Your Tax Experts: Navigate the Complexities with Confidence
Find your tax consultant who speaks English.
Gonçalo
Mark
Maria
OTS
Leonel
I initially had a 20-30 minute call with Gonçalo to understand my needs, and he was very professional. I thought I wouldn’t need to proceed, told him, and he was...
Navigating the complexities of setting up a business in Portugal was seamless with Mark and his team. They provided clear guidance on the necessary documentation and tax implications, even offering...
I can tell you that she has been incredible. She set up a meeting right away and we’ve already met twice for Portuguese personal taxes - she gave us a...
Navigating complex immigration and tax issues was daunting, but the exceptional guidance I received made all the difference. Marta's expertise in legislation and her proactive updates on new laws have...
I used Lionel in October to file my IRS after I’d had difficulty and missed the deadline. He was super helpful, replied to emails really really quickly, and we did...
Frequently Asked Questions
Prioritise advisers with proven experience handling expat cases, NHR and cross-border issues. Check independent reviews, ask for references, and request a clear written scope, timeline and fee basis before you start. Verify their professional standing and ensure they will communicate in English, proactively updating you on deadlines and required documents.
Yes, many Lisbon tax consultants routinely serve international clients and provide services in English. Always confirm language support for meetings, written advice and tax filings, and ask if they can explain Portuguese terms plainly. Choose someone experienced with arrivals, relocations and foreign income to avoid misunderstandings.
Fees vary by complexity and provider. As a guide, a simple IRS return may run €100–€250, complex expat filings €250–€600+, hourly advice €60–€150+, and ongoing freelancer accounting €70–€200 per month. Prices are set by each provider, paid directly to them, and are not listed on Locallista.
You'll typically need your NIF, Portuguese residency details, Portal das Finanças access, and evidence of worldwide income (salary, pensions, dividends, interest, rental statements). Keep invoices for deductible expenses like health, education and rent, plus marital status and dependants' data. Bring prior returns and proof of foreign tax paid.
Personal income tax (IRS) is usually filed between 1 April and 30 June for the previous tax year, for both residents and non-residents with Portuguese-source income. Deadlines can change, so confirm each year on the Tax Authority website. Late filing or payment may attract penalties and interest.
EU/EEA residents with a Portuguese NIF generally do not need a fiscal representative, while many non-EU residents do, particularly before securing residency or e-notifications. A Lisbon tax adviser can assess your status, appoint or remove representation, and ensure you receive official notices and meet filing obligations on time.
Portugal has treaties with numerous countries to prevent income being taxed twice. You'll usually claim foreign tax credits or exemptions and may need a Portuguese tax residency certificate plus evidence of tax paid abroad. A consultant applies the relevant treaty articles and completes any withholding-relief forms you require.
Portugal's NHR regime has changed, with transitional rules and newer incentives for certain qualified activities. A local adviser can assess eligibility based on your arrival date and profile, model potential tax outcomes, and guide you on registration steps or alternative regimes that may better suit your circumstances.
Yes. They can open your activity (iniciar atividade), choose the right codes, assess VAT (IVA) obligations including Article 53 small-turnover exemption, and configure e-Fatura. They'll set up compliant invoice templates, retention-at-source where needed, and manage quarterly VAT and annual IRS submissions to keep you penalty-free.
Long-term rental income is generally taxed under Category F with allowable expenses reducing the taxable amount. Short-term stays/local accommodation are treated as business income with specific municipal rules and registrations. A consultant calculates your taxable base, handles IMI/Additional IMI considerations, and aligns declarations with any double-taxation relief.
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Dos and Don’ts to choose the right Tax consultants as an Expat
Key dos and don’ts for selecting the right tax consultant for your needs
Find tax consultants who are known for their proactive communication. Regular updates and timely responses are key to navigating tax issues effectively. Look for providers who prioritize keeping clients informed and address concerns swiftly, ensuring a seamless experience.
Select consultants who offer personalized service tailored to your specific needs. A tax consultant who takes the time to understand your situation can provide valuable, customized advice, making the complex tax landscape easier to navigate and ensuring you feel supported.
Choose tax consultants who demonstrate a strong understanding of tax-saving strategies. Professionals who proactively suggest ways to optimize your tax situation can provide immense value and assurance that your financial matters are being handled with expertise.
Look for consultants with consistently positive reviews from past clients. Feedback highlighting their knowledge, professionalism, and attentiveness can indicate a reliable provider who can handle your tax needs effectively and offer peace of mind during the process.
Avoid service providers known for delayed responses. Timely communication is essential for effective tax consulting, as delays can lead to misunderstandings or missed deadlines, ultimately affecting your financial situation.
Selecting a consultant without a proven understanding of tax laws and regulations can result in poor advice or costly mistakes. Ensure your chosen professional is well-versed in the latest tax legislation and practices.
Initial enthusiasm can be misleading. Investigate client feedback regarding long-term service quality and consistency, as first interactions may not reflect the ongoing level of support you will receive.
Be cautious of consultants who do not offer comprehensive services such as ongoing advice and support for future tax planning. Roles that extend beyond tax preparation can be crucial for effective financial management.
Selecting a tax consultant is a crucial step toward achieving your financial goals while navigating the complexities of tax regulations. The right consultant can provide invaluable support and strategic guidance. By adhering to the dos and don’ts outlined here, you’ll be empowered to choose a professional who not only meets your needs but fosters a trustworthy partnership. Remember, investing the time to make an informed decision can lead to better financial outcomes and a more confident approach to managing your taxes.


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