How much IOF do I pay?

Many people focus only on the exchange rate when moving money internationally. But the total cost is usually:
Exchange rate + FX spread + fees + IOF
Because IOF is often embedded in the final quote, many people underestimate its impact. For larger transfers, the difference can be substantial.

The rates below are the most relevant for individuals and businesses dealing with dollars. Always confirm the current rate before a transaction, since the rules can change.

IOF is only part of the cost. Here are two examples at the 3.5% rate. Your effective cost can be much higher than the headline exchange rate.

These are not the same thing. IOF is a government tax and every provider follows the same rules. FX spread is a private fee charged by the provider (see FX spread explained and how exchange rates work). In many transactions, the spread can be just as expensive as the IOF itself.

For many Brazilians earning, holding or spending dollars, the stack of IOF, FX spreads, Wire fees and correspondent-bank fees creates real friction. That has driven interest in payment and settlement methods that cut intermediary costs and simplify moving money across borders.

Ruvo combines several payment rails, including ACH, RTP, domestic US Wires, Pix and stablecoin settlement networks. Instead of relying entirely on traditional correspondent-bank transfers, it routes funds through the most efficient infrastructure available. Receiving dollars is free. Converting reais into digital dollars costs 0.5%. Converting digital dollars into reais costs 0.3% for businesses and 0.9% for individuals.

Under current Brazilian regulations, transactions involving stablecoins are not treated the same way as many traditional foreign-exchange (câmbio) operations. As a result, the IOF rates commonly applied to international remittances and câmbio generally do not apply to the stablecoin transfer itself. Tax and regulatory treatment can evolve over time, though, so you should always confirm the current rules for your specific transaction.

IOF is one of the most important costs to understand when dealing with dollars from Brazil. The tax itself is set by regulation, but the total cost of an international transaction also depends on spreads, fees and the payment rails involved. Understanding those costs, and choosing the right infrastructure, can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. This is general information, not tax advice, so confirm your specific situation with an accountant.