IRS adjustments: “An air of abundance was created that was not real”
The government has proposed a reduction in IRS tax rates up to the sixth income bracket, with the changes intended to apply to 2026 earnings. The proposal is currently under parliamentary review, but analysis suggests the actual increase in net monthly disposable income for many taxpayers will be minimal.
Why it matters
If you are a taxpayer in Portugal, this proposal is a reminder to look at the actual net effect on your monthly take-home pay rather than headline tax-rate figures, as the projected relief for mid-to-lower income brackets may be quite small.
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The Economic and Social Council (CES) warns that the government's 3.88% adjustment to personal income tax (IRS) brackets does not fully account for inflation, potentially leaving taxpayers with a higher real tax burden than intended. The body calls for a cautious approach to budget execution in light of ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
The Public Finance Council (CFP) warns that the IRS tax adjustments made through special withholding tables in 2026 result in lower-than-intended tax collection, leading to higher tax bills (acertos) for taxpayers when they file their declarations in 2027.
A 50% cut in IRS withholding tax will apply in November to reflect the interim tax reduction passed by parliament, before returning to current rates in December. While this increases take-home pay in November—including the Christmas allowance—tax experts note it will lead to smaller refunds or potential tax bills when filing in 2027, though the gap will be less severe than in previous years. EY simulations indicate that a single worker earning 1,500 euros a month with standard deductions could face a small payment of around 20.90 euros, whereas higher earners or families will still see refunds, such as 102 euros for a single worker earning 2,500 euros or roughly 806.80 euros for a couple with two children earning 4,000 euros each.