Definition of CPF (Brazil)

It is a unique number for each person through which the government is able to accompany the activity financial, and it is also essential for foreigners who wish to invest and / or live in the country. It is administered by the Federal Revenue, which is known in some countries as the Treasury.

Its need is so wide that it must be considered as a mandatory and basic procedure because in fact it is a requirement in certain operations, such as that of a residential property.

It is rare that they do not ask if one wants to register the CPF when one pays the supermarket or grocery bill. pharmacy, and it is culturally present in the lives of Brazilians in pursuit of achieving greater economic transparency. To support such use, the government provides restitution tax benefits from the annual tax return, moving millions of reais.

It comprises a right of the person when carrying out any type of economic operation. Also, we can see it as a complement to the invoice that is issued, although its weight is even greater.

By way of comparison, in Argentina the opposite is observed. The person making a purchase generally has to demand a receipt or invoice, with which this confrontational context gives space to the merchant's tax evasion. For its part, in Brazil one of the immediate questions is "Do you want to register your CPF?".

Also, it is a number that is required by banks when opening an account.

Where can the CPF be created?

The procedure is carried out in a simple way, both for residents and foreigners, as soon as a document with a photo and a residence address are requested to associate it.

It can be requested in postal agencies, as well as in the Bank of Brazil or in the Federal Economic Fund. It is even possible to do it by Internet, on the page of the Federal Revenue.

Once requested, its processing takes about 48 hours, and from that moment we can "enjoy" being under the government's magnifying glass.

The importance of the CPF

Not only is it mandatory for certain financial operations, but it is also a tool key against tax evasion. The scope of the CPF is truly remarkable, being in the memory of Brazilian citizens, taking precedence over any other document, because this is requested at the time of purchase of the house as well as a beer in the Beach.

And as we pointed out previously, there is the tax benefit through which taxpayers obtain a significant refund depending on their levels and types of expenses. Within this framework, there are differential considerations when it comes, for example, to medical expenses.

Photos: Fotolia - Jpgon / Comugnero Silvana