set up in the mid-twentieth century as a branch of the ministry of finance, the receita federal do brasil was an original venture, created to assume responsibility of all things related to federal taxes and custom controls.

the main function is tax and custom administration and income-tax collection, with the agency's purview stretching to regulation and investigation of illegal activities such as tax evasion, smuggling, and trafficking, amongst others. 

the organization has undergone many changes over the years, growing in importance along the way, with its essential aim to disseminate tax justice, while maintaining respect for brazilian citizens, and society.