Chamber approves project that increases MEI limit and forgives debts of defaulters

Chamber approves project that increases MEI limit and forgives debts of defaulters

The project also increases the number of employees that can be hired by MEIs to two, as long as they receive exclusively the minimum wage or the minimum wage for the professional category.

By Paloma Rodrigues, TV — Brasília

The Chamber of Deputies approved this Wednesday (14) a bill that increases the revenue limit for individual microentrepreneurs (MEI) and also forgives debts of defaulters in the category. The score was 461 deputies in favor and four against.

Both changes were sent by the Lula government, with the forgiveness of MEI debts being the last measure announced by Lula's campaign this week as an attempt to rapprochement with the group just days before the 2nd round. Now, the text goes to the Federal Senate for analysis.

The project expands the MEI framework to entrepreneurs with annual revenues of R$ 110 thousand in 2027 and R$ 140 thousand from 2028 onwards, compared to the current R$ 80 thousand.

"Today, this MEI sometimes does not require a contract so as not to exceed the MEI range", said the rapporteur, deputy Rubens Pereira Jr. (PT-MA).

The project also increases the number of employees that can be hired by individual microentrepreneurs.

Currently, only one employee can be employed. The project increases this number to up to two, as long as they receive exclusively the minimum wage or the minimum wage for the professional category.

The opposition criticized the vote on the measure on the eve of the second round.

"Although I see that entrepreneurs deserve this correction – which is justice is not kindness –, I think it is regrettable that it comes as an electoral measure. It is regrettable that this is being ruled on", said deputy Adriana Ventura (Novo-SP).

MEIs — Photo: Jornal Nacional/ Reproduction

Tax impact

The estimated fiscal impact of foregoing revenue is R$1.57 billion in 2027, R$3.15 billion in 2028 and R$3.38 billion in 2029. The impact of debt forgiveness is estimated at R$3 billion in 3 years.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the impact will be divided as follows:

2027: R$1.1 billion;

2028: R$1 billion;

2029: R$909 million.

The rapporteur also considered debts not yet included in the Union's active debt that may still have the process underway. This could generate an impact of up to R$2 billion in addition to what was already anticipated.

The project granted full amnesty to defaulting MEIs. The project forgives debts incurred by individual microentrepreneurs until October 13, 2026.

According to the rapporteur, part of this debt began during the pandemic period and the group needs government assistance to regain control over its business.

"The objective is not a general pardon. On the contrary. There is a rule that requires future compliance," he stated.

The project establishes compensation for the remission of amounts owed: not remaining in debt for six months consecutive to forgiveness and giving up any legal actions linked to the amounts owed.