Mileage for MEI: can I deduct?
Discover if MEI can deduct mileage expenses and how to do it correctly to maximize tax benefits.
MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) has simplified tax regime, but this generates doubts about mileage deduction.[^rfb-mei-33]
Short answer: MEI does NOT deduct individual expenses like mileage. MEI regime already has fixed monthly fee (DAS) that is independent of revenue or expenses. There's no expense declaration or annual adjustment.
However, this doesn't mean controlling mileage is useless for MEI. On the contrary, it's essential for:
1. Correct pricing: knowing how much you spend on travel helps define prices that cover all costs.
2. Client reimbursement: if you provide service to company, you can charge mileage reimbursement IN ADDITION to service value. This doesn't affect your DAS, as reimbursement is not revenue.
3. Transition to normal company: if you grow and become ME or Ltda, having expense history facilitates tax planning in new regime.
4. Expense proof: in case of audit or need to prove operational costs (e.g., for bank credit), having professional mileage record is important.
Use Quilometragem even as MEI. When issuing invoice to client, you can add separate line for travel reimbursement. Client deducts as expense, you receive without taxing (as it's reimbursement), and everyone wins.
ATTENTION: Reimbursement doesn't enter the R$ 81,000 annual MEI limit. Document well to not confuse with revenue.