MEI 2024: there was no exclusion of activities, explains Sebrae
In an exclusive interview with Brasil 61, Sebrae territorial development analyst Helena Rêgo explained that people may confuse MEI occupation with the National Classification of Economic Activities (CNAE).
“It is important to inform that there was no exclusion of MEI activities in 2024. It is worth clarifying regarding MEI occupations. The CNAE, which is the National Classification of Economic Activities, can cause some confusion, but what counts for the formalization of the MEI is the occupation, which was based on the Brazilian Classification of Occupations, the CBO. What prevails and what people effectively formalize themselves in is occupation, which is what the person actually does.”
When formalizing, the MEI must choose a main occupation, in addition to 15 secondary occupations, which allows it to diversify services and adapt to market changes. The main occupation determines the microentrepreneur’s tax and legal obligations, while secondary occupations must be aligned with the company’s main focus. These 16 occupations must be part of the umbrella of economic activities of the MY CNAE.
My occupation cannot be MEI. And now?
If the activity that the microentrepreneur carries out is not covered by the CNAE MEI, it is necessary to open another type of company. A microenterprise (ME), for example, allows annual revenue of up to R$360,000 and the hiring of up to nine employees.
It is also possible to change the MEI activity. The process is carried out through the Entrepreneur Portal, with the following steps:
- Click on “Change Data”;
- Enter with the gov.br password;
- Update the necessary information;
- Confirm the changes;
- Print or save the updated Individual Microentrepreneur Status Certificate (CCMEI).
Sebrae solutions manager Eduardo Curado highlights the benefits of MEI being regularized.
“Formalization allows workers or entrepreneurs to have access to social benefits, such as retirement, unemployment insurance, maternity leave, sickness benefit. Another issue is also credibility and access to credit. Regularized or formalized companies find it easier to access credit and financing from financial institutions, whether public or private. Furthermore, it increases your credibility with customers and suppliers.”
Other benefits, according to Sebrae’s solutions manager, include being able to issue invoices and, consequently, being able to sell to other companies, in addition to having legal security, since activities are now regulated by specific contracts and laws.
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