What is the IMT Property Transfer Tax in Portugal?

IMT – A Municipal Tax on Real Estate Transfers

IMT (Imposto Municipal sobre as Transmissões Onerosas de Imóveis) is a property transfer tax in Portugal. It is a tax paid by a property buyer when it is transferred from one owner to another.

It is a municipal tax on real estate transfer and is calculated on the property’s value. The rate varies depending on the property type and location, including houses, apartments, land, and commercial properties.

What Services Does the Tax Cover?

The IMT tax in the Algarve covers a range of services related to property transfers. These services include the transfer of ownership of a property and the transfer of shares in companies that own property. The tax is calculated based on the property’s purchase price or the value of the transferred shares, whichever is higher.

The IMT tax also covers various properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. It’s important to note that the tax rate varies depending on the property value and the transferred property type. 

What Other Taxes Are Payable on Transfer?

The tax rates can range from 1% to 8%, with higher rates applied to higher-value properties.

In addition to the IMT tax, property buyers in Portugal are also subject to other taxes and fees, such as stamp duty (Imposto do Selo) and notary fees (See Jargon Buster article for further information). These fees can vary depending on the location and value of the property.

The IMT tax in Portugal is an integral part of the property transfer process, and it’s essential to factor in the associated costs when buying or selling a property. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or a lawyer who can guide the specific tax requirements and regulations in Portugal.

The rates of IMT are as follows:

• For residential property:
  • Up to €92,407: 0%
  • €92,407 to €126,403: 2%
  • €126,403 to €172,348: 5%
  • €172,348 to €287,213: 7%
  • Over €287,213: 7.5%
• For non-residential property:
  • Up to €126,403: 6.5%
  • Over €126,403: 7.5%

There are several exemptions from IMT, including:

• The transfer of property to a spouse or descendant
• The transfer of property to a charity
• The transfer of property that is being used for social housing
• The transfer of property that is being used for agricultural purposes

The IMT is a high cost for anyone buying real estate in Portugal, and knowing the rates and exemptions is essential before purchasing.