Data as of October 28, 2026, 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time).
In a nutshell
- Fact: The TCU plenary session approved the calculation of 11,3% for the CBS reference rate in 2027.
- Reason: The law requires the restoration of revenue from PIS, Cofins, IPI, and IOF-Insurance, which totaled 4.986071% of GDP on average from 2012 to 2021.
- Note to the reader: This figure is for reference only; it is not the final price. The Senate has yet to set the tax rate, with a deadline of December 15.
CBS Tax Rate: What the TCU Approved on October 28
A CBS tax rate The benchmark for 2027 was 11,3%, according to calculations by the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). The plenary session unanimously approved the figure in October 28, 2026.
The exact value is 11,3468%, rounded to one decimal place, according to Estadão Conteúdo. The CBS (Tax on Goods and Services) is the federal tax that replaces the PIS and Cofins.
The TCU must submit the calculation to the Senate by October 30, according to Metrópoles. It is up to the Senate to set the tax rate by resolution, with a deadline of December 15, according to Conjur.
Where does this number come from, and why is it higher than previous estimates?
The TCU uses the reference revenue—which is what the federal government collected from PIS, Cofins, IPI, and IOF-Seguros—as its basis. This revenue, as a percentage of GDP, is calculated as the average of 2012 to 2021 and it turned out 4,98607%, according to Estadão Conteúdo. The tax rate must offset this loss in revenue, a rule known as revenue neutrality.
Previous estimates were around 9%. Metrópoles reports a range of 8.53% to 9.05% and then, 9,21%.
The difference from the 11.3% is 2.09 percentage points (11.3 minus 9.21). In the sources I have consulted, there is no publicly available data that explains this difference item by item.
The attribution of the 9,21% codes is not uniform across vehicles. Estadão Conteúdo links it to the IBS Management Committee (CGIBS), which totaled 18,70% of IBS and even reached 27,91%.
What does this mean in practice for businesses and consumers?
The reference rate is not, in and of itself, the percentage that will be charged in 2027. Under the transition rule of Complementary Law 214/2025, the effective CBS rate in 2027 and 2028 will be the set rate minus 0.1 percentage point. In 2026, CBS is 0,9%, currently in the testing phase.
The calculation also includes a reduction factor of 44,2% regarding tax rates on government purchases, according to Conjur.
For consumers, there is no publicly available data in the sources reviewed regarding the effect on the prices of specific products. Adding the 11.3% from CBS to the estimated 18.70% from IBS (state and municipal tax that replaces ICMS and ISS) yields 30,0%. This total combines estimates from different agencies and is not a definitive tax rate.
A Practical Guide: What's Still Missing and How to Stay Updated
The figure may still change in the Senate. According to LC 214/2025, if the Senate fails to act within the deadline, the TCU’s calculation will apply.
The government also plans to submit the Selective Tax bill—the “sin tax”—to Congress, according to Metrópoles. The text could not be located in any official source as of the time of this report.
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CBS Reference Rate (2027) | 11.3% (exact: 11.3468%) | Conjur; Estadão Conteúdo |
| Previous estimate | 9,21% | Metrópoles; Estadão Content |
| Difference | 2.09 percentage points (own calculation) | Calculation based on the sources |
| Estimated CBS + IBS | 30,0% (11,3% + 18,70%) | Calculation based on the sources |
| Reduction in government procurement | 44,2% | Conjur |
What to Watch
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Through October 30, 2026 | TCU Sends the Calculation to the Senate | Metropolises |
| Through December 15, 2026 | Senate Deadline for Setting the Tax Rate | Conjur; Estadão Conteúdo |
| No confirmed date | Submission of the Selective Tax Assessment | Metropolises |
To check the current rules, visit the Federal Revenue Service on the consumption tax reform, the TCU portal, and the Senate website.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, legal advice, or tax advice. Please verify the current regulations through official channels and, if necessary, consult a qualified professional.
Sources consulted
- Conjur: tax rate of 11.3%, reduction of 44.2%, and Senate deadline
- Jornal de Brasília (Estadão Conteúdo): 11.3468%, average from 2012 to 2021, unanimous vote, and CGIBS estimates
- Metropolises: previous estimates, submission to the Senate, and selective tax
- Syntax: CBS Transition Rule (Summary of Law No. 214/2025)
Featured article: Conjur.
