Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service (RFB) launched a new round of its Digital Tax Audit (MFD) on August 27, 2026, to identify potential understatements of PIS/Cofins liabilities. By cross-checking information reported by companies in different tax systems, the RFB identified approximately BRL 300 million (nearly USD 58.8 million) in discrepancies involving more than 3,000 taxable persons.

Impact of Audit on Taxable Persons

The mismatches were found between the amounts declared in the DCTF (Tax Debt Declaration Form) and the amounts calculated or reported through EFD-Contribuições, Brazil’s e-system for reporting PIS/Cofins contributions. This implies that the RFB believed some businesses declared or paid less than the amounts indicated by their electronic tax records.

However, the RFB allows affected taxable persons to review and voluntarily correct their tax positions before formal audits begin. Businesses have until October 30, 2026, to regularize the identified discrepancies. Doing so voluntarily can help them avoid or reduce penalties and other consequences of a formal audit. The main penalty can amount to 75% of the unpaid tax, in addition to accumulated late-payment interest and any other penalties that may apply.

The previous MFD cycle shows that the RFB is using the initiative as an active compliance tool, not just an informational exercise. In the previous cycle, of the 3,062 taxable persons contacted, around 75% voluntarily corrected their discrepancies and avoided penalties. Those who failed to take action were subsequently assessed for a combined BRL 750 million (nearly USD 147 million), demonstrating the potentially significant financial consequences of ignoring an RFB notification.

Conclusion

The MFD provides taxable persons with a limited opportunity to resolve PIS/Cofins discrepancies voluntarily before the RFB moves to formal enforcement. Given the previous cycle's results and the potentially substantial penalties, businesses receiving a notification should promptly reconcile their DCTF and EFD-Contribuições information and regularize any genuine underpayments.