CPFs

CPFs, or Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas, are Brazil’s individual taxpayer registry numbers used to identify natural persons in the federal tax system and in many financial and administrative transactions. The system is administered by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal do Brasil).

The CPF is an 11-digit number, usually written as XXX.XXX.XXX-XX. The digits include check digits designed to validate the number and help prevent errors or fraud in automated systems. The CPF is not a social security or national identity number; rather, it serves specifically as a tax identification code for individuals.

Who can obtain a CPF and how it is issued: Brazilian citizens, permanent residents, non-residents, and foreign individuals who need to interact with Brazilian institutions can obtain a CPF. It is typically requested through the official Receita Federal processes, and may also be facilitated by Brazilian consulates abroad or through authorized banks or financial institutions. A valid identity document is usually required as part of the application.

Uses and significance: The CPF is widely required for tax filing, opening bank accounts, obtaining credit, signing up for utilities and private services, and enrolling in various government programs. It is commonly used as a general identification reference in both public and private sector procedures, and may be requested even for routine transactions in Brazil.

Privacy and security: The CPF is a sensitive personal identifier and should be kept confidential to guard against identity theft and fraud. If a CPF number is exposed or misused, individuals should follow the relevant authorities’ guidance to mitigate potential harm.