The invoice request with a taxpayer number has become a routine gesture among Portuguese consumers, associated with the idea that each expense can represent a discount on IRS. The process is simple: When indicating the Fiscal Identification number (NIF), the purchase is registered on the Finance Portal and can lead to tax deductions at the end of the year. However, not all invoices have a practical effect. There are specific limits by category and, once reached, continuing to request invoices no longer generate additional advantages.
Maintaining the habit of associating the NIF with expenses remains relevant, especially in areas where there are direct tax benefits. Still, there are cases where the impact is null and void, even if the registration is made correctly.
When asking for compensation
Areas such as health, education, restoration, workshops, hairdressers and homes continue among those that allow the most significant deductions in the IRS. In these cases, asking for a taxpayer invoice is essential. According to the Best Value Accounting Company, each category has a defined annual limit: 1,000 euros in health expenses, 800 euros in education, 296 euros in housing, 403.75 euros in homes, 250 euros in gyms and 250 euros in family general expenses.
The same company adds that, in addition to these deductions, it is still possible to recover 15% of VAT in areas such as public transport, accommodation, restoration and workshops, which represents an additional incentive to invoice request.
When asking, it fails to have an effect
In clothing purchases, appliances or technological products, the fiscal benefit boils down to the general deduction of 250 euros per household, a value that tends to be reached quickly. From this point, asking for more invoices with NIF no longer changes the final deduction.
In addition, some specific categories, such as fuels, obey their own rules and have particular limits defined by the Tax Authority.
The role of the invoice request in the tax system
According to, the registration of invoices with a taxpayer number does not aim to control citizens’ expenses, but the fight against fiscal dropout and parallel economy. This mechanism contributes to greater transparency and balance in the tax system.
The same source also recalls that no merchant can refuse the issuance of an invoice with NIF. If the document has been issued without the taxpayer number, it is always possible to annul it and issue a new one. Asking for an invoice is thus a gesture that, in addition to being able to benefit the consumer, reinforces the integrity of the fiscal system, even when it does not result in any direct gain.
All Portuguese have to have NIF
It should be noted that all Portuguese need to have a NIF as it is mandatory to purchase, enter into contracts or open bank accounts. Anyone who already has a citizen card receives the NIF automatically, ensuring that all citizens are identified before the tax administration.
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