Taxes
Deductible expenses for freelancers in Portugal: what counts
How expense deduction really works for freelancers in Portugal — the simplified regime's 15% rule, organized accounting, and which costs qualify.
30 Oct 20264 min read
Specialists for tech freelancers
Accounting for software developers & IT professionals
Invoicing clients in Portugal and abroad, intra-EU VAT, withholdings and Social Security — we handle it all so you can focus on the code.
International clients
100% digital
English-speaking
Working as a developer, software engineer or IT consultant as a freelancer or through a company? Taxation for people invoicing digital services — often to clients outside Portugal — has its own rules. We keep it simple and optimised.
Foreign clients, confusing VAT
Invoicing companies in the EU, US or UK raises VAT questions (reverse charge, VIES, exemptions). We classify every invoice correctly.
Unsure if the simplified regime pays off
Depending on income and expenses, the simplified regime or organised accounting can save (or cost) you thousands a year.
Social Security and prepayments feel scary
First years, brackets, exemptions — we explain what you'll pay and when, with no surprises in the quarterly filing.
No time for the tax portal
Invoice-receipts, periodic returns, income tax — we automate and handle your obligations so you never miss a deadline.
What you should know about your taxes
Activity code & classification
Developers usually fall under computer programming and consultancy activities. The right code and the article 151.º activity list affect your simplified-regime coefficient.
Services to EU clients
Services to a business in another EU country are usually taxed at destination (reverse charge), requiring VIES registration and a recapitulative statement — without charging Portuguese VAT.
Simplified vs. organised accounting
Under the simplified regime only part of your income is taxed (a coefficient); above certain thresholds or with high real expenses, organised accounting may be better.
IRS Jovem & benefits
If you qualify (age, first income years) you may benefit from partial income-tax exemptions. We check your eligibility.
Services and calculators for your activity
See how we work with you, or run the numbers yourself first.
ServiceMonthly accountingYour bookkeeping, tax returns and deadlines handled by us, every month.ServiceOne-to-one consultingA one-to-one session to answer your questions, fix a problem or validate a decision.Free calculatorFreelancer Net Income CalculatorEstimate what's left in your pocket from a freelancer invoice, after IRS withholding and Social Security.Free calculatorFreelancer vs. Opening a CompanyCompare a freelancer's income tax (simplified regime) with a company's corporate tax (organised accounting) and see which tends to pay less.
Useful reading for tech workers
Taxes
The Portuguese tax calendar for freelancers: what's due and when
A month-by-month overview of the tax and social security deadlines every freelancer in Portugal needs to know — VAT, IRS, Segurança Social and more.
23 Oct 20264 min read
Freelancing
Invoicing foreign clients from Portugal: VAT, reverse charge and what to write on invoices
Most expat freelancers in Portugal bill clients abroad. Here is how VAT works for EU and non-EU clients, what the reverse charge means, and the exact mentions your invoices need.
02 Oct 20265 min read
Frequently asked questions
The questions we hear most. Can't find yours? Talk to us.
I invoice a US company. Do I charge VAT?
As a rule, services to businesses outside the EU carry no Portuguese VAT, but there are evidence and classification requirements. We review your case and set up your invoices correctly.
Is it worth opening a company instead of freelancing?
It depends on income, expenses and goals. We run the sole-trader vs. single-shareholder-company comparison and explain the impact on income tax and Social Security.
Can I deduct my laptop, software and coworking?
Many business-related expenses are deductible, with different rules under the simplified and organised regimes. We tell you what to keep and declare.
I work remotely for a foreign company. Where do I pay tax?
If you're a Portuguese tax resident you're generally taxed here on worldwide income. We help you avoid double taxation and stay compliant.
Do you support clients in English?
Yes. We work with many international professionals and handle the whole process in English.
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