Author: Paola Atzingen

Receber uma herança ou realizar uma doação envolvendo patrimônio localizado fora do Brasil pode trazer uma série de questões tributárias e sucessórias. No Rio de Janeiro, uma recente manifestação da Secretaria de Estado de Fazenda (SEFAZ/RJ) reforça um ponto que pode passar despercebido nesse tipo de operação: a ausência de imposto a recolher não significa, necessariamente, ausência de obrigação perante o Fisco.

A questão foi analisada na Consulta Tributária nº 002/26, que tratou da obrigatoriedade de apresentação da declaração de ITD em situações de imunidade, não incidência, isenção ou suspensão do imposto.

O que a Consulta 002/26 analisou?

O caso envolveu uma contribuinte residente no Estado do Rio de Janeiro que recebeu recursos localizados no exterior após o falecimento da instituidora de um trust constituído nos Estados Unidos.

Como a transmissão ocorreu por meio do trust, não houve inventário no Brasil ou no exterior. Ao tentar cumprir a obrigação de declarar a transmissão, porém, a contribuinte encontrou uma limitação no sistema eletrônico da SEFAZ/RJ, que exigia informações relacionadas ao inventário ou à escritura pública.

A situação levantou uma questão prática: se não há imposto a recolher, ainda é necessário apresentar uma declaração ao Fisco estadual?

Para a SEFAZ/RJ, a resposta é afirmativa.

Declaração e pagamento são obrigações diferentes

O entendimento adotado pela Fazenda fluminense parte de uma distinção importante entre a obrigação de pagar o imposto e a obrigação de prestar informações à administração tributária.

De acordo com a Consulta 002/26, a legislação estadual determina a apresentação da declaração de ITD mesmo quando a transmissão está enquadrada em hipótese de imunidade, não incidência, isenção ou suspensão.

Isso significa que a análise sobre a existência ou não do imposto devido não elimina automaticamente a necessidade de comunicar a operação ao Fisco.

No caso analisado, a própria autoridade fazendária deve reconhecer formalmente a não incidência. Como o sistema não oferecia uma alternativa adequada para a situação envolvendo o trust no exterior, a orientação foi buscar o reconhecimento por meio de procedimento administrativo específico perante a área responsável pelo ITD.

Na prática, portanto, não se trata apenas de calcular quanto imposto deve ser pago, mas também de verificar quais obrigações acessórias precisam ser cumpridas.

E como fica o ITD sobre bens localizados no exterior?

A discussão precisa ser compreendida dentro de um contexto tributário mais amplo.

Em 2021, ao julgar o RE 851.108, o Supremo Tribunal Federal estabeleceu, no Tema 825 da repercussão geral, que os Estados e o Distrito Federal não podem instituir ITCMD nas hipóteses relacionadas ao exterior previstas no artigo 155, §1º, III, da Constituição Federal sem a edição da lei complementar exigida pela própria Constituição.

O entendimento também foi aplicado especificamente ao Rio de Janeiro. Em 2022, o STF declarou inconstitucional dispositivo da Lei estadual nº 7.174/2015 que tratava da incidência do imposto sobre transmissões relacionadas ao exterior.

Isso, entretanto, não significa que uma transmissão internacional possa simplesmente deixar de ser informada ao Fisco estadual.

É justamente essa diferença que ganha relevância com a Consulta 002/26: a discussão sobre a incidência do imposto e o cumprimento da obrigação de declarar são questões distintas.

O que isso significa para quem possui patrimônio internacional?

A orientação da SEFAZ/RJ é especialmente relevante para famílias que mantêm parte de seu patrimônio fora do Brasil ou estruturam sua sucessão internacionalmente.

Doações de recursos, participações societárias, investimentos e outros ativos localizados no exterior podem envolver diferentes obrigações fiscais e declaratórias. A estrutura utilizada para realizar a transferência, como uma doação direta, uma sucessão ou um trust, também pode influenciar a análise.

Por isso, assumir que uma operação não gera imposto e, consequentemente, não precisa ser comunicada ao Fisco pode criar riscos desnecessários.

A Consulta 002/26 reforça que, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, a não incidência precisa ser reconhecida pela autoridade competente quando aplicável, e o contribuinte deve observar o procedimento previsto para formalizar essa situação.

Atenção também às doações

Embora o caso analisado pela SEFAZ/RJ envolva uma transmissão decorrente do falecimento da instituidora do trust, o entendimento sobre a obrigação declaratória não se limita necessariamente a esse tipo de situação.

A legislação estadual prevê a apresentação de declaração também em hipóteses nas quais o ITD não será efetivamente recolhido.

Assim, pessoas que tenham realizado ou estejam planejando realizar doações envolvendo bens ou recursos mantidos no exterior devem avaliar previamente as exigências aplicáveis, inclusive aquelas relacionadas à comunicação da operação ao Fisco.

O que fazer?

Para quem reside no Rio de Janeiro e recebeu uma herança ou realizou uma doação envolvendo patrimônio no exterior, o primeiro passo é avaliar individualmente a operação e identificar quais regras tributárias e obrigações acessórias se aplicam ao caso.

Quando houver hipótese de não incidência, não basta concluir que não existe imposto a pagar. É necessário verificar se existe uma declaração a ser apresentada e qual procedimento deve ser utilizado para que a situação seja formalmente reconhecida pela Fazenda estadual.

Para operações já realizadas sem a devida comunicação, também pode ser recomendável avaliar a necessidade de regularização.

Além disso, as regras podem variar de acordo com o Estado de residência do contribuinte. Por isso, operações envolvendo patrimônio internacional devem ser analisadas considerando não apenas a localização dos ativos, mas também a residência das partes envolvidas, a natureza da transmissão e a estrutura utilizada para sua realização.

Em operações sucessórias e patrimoniais internacionais, planejamento tributário não envolve apenas determinar quanto imposto será devido. Também é fundamental compreender as obrigações declaratórias e os procedimentos necessários para manter a operação regular perante as autoridades fiscais.

Double taxation can significantly increase a business’s tax burden. It occurs when the same income is taxed twice by different tax authorities or at different levels of taxation. This issue is especially common in U.S. C-Corporation structures, where economic double taxation may occur

In a C-Corp structure, the company itself is taxed on its profits at the corporate level. Then, when those profits are distributed to shareholders, they are taxed again on the dividends received through their personal income tax returns. As a result, the same earnings are effectively taxed twice.

Taxation is one of the government’s main sources of revenue and can take different forms, including corporate taxation and international taxation.

Corporate taxation refers to taxes imposed on a company’s profits and business activities. In the United States, corporations are generally required to pay federal and, in some cases, state corporate income taxes.

International taxation deals with situations in which individuals or businesses operate across multiple countries. It involves rules that determine how income earned internationally is taxed and which country has the taxing rights.

Additionally, double taxation can be classified as either juridical or economic.

Juridical double taxation happens when the same taxpayer is taxed twice on the same income by two different jurisdictions. For example, an individual may be required to pay taxes both in the country where the income was earned and in their country of residence.

Economic double taxation occurs when the same income is taxed in the hands of different taxpayers. A common example is corporate profits being taxed first at the company level and then again when distributed to shareholders as dividends.

But what causes double taxation?

Double taxation can arise for several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

1. C-Corporation Structures

One of the main causes is the corporate taxation structure itself, particularly in C-Corporations, where income is taxed both at the corporate and shareholder levels.

2. International Business Operations

International operations can also lead to double taxation when companies or individuals generate income in multiple countries. In some cases, the same income may be taxed where it is earned and again in the taxpayer’s country of residence. For example, a Brazilian entrepreneur with business income in the U.S. could potentially face taxation in both countries if no tax relief mechanism applies.

3. Conflicting Tax Residency Rules

Another common issue involves conflicting tax residency rules. Sometimes, two countries may consider the same individual or company a tax resident under their domestic legislation, allowing both jurisdictions to claim taxing rights over worldwide income.

4. Cross-Border Payments

Certain payments, such as dividends, royalties, and interest, may also trigger double taxation. While the country making the payment often imposes withholding taxes, the recipient’s home country may tax the same income again.

5. Lack of Tax Treaties or Poor Tax Planning

The absence of tax treaties or poor international tax planning can also increase the risk of double taxation. Without a double taxation agreement (DTA) or proper tax structuring, businesses may not be able to offset taxes already paid abroad.

Double taxation can create several negative impacts for businesses and individuals, including reduced profitability, higher operational costs, limited cash flow, and lower incentives for international investment and expansion. 

In cross-border operations, it can also increase compliance complexity and create additional financial and legal risks.

To help avoid double taxation, many countries establish tax treaties that define how income should be taxed between jurisdictions. Businesses and individuals may also rely on foreign tax credits, exemptions, deductions, and strategic tax planning to minimize duplicate tax burdens. Contact our specialists at Drummond Advisors to plan properly and avoid unnecessary risks!

Expanding your business to the United States is often seen as a natural next step for companies aiming to scale internationally. What is less discussed, however, is how the first year of operations can quietly become the most critical from a tax and compliance standpoint.

The challenge is not necessarily the complexity of the U.S. system, but the assumptions founders bring with them. Many expect tax obligations to begin only when the business starts generating revenue, hiring employees, or operating at scale. In reality, the U.S. framework operates differently: compliance begins the moment your company is legally formed.

This misunderstanding alone leads to one of the most common and costly mistakes — failing to meet filing obligations in a year when the company may not have generated any income. Even without revenue, businesses are generally required to file federal tax returns, submit annual reports, and pay state-level obligations such as the Delaware Franchise Tax. In other words, simply existing as a legal entity already creates responsibilities. Notice: the Delaware Franchise Tax of march 1st is for C Corporations. For LLC’s, the deadline is June 1st.

Closely tied to this is another frequent oversight: ignoring so-called “informational” filings. Among them, Form 5472 stands out as one of the most critical — and most commonly missed — requirements for foreign-owned U.S. entities. This form is used to report transactions between the company and its foreign owner, including capital contributions, loans, and other financial movements. Because it does not necessarily result in tax due, many founders underestimate its importance. The IRS, however, does not. Penalties for failing to file can start at $25,000 per year, even in the absence of revenue.

Beyond filings, structural decisions made at the very beginning can have long-term tax implications. Choosing between an LLC and a C-Corporation without a clear understanding of cross-border taxation can lead to inefficiencies such as double taxation, limitations on profit distribution, or challenges when raising capital. In the U.S., entity selection is not merely a legal step — it is a strategic tax decision that directly impacts scalability and investor readiness. If you don’t know the differences between an LLC and a C-Corp, read our article: https://media.drummondadvisors.com/how-to-choose-the-best-corporate-structure-to-operate-in-the-u-s/

Operational delays can also create friction early on. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), for example, is essential for opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and fulfilling tax obligations. While foreign founders are not required to have a Social Security Number to apply, the process is often slower and more manual, typically involving fax or mail submissions. Mistakes in the application can delay operations significantly, making it critical to initiate the process immediately after incorporation.

Timing also plays a critical role in U.S. tax compliance, particularly when it comes to equity. Founders who receive shares must be aware of the 83(b) election, which must be filed within 30 days of the grant date. Missing this deadline can lead to substantially higher tax liabilities in the future, and unlike many other filings, it cannot be corrected after the fact. It is a simple requirement — but an unforgiving one.

As companies begin to operate more actively, additional risks emerge in areas such as payroll and founder compensation. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors can result in penalties and compliance issues, while payments made to foreign founders — whether as salary, dividends, or service fees — may be subject to withholding taxes of up to 30%. Although tax treaties can reduce these rates, they do not eliminate the need for proper reporting and documentation.

In fact, documentation is one of the most overlooked aspects of first-year compliance. Many issues arise not from aggressive tax positions, but from inconsistent or incomplete records. Transactions between the company and its owners, capital movements, and internal financial decisions must all be properly tracked and reported. Inconsistencies in these records are among the most common triggers for IRS scrutiny.

Against this backdrop, managing deadlines becomes essential. Key dates such as March 1st for Delaware Franchise Tax, April 15th for federal filings and Form 5472. In the U.S., timing is not just administrative — it is a fundamental part of tax strategy.

Ultimately, expanding to the U.S. is not just about entering a new market. It is about building a structure that can sustain growth, support investment, and operate efficiently across borders. Tax should not be treated as a reactive obligation, but as a strategic component of that structure from day one.

Companies that understand this early are better positioned to scale. Those that do not often find themselves correcting avoidable — and expensive — mistakes.

Contact our specialists at Drummond Advisors to help you through the process in a safe and strategic way. Let’s do it together!

Written by Paola Von Atzingen

In 2026, artificial intelligence will no longer be a pilot experiment but a core strategic infrastructure for global enterprises, fundamentally embedded into business operations, decision-making, and competitive strategy. 

Across industries, organizations are shifting from testing isolated AI tools to integrating AI into mission-critical workflows that drive efficiency, innovation, and real value creation. This evolution reflects the transition of AI from a “nice-to-have” technology to a foundational business capability that directly impacts operational effectiveness and long-term growth.

One of the most significant trends is the rise of hyperautomation and autonomous AI agents. By combining AI with robotic process automation and advanced machine learning, enterprises can automate entire business processes end-to-end, reducing manual workloads, accelerating cycle times, and lowering operational costs. These autonomous systems will increasingly take on complex tasks that span multiple systems and business functions, empowering organizations to scale intelligently.

Another key trend for 2026 is Edge AI and distributed intelligence. Rather than relying solely on centralized cloud systems, companies are deploying AI capabilities directly on devices and at the network edge. This reduces latency, enhances real-time responsiveness, and strengthens data privacy — features that are especially critical for IoT deployments, autonomous vehicles, and industrial applications.

As AI technologies mature, enterprises must also grapple with governance, ethics, and risk management. 

The growing use of AI raises concerns about bias, transparency, and regulatory compliance. Businesses are increasingly investing in robust governance frameworks, explainable AI (XAI), and safeguards to ensure fairness, accountability, and trustworthiness in automated decisions — requirements that are becoming more prominent as AI permeates sensitive areas like finance, healthcare, and HR.

In parallel, AI-driven personalization and customer experience optimization will continue to expand. AI systems that can analyze and respond to individual customer behavior at scale are set to redefine how companies engage with clients, offering tailored interactions and predictive insights that drive loyalty and competitive differentiation.

The integration of AI into industry-specific workflows is another trend companies should watch. Rather than generic, one-size-fits-all models, specialized AI solutions tailored to particular sectors — such as healthcare diagnostics, retail supply chains, and financial services risk modeling — are gaining traction. These verticalized AI applications improve accuracy and compliance while driving industry-specific innovation.

Workforce impact and organizational transformation also remain central themes. AI is reshaping jobs by automating repetitive tasks and augmenting human capabilities. This shift necessitates continuous learning and reskilling, as professionals evolve into roles that require more strategic, creative, and analytical skills. However, rather than leading to mass layoffs, many industry leaders foresee AI supporting productivity and revenue growth, reinforcing the importance of human–AI collaboration.

In the broader economic landscape, the global AI race and infrastructure investment signal how critical AI has become for corporate competitiveness. Major companies are committing vast resources to AI research, data center capacity, and advanced computing platforms to establish technological leadership. These investments underline the role of AI not only as a tool but as a strategic asset in global market dynamics.

Finally, the rise of generative AI and next-generation creative tools — including capabilities such as video generation and advanced content synthesis — will transform marketing, media, and internal communication. As organizations leverage generative systems to accelerate production and experimentation, the focus will shift toward balancing automation with authenticity and strategic narrative.

Written by Paola Von Atzingen, from the Drummond Advisors team

Choosing the appropriate corporate structure is one of the most critical decisions when establishing or expanding a business in the United States. This choice has a direct impact on taxation, legal liability, regulatory compliance, and the company’s ability to scale and attract investments. For international entrepreneurs and companies entering the U.S. market, selecting the right structure is not only a legal formality, but a strategic business decision.

In the U.S., the most commonly used structures are the Limited Liability Company (LLC), the C-Corporation (C-Corp), and the S-Corporation (S-Corp). Each model serves different business objectives and offers distinct advantages depending on the company’s growth strategy, ownership profile, and long-term goals.

What is an LLC?

The LLC is widely used by small and mid-sized businesses due to its flexibility and relatively simple administrative requirements. It provides liability protection by separating the personal assets of its owners from the company’s obligations. From a tax perspective, an LLC is generally treated as a pass-through entity, meaning profits are taxed directly at the owner level rather than at the corporate level.

This structure allows foreign ownership without residency restrictions, making it an attractive option for international entrepreneurs operating service-based businesses, consulting firms, holding companies, or real estate investments.

Despite its flexibility, the LLC structure may present tax complexities for foreign owners, including additional reporting obligations to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In addition, LLCs are typically less appealing to venture capital firms and institutional investors, who often prefer more standardized corporate frameworks. As a result, businesses with plans to raise external capital or issue equity often look beyond the LLC model.

And the C-Corporations?

The C-Corporation is the preferred structure for companies focused on growth, scalability, and investment. As a separate legal entity, a C-Corp offers strong liability protection and a well-defined governance structure that includes shareholders, directors, and officers. One of its key advantages is the ability to issue multiple classes of stock and implement equity-based compensation plans, which are essential tools for attracting investors, executives, and key talent.

C-Corporations are subject to corporate income tax, and any dividends distributed to shareholders are taxed again at the individual level. While this double taxation is often cited as a disadvantage, the C-Corp structure provides greater predictability and credibility, particularly for foreign founders and international operations. For this reason, many companies choose to incorporate as a Delaware C-Corporation, leveraging the state’s business-friendly legal environment and well-established corporate laws.

Finally, the S-Corporations

The S-Corporation is a tax election that allows qualifying companies to benefit from pass-through taxation while maintaining corporate liability protection. However, strict eligibility requirements apply, including limitations on the number of shareholders and restrictions that require all shareholders to be U.S. citizens or residents. 

Due to these constraints, the S-Corp structure is generally not available to foreign entrepreneurs and is rarely used in cross-border business structures.

For foreign companies expanding into the U.S. market, establishing a U.S. subsidiary is typically the most effective approach. Whether structured as an LLC or a C-Corporation, a subsidiary provides a clear separation between U.S. operations and the parent company, reducing legal and tax exposure while enhancing credibility with clients, partners, and investors.

Ultimately, the choice of corporate structure should align with the company’s operational needs, investment plans, and long-term strategy. Businesses seeking flexibility and operational simplicity may find the LLC to be the right fit, while companies aiming for rapid growth, capital raising, and long-term scalability often benefit from the C-Corporation model.

A well-planned decision, supported by legal and tax advisors with cross-border expertise, is essential to building a strong and sustainable presence in the U.S. market. Count on our specialists at Drummond Advisors through the process. Let’s do it together!

Written by Paola Von Atzingen, from the Drummond Advisors team

The immigration process has traditionally been known for its complexity, extensive paperwork, and long processing times. In recent years, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have been playing a decisive role in transforming how immigration services are delivered, managed, and experienced. This digital transformation in the immigration sector is reshaping the industry, bringing greater efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for individuals and businesses navigating global mobility.

One of the most significant impacts of technology in immigration is the automation of administrative processes. Digital immigration platforms now allow for the collection, organization, and submission of large volumes of documentation in a structured and secure manner. Tasks that once required manual review and repetitive data entry are increasingly handled by automated immigration systems, reducing errors and speeding up application timelines.

For companies expanding to the United States, this means faster onboarding of foreign talent, clearer immigration compliance workflows, and better coordination between legal, HR, and operational teams.

An article from EDUCBA titled “5 Ways Technology in Immigration Services Enhances Efficiency” highlights how technology is modernizing immigration processes by increasing efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. It explains that tools such as predictive analytics, digital case management systems, AI-powered chatbots, intelligent document verification, and biometric identification help reduce processing times, minimize errors, and improve communication between agencies and applicants.

Immigration processes are highly data-driven and subject to strict regulatory requirements, which is why modern immigration technology solutions centralize data, making it easier to track deadlines, visa statuses, and compliance obligations. Real-time dashboards and automated alerts help businesses stay compliant with U.S. immigration rules, minimizing risks related to missed filings or regulatory changes.

Additionally, secure cloud-based immigration systems ensure that sensitive personal and corporate information is protected while remaining accessible to authorized stakeholders across different jurisdictions.

Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) in immigration is increasingly being used to support decision-making across the sector. AI-powered immigration tools can analyze historical data, identify patterns, and flag potential issues before they become obstacles. These insights allow immigration professionals to adopt a more proactive and strategic approach, rather than reacting to problems late in the process.

AI also supports document review, eligibility assessments, and case prioritization, helping professionals focus on higher-value advisory work instead of manual tasks.

Digital transformation is not only improving back-office immigration operations but also redefining the client experience. Online portals, automated updates, and digital communication tools provide applicants and companies with greater visibility into their immigration cases and visa processes. Transparency and real-time information reduce uncertainty and build trust, which is especially important in cross-border and high-stakes immigration matters.

For international entrepreneurs and businesses entering the U.S. market, a technology-driven immigration process offers clarity, predictability, and a smoother U.S. expansion journey.

As global mobility continues to evolve, technology will remain a key enabler of innovation in the immigration sector. Digital transformation in immigration services allows providers to scale their operations, adapt quickly to regulatory changes, and deliver more strategic, client-focused solutions.

For companies seeking to establish or expand operations in the United States, partnering with advisors who leverage immigration technology and AI effectively is no longer optional—it is a competitive advantage. In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, technology is not just supporting immigration processes; it is redefining how global expansion becomes possible.

Written by Paola Von Atzingen, from the Drummond Advisors team

In the Brazilian tax system, there are two types of tax obligations: the main one, which corresponds exclusively to the payment of taxes, and the accessory one, which involves a series of additional duties.

Accessory obligations consist of declarations, reports and records required by the tax and regulatory authorities. Their purpose is to ensure transparency and allow for the control of tax collection. For foreign companies with subsidiaries in Brazil, it is essential to be aware of these commitments – which go far beyond paying taxes.

More than bureaucracy, proper compliance with accessory obligations is essential to avoid fines, inspections and even reputational risks. Below, we’ve put together the main points that international companies must observe:

1. SPED (Public Digital Bookkeeping System)

It comprises different modules, such as Digital Bookkeeping (ECD) and Tax Bookkeeping (ECF). These electronic files consolidate accounting and tax data and must be transmitted annually.

2. DCTF Web (Statement of Federal Tax Debts and Credits)

A monthly submission that informs the Federal Revenue Service of federal taxes assessed, paid or paid in installments, such as social security taxes (payroll INSS, CPRB, domestic employees) and, since 2024/2025, non-social security taxes such as IRPJ, CSLL, PIS/COFINS and IRRF, which come from eSocial and EFD-Reinf, as well as others via the Tax Inclusion Module (MIT). Basically, it centralizes social security contributions and withheld/accrued taxes, replacing the old DCTF PGD for many of these taxes.

3. EFD-Contributions

Monthly document detailing the calculation of PIS and COFINS, especially relevant for companies with a large volume of operations.

4. DIRF (Withholding Income Tax Return)

It was an annual obligation, which was recently abolished, in which the company informed the amounts of IRRF and contributions withheld at source throughout the calendar year and was replaced by EFD-REINF.

5. Labor and social security obligations

They include eSocial, which centralizes the sending of information on employees, payroll, social charges and labor obligations.

6. State and municipal obligations

Depending on the subsidiary’s activity, additional declarations may be required, such as GIA, SPED Fiscal (ICMS/IPI) or ISS declarations in the case of services provided in certain municipalities.

Brazilian subsidiaries of international groups face the challenge of reconciling local requirements with global compliance and auditing standards. A lack of integration between the accounting, tax and legal areas can result in significant fines and financial impacts. Get ready:

• Establish clear internal processes for collecting and validating information;
• Retain a specialized team or rely on experienced local advice;
• Periodically review the delivery schedule to avoid delays;
• Invest in technology and integrated systems to ensure consistency between declarations.

Correctly complying with accessory obligations in Brazil is not just a matter of compliance: it is a strategic differentiator for tax security and for the company’s reputation in the market.

👉 Count on our experts at Drummond Advisors to support your company in this process

Written by Paola Von Atzingen e Allan Bachtold