End of the Perse Benefit: What Changes for Your Business and How to Prepare - Squad Contábil

End of the Perse Benefit: What Changes for Your Business and How to Prepare

End of the Perse Benefit: What Changes for Your Business and How to Prepare

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The Programa Emergencial de Retomada do Setor de Eventos (Perse) was one of the main measures adopted during the pandemic to mitigate the economic impact on severely affected sectors such as tourism, events, culture, and hospitality. Through this program, businesses in these segments were granted exemption from federal taxes — such as IRPJ, CSLL, PIS, and Cofins — for up to 60 months, providing significant relief to their cash flow.

However, recent legislative changes have brought this benefit to an early end, catching many business owners by surprise. Below, we explain what led to this decision, who can still benefit, and how your company should prepare.

📉 Why Did Perse Come to an End?

The federal government decided to terminate Perse before its original expiration date to reduce the fiscal impact of lost revenue. Estimates indicated that the program would cost more than R$ 17 billion by 2026, raising concerns about the sustainability of public finances.

With the enactment of Law No. 14.873/2024, the government officially limited Perse to companies that meet very specific criteria. Most businesses that previously benefited from the program will need to resume paying federal taxes starting in fiscal year 2025.

For many companies, this will directly impact profitability and will require strategic reassessment for the coming year.

⚠️ Which Companies Can Still Benefit?

Despite the broad cancellation of the benefit, some companies may continue to enjoy Perse until the originally scheduled end date in March 2027. However, the law has imposed strict conditions for continuation.

In summary, a company must:

  • Have joined the program by May 3, 2023;
  • Prove that its main economic activity falls under the CNAE codes originally included in the Perse legislation;
  • Be current with all tax and social security obligations;
  • Comply with requirements related to job preservation, according to rules that will be further detailed by supplementary regulations.

In other words, it’s not enough to operate in the events or tourism sector — companies must provide accounting and tax documentation showing that their main activity is aligned with the program’s criteria.

📌 Which Taxes Will Be Charged Again?

With the end of the exemption, the following federal taxes will once again be levied on the revenues of affected businesses:

  • IRPJ (Imposto de Renda da Pessoa Jurídica – Corporate Income Tax);
  • CSLL (Contribuição Social sobre o Lucro Líquido – Social Contribution on Net Income);
  • PIS (Programa de Integração Social);
  • Cofins (Contribuição para o Financiamento da Seguridade Social).

The calculation method and applicable rates vary depending on the company’s tax regime (Lucro Real, Presumido, or Simples Nacional, where applicable). For this reason, it’s essential to review your tax planning during 2024 to avoid surprises in the transition to the new fiscal year.

Furthermore, companies that set their pricing strategies based on the exemption will need to reassess their profit margins, contracts, and forecasts.

💡 What Should Your Company Do Now?

The end of Perse calls for extra attention to tax planning. If your business was enrolled in the program, the first step is to check whether it still meets the criteria for continuation. If not, it’s time to adjust your tax calculation model as of January 2025.

Recommended actions include:

  • Updating revenue and expense projections considering the full tax burden;
  • Reevaluating the most advantageous tax regime under the new fiscal reality;
  • Validating registered CNAEs, especially if there are questions about your main activity;
  • Ensuring that all Perse-related documentation is complete and properly filed, in case your business remains eligible.

This is a great opportunity to rethink your company’s financial and tax structure — including running simulations comparing different tax regimes.

🧾 What If My Company Continues Under Perse?

If your company still qualifies for Perse, it’s important to understand that maintaining the benefit is conditional upon meeting several accessory obligations and providing specific proof.

For example, companies will need to keep clear records of their main activity, maintain tax compliance, and fulfill any labor-related requirements tied to employment preservation. Additionally, the Receita Federal (Brazilian Federal Revenue Service) may require detailed reporting through cross-checks of accounting, tax, and employment data.

So, even if the benefit remains valid for a while, the level of scrutiny will increase — requiring rigorous internal control and specialized technical support.

✅ We’re Here to Support Your Business Through This Transition

The end of Perse marks a significant shift in the tax landscape for many businesses in the events, tourism, and cultural sectors. If you’re unsure how this change will impact your business, whether you still qualify for the program, or if you need to restructure your tax strategy, we’re here to help.

Our firm has a team of experienced and up-to-date professionals ready to analyze your case and identify the best strategy to ensure a secure and smooth transition.

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