If you are a Brazilian tax resident and own (or plan to own) property in the United States, you must declare it on your income tax return. The Receita Federal rule is clear: every property must be declared, regardless of its value. This guide shows where to report it and how to convert the value into reais correctly.
The property goes on the Assets and Rights form, in the foreign-assets section. The value is the acquisition cost converted into reais using the Central Bank selling rate on the purchase date — and it does not change with later currency fluctuations.
Where to declare the property
On the return, the property goes on the Assets and Rights form, within the real-estate group, marking the location as outside Brazil (foreign assets). You report address, area, date, and form of acquisition.
How to convert the value into reais
The acquisition cost in dollars is converted into reais using the dollar selling rate published by the Central Bank of Brazil on the payment date. That reais value stays fixed on your return: dollar appreciation after purchase does not change the reported figure — the adjustment only appears when you sell.
Rent: taxable income month by month
If the property generates rent, that income is generally taxable in Brazil via carnê-leão, with monthly payments, even if the money stays in the U.S. See also taxes when investing in U.S. real estate.
Sent money to buy? Register the exchange
The remittance for the purchase goes through the FX market and is recorded. Understand it in how to transfer money from Brazil to the U.S.
Over US$ 1 million? There is the CBE
Anyone holding US$ 1 million or more in foreign assets on December 31 must file the Brazilian Capital Abroad Declaration (CBE) with the Central Bank — separate from income tax. See the CBE guide.
And when you sell?
On sale, the profit is taxed as a capital gain. See rates and exemptions in tax on selling U.S. property.
Sources
Buldora analysis based on official Brazilian sources: Receita Federal do Brasil and Banco Central do Brasil. Informational only; not legal, tax, or investment advice. Always confirm with an accountant.
This article is part of the complete guide How to Buy Property in Florida as a Brazilian.
