Tax Workers Union warns of weakening Portuguese Tax Authority

The Tax Workers Union (STI) has issued a warning regarding the 2027 State Budget (OE2027), stating that the absence of structural fiscal measures is weakening the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (AT).

The union claims that successive governments have avoided including “potentially fracturing” fiscal measures in the budget, which are necessary to combat tax fraud and evasion more effectively. Despite the STI presenting 26 proposals to the executive aimed at improving enforcement, the union asserts that the government has shown no interest in collaborating with tax inspectors on these matters.

The STI highlighted that the authority of the AT is being successively undermined, leading to diminishing respect for inspectors from both the political class and taxpayers. The union emphasized that ensuring the state has adequate resources is essential to addressing modern challenges, including public debt threats, geopolitical instability, and the sovereignty risks posed by large technology companies.