Changes in tax rules put technology at the center of the sector's strategy. and are already impacting systems, invoices, and operations.
AUTOCOM Summit 2025 – credit: AFRAC archive
The impact of the Tax Reform will be one of the main highlights of the program. March 31st at the AUTOCOM Summit 2026, a congress held in parallel with 26th edition of AUTOCOM. The event will be held. From March 31st to April 2nd, at Expo Center Norte, in São Paulo., It will bring together business leaders, technology experts, and representatives from trade associations to discuss the future of digital retail in light of the new regulatory landscape.
Throughout the morning, panels and debates will detail how tax changes are reshaping processes, requiring system updates, revisions to operational models, and greater integration between software, automation, and tax management. More than just complying with new rules, the sector is discussing how to transform this transition into modernization and increased competitiveness.
“In practice, the new model based on the Dual Value Added Tax (Dual VAT) with the Contribution on Goods and Services (CBS), under federal jurisdiction, and the Tax on Goods and Services (IBS), under state and municipal jurisdiction, replaces taxes such as PIS, Cofins, ICMS, and ISS,” says Paulo Eduardo Guimarães (Peguim), vice-president of Institutional Relations at the Brazilian Association of Technology for Commerce and Services (AFRAC), organizer of the event. “The proposal aims to simplify and provide greater transparency to consumption taxation. However, until 2033, the current and new systems will coexist, creating an adaptation period that impacts the entire supply chain.”.
The effects are already being felt in companies' daily operations. Business automation developers and entrepreneurs are working on adapting their invoicing systems to the new requirements. The change affects both the checkout process in sales to end consumers and B2B transactions, SPED (Brazilian Public Digital Bookkeeping System), NF-e (Electronic Invoice), and the future national NFS-e (Electronic Service Invoice). It's a transformation that begins with tax documentation and reaches the core of the business. backoffice.
According to the executive, digital tax obligations are driving a technological restructuring. Processes that were previously manual are becoming automated, integrated, and monitored in real time. backoffice, "Traditionally seen as an operational area, it is now taking on a strategic role by ensuring compliance, agility, and financial results," he emphasizes.
Technological upgrades are also becoming a key factor in competitiveness. In addition to meeting the requirements of the tax authorities, companies are able to operate with more qualified and integrated tax data, strengthening business relationships and reducing risks.
More than just a tax change, this moment represents a structural shift. Investing in technology, planning, and fiscal governance will be crucial to transforming obligation into a strategic advantage.
SCHEDULE
9am – Official opening of the AUTOCOM Summit with the panel “"What can be expected in 2026 with the Tax Reform?"”, which brings together Edgard de Castro, President of the Brazilian Association of Technology for Commerce and Services (AFRAC); Paulo Solmucci, President of the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (ABRASEL); Leonardo Severini, President of the National Union of Commerce and Services Entities (UNECS); and João Galassi, President of the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (ABRAS).
9:35 AM – Panel “"Tax Reform and the Future of Fiscal Digitization in Brazil"”, The event will feature Luiz Dias, general coordinator of the National Meeting of State Tax Coordinators and Administrators (ENCAT), and Miguel Abuhab, founder of Neogrid. The discussion will be moderated by Paulo E. Guimarães, vice-president of Institutional Relations at AFRAC. The debate will address digital integration, electronic tax obligations, and impacts on software and automation.
11:05 AM – Thiago Figo, Head of Tax and Legal at C&A Brazil, presents the lecture. “"Simplifying tax compliance via cloud and public APIs"”, focusing on automation and reducing operational costs.
12:10 PM – Júlio Cesar Aparecido, National Sales Manager of ISD Tech – RHB Solutions, will give the presentation. “"How can technology bring innovation and adherence to tax reform at the same time?"”.
SERVICE
AUTOCOM Summit 2026
Dates: March 31st to April 2nd
Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Expo Center Norte – Red Pavilion – Cantareira Auditorium
José Bernardo Pinto Street, 333 – Vila Guilherme – São Paulo (SP)
Information: Official Website
About AFRAC
Founded in 1987, AFRAC – the Brazilian Association of Technology for Commerce and Services – represents 90% (Total Productive Transactions) across the entire production chain of the sector, including among its members manufacturers of commercial automation equipment, software companies, peripheral manufacturers, distributors and resellers, payment methods, companies supplying paper and automatic data collection and radio frequency (AIDC/RFID) segments, as well as retailers and other distribution channels. More than 84% of B2C transactions and 92% of payment transactions somehow pass through AFRAC's solutions.
About Francal Trade Fairs
Francal Feiras, the largest Brazilian-owned event organizer, operates in 15 different sectors, connecting Brazilian industry to retailers and importers from five continents. It focuses on business, fashion, knowledge, solutions, and services for the retail sector, perfectly aligned with the demands of a constantly evolving industry.
