São Brás de Alportel clarifies the update of the IMI value

Following several questions from some residents, the São Brás de Alportel City Council has clarified the reasons why some residents may have seen an increase in the amount of Municipal Property Tax (IMI) to be paid in 2025.

This situation, "was in no way due to the municipality, but to the updating of the property value of the properties, which is carried out regularly", indicates the municipality.

For the local authority, "it is important to emphasize that São Brás de Alportel did not make any changes to the IMI rate, which it is responsible for setting, within a margin."

Since 2020, the IMI rate for urban properties in the municipality has remained stable at 0.41%, "reflecting the municipality's commitment to ensuring responsible and balanced management of municipal finances. Unfortunately, given the municipality's limited revenue, and in order to cover all the costs of improving the population's quality of life, it is not feasible to reduce this rate as would be desirable," the City Council further states.

It should be noted that the IMI value is the result of a combination of three distinct factors: the Taxable Property Value (VPT) of the property — calculated and updated by the Tax and Customs Authority (AT); the location index (zoning) — which defines the value based on the area where the property is located, which often means that despite a low rate, the final value may be higher, also determined by the Tax Authority; the tax rate to be applied — the only element defined by the local authorities and approved by the Municipal Assembly.

«Therefore, any increases in the amount of IMI paid in 2025 result exclusively from an automatic revaluation of the property value, carried out by the Tax Authority – Finance – at the end of 2024, in accordance with the legally established technical criteria, such as the appreciation of the real estate market, location and characteristics of the properties», clarifies the municipality in a statement.

This update, which occurs with a regularity set by the Finance Department, under the responsibility of the central administration, may have resulted in an increase in the amount on which the IMI rate is levied, thus resulting in a higher tax for some owners, without this being due to any local decision by the municipality.

São Brás de Alportel "reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a balanced rate, essential to guarantee the financial sustainability of the municipality and to continue investing in key areas such as education, social services, urban regeneration and the quality of life of all São Brás residents," the municipality also points out.

For any further clarification, municipal services are available to support and answer all questions.

Regarding the property value of the properties, the Tax Authority should be contacted.