MEIs may have debts forgiven and receive up to R$5,000; see new government package

The federal government announced a package for MEIs on Tuesday (13) that provides for the forgiveness of debts with the Union, new possibilities for renegotiation of private debts, transfer of resources for investments and increase of the annual limit of turnover of the category.

The main measure announced is a complementary bill that will be sent to Congresso Nacional to allow for the pardon of approximately R$ 12.6 billion in debts accumulated by individual microentrepreneurs. According to the government, about 3.6 million MEIs could be benefited.

Forgiveness can remove restrictions from MEIs

In addition to eliminating debts with the federal government, the proposal provides for the extinction of collections and legal actions related to the debts covered by the measure.

The expectation is to allow microentrepreneurs currently in default to regularize the situation before the Public Power and recover better conditions of access to credit.

During the announcement at the Palácio do Planalto, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that the goal is to alleviate the financial situation of small entrepreneurs and create conditions for the resumption of business.

Debts to banks may be discounted by at least 90%

Another front of the package involves the so-called Desenrola 3.0, aimed at trading private debts of the MEIs.

According to information released by the government, the stock of these debts with banks and financial institutions reaches about R$ 6 billion.

The proposal is to carry out an operation through a notice, with a minimum discount requirement of 90% of creditors interested in participating in the renegotiation.

Pix MEI can release up to R$ 5,000

The government also announced the creation of Pix MEI, a program that provides transfers of up to R$ 5,000 for productive investments.

The money could be used, for example, to purchase equipment and improvements capable of increasing the production, income and turnover of small businesses.

According to the federal government, the amount will not be considered a loan. The initiative should also be accompanied by actions to guide beneficiaries in the application of resources.

MEI ceiling can rise to R$ 110 thousand

Another change of direct impact for microentrepreneurs is the proposal to increase the annual turnover limit of the MEI.

According to the text announced by the government, the ceiling would rise to R$ 110,000 next year and reach R$ 140,000 in 2028. The limit has not been updated for eight years, according to the government.

During the announcement, the possibility of allowing a second hiring of employees by individual micro-entrepreneurs was also mentioned.

Invoice for natural persons

The package also provides for a decree to legally strengthen the non-compulsory issuance of tax notes by MEI in transactions carried out directly with individuals.

The change should also reach the so-called nanoMEIs, a group formed by entrepreneurs with turnover of up to half of the ceiling foreseen for the category.

Part of the measures still depend on approval of the Congresso Nacional before it actually comes into effect.