Brazil advances micro‑entrepreneur initiatives: alphanumeric CNPJ rollout and Simples Nacional reforms

The municipality of Goiânia formalised more than 500 micro‑entrepreneurs (MEIs) in July through its Casa do Empreendedor network, operating with Sebrae. The program also informs entrepreneurs about the new alphanumeric CNPJ number introduced by the Federal Revenue Service, which will be implemented gradually nationwide; temporary disruptions to CNPJ‑based data are expected from 23 to 27 July. Municipal officials highlighted that the service simplifies company registration, reduces distances for applicants and supports job creation.

At the federal level, the government is reviewing a proposal by Deputy Jorge Goetten to extend the recent increase of the MEI revenue ceiling to all brackets of the Simples Nacional tax regime. The plan aims to correct inflation‑driven distortions but could raise fiscal costs to roughly R$ 50 billion, raising concerns about budget impact for 2027. Officials are examining compensation measures, such as stricter enforcement of Simples arrears, before any legislative action.