Guide

The IRS deadline in Portugal, and IRS Automático

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

In Portugal, the IRS income tax return is filed between 1 April and 30 June each year, online on the Portal das Finanças. Many employees qualify for IRS Automático, a pre-filled return you simply confirm — and if you don't confirm it by 30 June, the tax authority makes it final automatically. If your situation doesn't match the pre-filled data, you file form Modelo 3 instead.

The filing window

According to the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (AT), the deadline for submitting the income tax return runs from 1 April to 30 June. Returns are filed online through the Portal das Finanças.

Source: Portal das Finanças — IRS automático, read 10 October 2026.

IRS Automático

IRS Automático is the AT's automatic income declaration: a provisional, pre-filled return with a preview of the tax calculation, available to taxpayers who meet a set of conditions — starting with receiving employment income (category A).

You check the details, accept the pre-assessment and confirm. On confirmation, the AT treats the return as filed and the provisional assessment becomes final. And if you don't confirm it within the deadline, the AT converts it into a final return automatically at the end of the period.

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When you need Modelo 3

If the pre-filled information doesn't match your real situation — your family circumstances, for example — you need to file the standard return, Modelo 3, instead. If you have income from abroad or a special regime such as IFICI, check carefully whether the automatic return reflects it.

Put the window in your calendar early, and take professional advice if your first year in Portugal is complicated. You'll need your NIF before anything else — our guide explains how to get one.

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Common questions

When is the IRS deadline in Portugal?

The return is filed between 1 April and 30 June, according to the Portuguese Tax Authority.

What is IRS Automático?

A provisional, pre-filled income tax return from the tax authority that eligible taxpayers check and confirm online.

What happens if I don't confirm IRS Automático?

At the end of the filing period, the tax authority automatically converts it into a final return.

When do I need to file Modelo 3?

When your situation doesn't match the pre-filled automatic return, for example your family situation.