Navigating the Fiscal Address Maze in Portugal: Simple Steps for Big Benefits

 Cleuzina Cruz | Paralegal

Changing your fiscal address is not just a simple update of your contact details; there are serious consequences in doing so. In this article, you will find the key points to consider when updating your fiscal address, including which services, recognised besides the Tax Authority need an address update.

Your fiscal address is the official address recognised by the Tax Authorities, where you will receive your official correspondence, such as tax notifications. If you decide to move to Portugal permanently, you should change your tax address with the Tax Authority. However, this change for foreign citizens depends on the status of your immigration process.

If you are already a Portuguese citizen and decide to move to another country or house you should start by changing your address on your Citizen Card, you can do this online and in person at the IRN (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado in Portuguese).

Changing the address on the citizen's card will also be updated automatically in some services, such as the Tax Authorities, Social Security, National Health Service, etc.

If you are not a Portuguese citizen and decide to move your fiscal address to Portugal, please keep in mind that this is only possible after you have your immigration situation regularised at AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo in Portuguese).

You need to inform other entities to ensure the update of your personal records and documents. These include:

• AIMA: You must inform AIMA about your new address, as they manage residence permits for foreign nationals.
• Tax Authority: You need to update your address with the Tax Authority to ensure that your Tax records are accurate.
• Social Security: The update done on your fiscal address must be informed to the Social Security services.
• National Health Service: You must inform your health centre about your new address, and if you move to a different Parish you may be appointed a new family doctor.
• IMT ( Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes): If you are a holder of a Portuguese driving license, you must update your address.
• Banks and Insurance companies: These institutions can request an update of your address to send information regarding your accounts, loans and other services.
• Telecommunications providers
• Utilities
• Insurance
• Citizen Card

Failing to update your tax address can lead to serious administrative and financial consequences.

One of the risks of an outdated tax address is missing important deadlines. For example, if you do not receive a payment notice, you may end up paying fines and interest for late payment.

Non-compliance with tax obligations can also result in a penalty for failing to keep your details updated, as stipulated by Tax Authority regulations.

Additionally, for those benefiting from special tax regimes, such as the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Regime, or the new IFICI+ benefit, the correct tax address is essential to ensure that those benefits are applied properly. If the address is not updated, the individual may lose their entitlement to the benefit, leading to significant financial losses.

The update of the tax address can be easily done through the Tax Authority's website (Portal das Finanças in Portuguese) or at the service centres and should be done whenever there is a change in the taxpayer's place of residence.

In conclusion, keeping your address updated with the relevant institutions is essential to avoid missing important notifications, delays in processes like tax refunds or insurance claims, and complications in emergencies. Taking this simple step helps keep your affairs in order and ensures that your rights and responsibilities are properly managed.

For further inquiries or additional information on this topic, please feel free to contact us. We are available to provide further insights or address any questions you may have.