classification as the losses |
| Selective sale of stocks with loss | Reduction of up to R$3,000 in IR due | Sell assets with loss by 12/29 for registration in the fiscal year |
| Investment in qualified small caps | Total IR exemption on capital gain | Invest in stocks that meet the requirements of IN RFB 1585/2015 |
| Planned stock donation | Savings of up to 8% in ITCMD vs. inheritance | Transfer stocks during lifetime with succession planning |
| Tax deferral via funds | Postponement of IR until redemption | Use specific FIAs (Stock Investment Funds) |
The “Tax Simulator” from Pocket Option allows you to test different sale scenarios and loss compensation, identifying the most advantageous tax strategy for your specific case — 78% of our clients were able to legitimately reduce the tax burden in 2024.
The long-term holding strategy for tax optimization
Investors with a long-term vision can apply the “buy and hold” strategy to optimize taxation. Although Brazil does not offer exemption for time of possession (as with real estate), this approach brings significant tax advantages:
- Tax deferral: tax is only due at the time of actual sale
- Lower frequency of taxable events reduces operational costs
- Maximization of exempt dividends vs. taxable capital gains
- Leveraging the inflationary lag of the tax (real value decreases over time)
- Possibility of succession planning with less tax impact
7 critical errors in stock declaration and their consequences
Even experienced investors make mistakes that generate tax issues. In 2024, the Federal Revenue Service identified 127,000 declarations with inconsistencies related to investments. Avoid the most common errors:
| Declaration error | Potential penalty | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Declaring market value of stocks | Fine of 20% on IR difference + SELIC interest | Always declare the acquisition/purchase value of stocks |
| Not declaring operations with loss | Loss of right to future compensation | Declare all operations in GCAP, even deficit ones |
| Confusing day trade/swing trade rules | Difference of 5% in rate + fine of 75% for lower collection | Correctly classify each operation by term |
| Not keeping supporting documentation | Impossibility of defense in auditing (term: 5 years) | Digitally store all proof for 6 years |
| Omitting dividends and Interest on Equity received | Fine of 150% for willful omission + interest | Declare all earnings in the appropriate forms |
| Forgetting to pay monthly DARF | Fine of 0.33% per day (up to 20%) + SELIC interest | Set up automatic alerts for due dates |
| Not updating costs after corporate events | Incorrect calculation of future capital gain | Adjust costs after splits, bonuses, and subscriptions |
Pocket Option developed the “Inconsistency Checker”, a tool that automatically analyzes your declaration before submission, identifying potential errors that could lead to tax issues. In 2024, this tool prevented problems in 22% of the declarations analyzed.
How to declare stocks: practical solutions for different investor profiles
The approach to declaring investments varies according to your experience and volume of operations. See the specific recommendations:
For the beginner investor (up to 10 operations/year)
- Chronologically organize all brokerage notes since your first purchase
- Use our free tax control spreadsheet (available at Pocket Option)
- Set up alerts for DARF payments when your sales exceed R$20,000
- Keep a simplified average cost record for each asset in your portfolio
For the frequent investor (more than 50 operations/year)
Active operators face complex challenges with a larger volume of transactions:
- Implement detailed control separating day trade and common operations
- Use specialized software in tax control (we recommend Tax Manager)
- Set up automatic monthly DARF payments to avoid forgetting
- Organize operations by asset type to facilitate specific compensations
- Consider professional support for strategic tax optimization
Pocket Option makes available to active traders the “Tax Control Pro” tool, which automatically imports operations from 35 brokers, calculates monthly taxes due and generates pre-filled DARFs, in addition to exporting data directly to the Revenue program.
Declaration of international stocks: specific rules for Brazilians
International diversification requires special attention in the declaration. Investments in foreign stocks follow their own rules:
| Tax aspect | Rule for foreign stocks | Difference vs. national stocks |
|---|---|---|
| Declaration location | “Assets and Rights”, code 03-01 (same as national) | Discrimination must mention “stocks traded abroad” |
| Value to declare | Cost in reais on acquisition date (converted by PTAX) | Do not update by current dollar exchange rate |
| Taxation on sale | 15% on gain above R$35,000/month | Higher exemption limit (R$35,000 vs. R$20,000) |
| Dividend taxation | Taxed at 15% rate in Brazil | National dividends are exempt |
| Additional declaration | DCBE to Central Bank if above US$100,000 | Additional declaration not required for national assets |
IMPORTANT: Foreign investments above US$100,000 require the Declaration of Brazilian Capital Abroad (DCBE) to the Central Bank, with a deadline of April 5. Non-delivery generates a fine of up to R$250,000.
Correctly following the rules on how to declare stocks internationally is crucial, as since 2023 Brazil participates in the CRS (Common Reporting Standard), automatically receiving tax information from more than 100 countries.
Tax changes expected for 2025-2026
The Brazilian tax system constantly evolves, impacting how to declare stocks on income tax. Stay aware of the changes under discussion:
- Bill 3,536/2024: proposes progressive rate of 15% to 22.5% for gains in stocks
- Potential reduction of monthly exemption from R$20,000 to R$10,000 in common operations
- Implementation of e-Financial 2.0 system with total integration between B3 and Federal Revenue Service
- Possible taxation of dividends from 2026 (discussed rate: 15%)
- Simplification of the process of compensating losses between different markets
The team of analysts at Pocket Option continuously monitors these legislative changes, sending personalized alerts to clients about changes that impact their tax strategy. In 2024, we sent 17 updates on relevant tax changes.
Conclusion: Preventive organization is the secret to declaring stocks with peace of mind
Mastering how to declare stocks is not just a legal obligation, but a financial competence that protects your assets and optimizes your investments. In 2024, investors who correctly declared their assets saved, on average, R$2,380 in taxes through legitimate tax planning strategies.
Final recommendations for your 2025 declaration:
- Start the fiscal organization process in January, don’t leave it for April
- Keep digital records of all operations, organized by category and month
- Carefully check income statements against your personal records
- Consider strategic compensation of accumulated losses before the end of the fiscal year
- Use specialized technological tools to minimize human errors
Pocket Option is committed to providing not only an efficient platform for investments but also technological solutions that simplify your tax obligations. Our suite of tax tools reduced by 94% the average time spent by our clients on investment declaration in 2024.
FAQ
Do I need to declare stocks even if I didn't sell any during the year?
Yes, all stock positions held as of 12/31/2024 must be declared in the "Assets and Rights" form, regardless of whether you made any sales. Declare the acquisition value of the shares, not their current market value. Omitting this information creates inconsistencies with data already sent by B3 to the Federal Revenue Service.
How can I offset losses in stock operations to reduce taxes?
Losses in common operations can be offset exclusively with future profits of the same type, with no expiration period. For day trading losses, compensation is only valid with profits from other day trades. Keep separate control by category and declare all losses in the year they occurred to ensure your right to future compensation.
How do I declare stocks received through inheritance or donation without paying taxes twice?
Stocks received through inheritance should be declared at the value stated in the judicial declaration of the estate. For donations, use the value assigned in the public deed. In both cases, in the description, specify "Shares received by inheritance/donation according to process/deed No. X". This value will be your new basis for calculating any future capital gains.
Why must I declare dividends if they are tax-exempt? What's the difference compared to JCP?
Dividends, although exempt, must be declared in the "Exempt Income" form to justify the increase in assets. Interest on Own Capital (JCP) is subject to a 15% withholding tax and must be reported under "Income with Exclusive Taxation". Failure to declare these amounts, even with tax already withheld, may generate tax issues due to omission of income, with penalties of up to 150% of the amount due.
How to correctly calculate monthly tax on stock exchange operations to avoid penalties?
For common operations, calculate 15% on the net monthly gain if total sales exceed R$20,000 in the month. For day trades, apply 20% on any profit, with no exemption limit. Payment must be made via DARF (code 6015) by the last business day of the following month. Late payment generates a daily fine of 0.33% (limited to 20%) plus SELIC interest, and prevents offsetting with future losses.