As the crisis struck the Brazilian economy, millions saw themselves unemployed and looking for a way to earn a living. In this scenario, the Individual Micro Entrepreneur system (or MEI) became an appealing alternative to many new business owners or independent professionals. But even a tool to simpler and cheaper tax rates is not immune to its own controversies.
The MEI system was created in July 2008 as an attempt to formalize a larger share of the workforce. It allows entrepreneurs with annual earnings of BRL 81,000 to have a corporate tax ID (CNPJ), entitling them to social...