Inventory reporting to the TA: Error-Free in 2026

January is a month for accounting: What is the Inventory Communication?

If you have a company in Portugal, you already know: the beginning of the year brings more than just New Year's resolutions; it brings tax obligations. Inventory communication is the process of telling the Portuguese Tax Authority (AT) exactly what you had in stock on the last day of the previous year (December 31st).

It’s not just about "counting boxes." It is a way for the State to ensure transparency and for you, as an entrepreneur, to have rigorous control over what you have available to sell or produce.

Is your company required to report?

Not all entrepreneurs have to go through this process. Let’s see where you stand:

• You are required if: You have organized accounting (contabilidade organizada). If your company is headquartered or has tax residency in Portugal and uses a detailed accounting system, you must report your inventory—even if your stock is zero (in which case, you declare "non-existence of stocks").
• You are exempt if: You are under the simplified regime (regime simplificado for IRS or IRC). If your business is smaller and you don't have organized accounting, you can breathe a sigh of relief: this task is not for you.

Deadlines and Rules for 2026

Mark your calendar: the deadline is January 31st.

In this report (referring to the stock you held on December 31st, 2025), you must include:

• What you have: Raw materials, finished products, or goods for sale.
• Quantities: How many kilos, meters, or units you have for each item.
• Codes: A clear identification for each product.

An important note on values: According to the latest rules, most companies are still exempt from submitting a "valued inventory" (i.e., including prices), unless you are required to have a permanent inventory system. When in doubt, always confirm with your accountant.

Step-by-Step: How to submit on the Finance Portal

Once your list is ready, the process is digital:

1. Access the Finance Portal: Log in with your company credentials (Portal das Finanças).

2. e-Fatura Area: Look for the inventory section.

3. Upload the file: The file must be in a specific format (XML or CSV).

4. No Stock: If you have no products in stock, select the “I have no stock” (Não possuo existências) option and submit.

5. Save the receipt: This is your "insurance policy" in case of a future audit.

Moloni ON does the "heavy lifting" for you

If you use Moloni ON to manage your business, you don't need to walk around with a pen and paper or fill out infinite Excel spreadsheets.

The software allows you to export the inventory file in the exact format required by the State. Then, you just have to upload it to the Finance Portal. What could take days is resolved in just a few minutes.

Follow the rules and focus on growth. Keeping your stocks up to date and meeting the Tax Authority's deadlines avoids unnecessary fines and gives you a much clearer view of your company's financial health.