By Jorge Sukarie, President of ABES
Despite being one of the sectors recognized for its ability to boost the economy, mainly in emerging countries, the Information Technology Sector should suffer another blow. No sooner did the payroll tax come into force than the government has already issued a provisional measure to revoke the Lei do Bem, which should bring back informality to the segment, with a decrease in regular jobs and the collection of other taxes, mainly, II, ICMS, IPI, IR and CSLL.
Created in 2005, this standard exempts computer manufacturers from paying PIS and COFINS in retail sales to the final consumer of desktops, smartphones, cell phones, tablets, etc., and directly reflects on the performance of the software sector, technology included in these equipments. Before the Lei do Bem, the gray market (illegal computer assemblers) was responsible for more than 70% of PC sales in the country, and, currently, from the little that is known about this market, it is estimated that it represents less than 15% .
If the decision is concluded, this increase will be passed on to the Brazilian consumer, who is already feeling their purchasing power harmed, according to the study. Portraits of the Brazilian Society published by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI). This change comes at a time when the dollar is rising, which makes the prices of many products that bring imported components, other tax increases and high inflation more expensive.
This decision goes against the Federal Government's own Digital Inclusion Project, which still has enormous challenges ahead. In the digital world scenario we live in today, with the emergence of disruptive businesses that demand Internet for everyone, it is inconceivable to deprive citizens of access to devices at competitive prices.
Created in 2005, this standard exempts computer manufacturers from paying PIS and COFINS in retail sales to the final consumer of desktops, smartphones, cell phones, tablets, etc., and directly reflects on the performance of the software sector, technology included in these equipments. Before the Lei do Bem, the gray market (illegal computer assemblers) was responsible for more than 70% of PC sales in the country, and, currently, from the little that is known about this market, it is estimated that it represents less than 15% .
If the decision is concluded, this increase will be passed on to the Brazilian consumer, who is already feeling their purchasing power harmed, according to the study. Portraits of the Brazilian Society published by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI). This change comes at a time when the dollar is rising, which makes the prices of many products that bring imported components, other tax increases and high inflation more expensive.
This decision goes against the Federal Government's own Digital Inclusion Project, which still has enormous challenges ahead. In the digital world scenario we live in today, with the emergence of disruptive businesses that demand Internet for everyone, it is inconceivable to deprive citizens of access to devices at competitive prices.
The negative impacts that this measure will bring, not only to the IT segment, but to society as a whole, must be evaluated very carefully by the National Congress when considering this issue. Due to its characteristic as a transforming agent and its horizontal penetration in all other sectors of the economy, the IT sector deserves to be encouraged as an instrument to leverage business in the country and not be punished with the end of the incentives obtained and increased taxation.
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