65% of small businesses predict impacts of Tax Reform

Small Brazilian companies are preparing for significant changes with the Tax Reform. According to the Omie Survey of Small Companies, Omie survey, management platform (ERP) in the cloud, recently conducted with 285 leaders of CNPJs opting for Simples Nacional, 65% of the ears, among CEOs, directors, partners, managers and entrepreneurs believe that the new rules will directly affect their business.

While 26% of respondents do not know how to assess the impact of the reform, only 9% believe that it will not influence their daily lives. For economist Felipe Beraldi, Indicators and Economic Studies manager at Omie, the changes bring opportunities, but also challenges. Especially in understanding the changes and deadlines for adaptation.

“The survey showed that 59% of entrepreneurs know that the main change will be the creation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the elimination of the cumulativity of taxes”. VAT aims to unify five taxes (ICMS, ISS, IPI, PIS and Cofins into a single charge, contributing to greater transparency and simplification of collection.

Despite the expectation of simplification, Beraldi warns that the process will be complex. “Companies need to start preparing and adapting to changes. The sooner they understand the new rules of the Reform, the easier it will be to reevaluate cash flow, working capital, tax regime, supply chain and prices”, he says. 

The transition to the new tax system will be gradual. Implementation begins in 2026 and continues until 2033, when the Tax Reform will be fully in force. During this period, there will be a coexistence regime between the current and the new system, which will require attention from managers and their accountants. 

“Although the reform promises to simplify tax management in the long term and reduce distortions in the short term, it is certain that this duplicity will generate a great increase in complexity, which will require significant changes in the internal processes of any business, especially small companies”, says Marcelo Lombardo, co-founder and CEO of Omie.

In addition to the challenges, the reform can represent a great opportunity for accounting professionals, whose roles become even more strategic during the implementation of the new rules. Not by chance, the survey revealed that 75% of small businesses consider that the accountant will be essential at this time. The research also reinforces the need for more effective communication, to ensure that the reform updates reach entrepreneurs clearly and quickly.

With the Tax Reform in place, small businesses, which represent 99% of Brazilian companies and account for more than 27% of GDP and more than 70% of formal jobs, will face a challenging adaptation period. The success of this transition will depend, in large part, on the ability of SMEs to adjust to the rules and the strategic orientation of accountants.

65% of small businesses predict impacts of Tax Reform