Starting April 1, 2025, the tax return form filing period for the 2024 fiscal year has officially begun in Portugal. This process is mandatory for most taxpayers, and it’s important to understand who must file and the applicable deadlines.
Filing deadlines
Tax returns for 2024 must be submitted between April 1 and June 30, 2025. Missing the deadline may result in fines ranging from €200 to €2,500.
Who must file a tax return
You are required to file a tax return if:
- You were a tax resident in Portugal in 2024 — meaning you lived in the country for more than 183 days or had a permanent address, even if your income came from abroad.
- You received income from Portugal, even if you were not a resident in 2024.
- You were employed, self-employed, freelancing, renting out property, or had any similar source of income.
How to file the return
The tax return is submitted online via the official Finanças portal.
To file, you will need:
- Your Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- A registered account (username and password)
If you haven’t registered on the Finanças portal yet, it’s recommended to do so as soon as possible. You’ll need a valid NIF to create the account.
Why it’s important
Filing your tax return on time allows you to:
- Avoid fines for late submission
- Receive a tax refund if excess tax was withheld during the year
- Claim deductions for education, healthcare, rent, and eligible purchases — potentially saving you hundreds of euros
What happens after filing
Once your return is submitted:
- If you owe tax, it must be paid by August 31
- If you are due a refund, the amount will be transferred to your bank account within a few weeks
Automatic tax return
If you have a simple financial situation — for example, you are a company employee and your employer withheld taxes for you, or a pensioner — the tax authority may generate an automatic return. However, it’s still recommended to review it manually before submission to avoid mistakes.
Need help?
If you’re unsure how to complete your tax return form or afraid of making a mistake, it’s worth seeking professional assistance. Our team provides tax consultations and accounting services and will be happy to help you file your return correctly and on time, as well as answer any related questions.