Brazilian individual microentrepreneurs (MEIs) have until May 31st to submit the Annual MEI Declaration (DASN-SIMEI), a mandatory document for entrepreneurs to report their income and keep their business compliant with the Federal Revenue Service. Although the declaration can be filed for free on the Simples Nacional Portal, the process has raised many doubts among microentrepreneurs, increasing demand for digital tools to assist with filling out the information. Data from the MaisMei app shows that searches for digital solutions to submit the declaration grew significantly in the first two weeks of May, reflecting the rising demand for technology to simplify bureaucratic processes for microentrepreneurs. So far, MaisMei has processed around 490,000 DASNs.
“It’s very common for small entrepreneurs to face doubts about where to input each piece of information, revenue limits, and other details. Since many also leave it to the last minute, this scenario can become complicated if there are inconsistencies in the data—something we can detect and help users resolve easily,” says Mateus Vicente, CEO and co-founder of MaisMei. According to him, using the app reduces the time needed to submit the DASN to an average of five minutes, making it easier for MEIs to fulfill their tax obligations.
According to a survey by MaisMei, currently, when MEIs seek specialized digital support, most requests are related to tax declarations (53.22%), followed by issuing invoices (22.63%). The survey included 5,640 microentrepreneurs registered on the company’s app, which is designed to assist with these and other MEI management tasks.
Kályta Caetano, Head of Accounting at MaisMei, notes that it’s normal for managers less familiar with bureaucratic tasks to make mistakes. “The MEI regime was created to simplify taxation and reduce costs, but even so, doubts often arise about revenue limits, submitting the DASN, and other obligations that, if not met, can result in fines, loss of benefits, or even cancellation of the CNPJ,” she explains.
Legal implications
If an Individual Microentrepreneur fails to submit the Annual Simples Nacional Declaration, they will face penalties and restrictions, including:
- Fine: Late submission subjects the taxpayer to a fine of 2% per month of delay, capped at 20% of the total declared taxes or a minimum of R$50. The fine is issued automatically after the declaration is transmitted.
- Restrictions and impediments: An MEI non-compliant with the Federal Revenue Service may face restrictions, such as being unable to issue invoices, difficulties obtaining debt clearance certificates, participating in public tenders, securing loans, and more.
“In addition to fines and other penalties from the Federal Revenue, there is a risk of the CNPJ being canceled after two years without submitting the declaration and paying the monthly contribution fee (DAS). Consequently, the responsible party may lose social security benefits and others, such as temporary disability assistance,” reminds MaisMei’s Head of Accounting.
The Annual MEI Declaration can be submitted online and for free through the Simples Nacional Portal, which guides users step by step. Alternatively, the MaisMei app allows for an optimized and secure declaration process. Simply fill out a form with your business information and wait for the team of specialists to send the declaration submission receipt.
