LCI and LCA: Understand How to Invest Without Paying Income Tax
Learn all about LCI and LCA, tax-exempt investments that can be a great option to diversify your portfolio.

What are LCI and LCA?
The Real Estate Credit Letters (LCI) and the Agribusiness Credit Letters (LCA) are fixed-income investments that have been gaining more and more space in the Brazilian financial market. Both are exempt from Income Tax for individuals, making them quite attractive for those seeking returns without the incidence of this tax.
In summary, LCI is directed towards the real estate sector, while LCA focuses on agribusiness. By investing in these securities, you are helping to finance these sectors while ensuring a return for yourself.
Why are LCI and LCA exempt from Income Tax?
The exemption from Income Tax for LCI and LCA is a government strategy to encourage investment in strategic areas of the economy, such as agribusiness and the real estate sector. This means that by choosing these investments, you not only improve your financial situation but also contribute to the economic growth of the country.
Liquidity of LCI and LCA
An important point to consider is the liquidity of these investments. Liquidity refers to how easily you can redeem the invested money. Generally, LCI and LCA have lock-up periods, which can vary between 90 days to 3 years, or even longer. Therefore, it is essential to check these periods before investing.
Typical Returns
The returns on LCI and LCA are usually tied to the CDI (Interbank Deposit Certificate), which is a benchmark for fixed-income investments. On average, you can expect a return that ranges from 90% to 110% of the CDI. For example, if we consider a CDI at 13% per year, an LCI or LCA that pays 100% of the CDI would yield approximately R$ 1,300.00 for every R$ 10,000.00 invested (~$260 for every ~$2,000).
Who Should Consider LCI and LCA?
These investments are ideal for those who:
- Seek diversification in their investment portfolio;
- Prefer low volatility investments;
- Desire a return without Income Tax;
- Have a conservative profile and do not need immediate liquidity.
If you have R$ 10,000.00 to invest and are willing to keep your money invested for at least 1 year, an LCI or LCA can be a great choice to secure returns without worrying about Income Tax.
Practical Tips for Investing in LCI and LCA
Before investing, consider the following tips:
- Research financial institutions: Compare the rates of return offered by different banks and brokers.
- Read the prospectus: Understand all the details about the security, including lock-up periods and liquidity.
- Analyze your investor profile: Check if the LCI or LCA fits into your investment strategy, considering the 50/30/20 rule.
Conclusion
LCI and LCA are investment options that can bring not only returns but also security and exemption from Income Tax. If you are looking to diversify your portfolio and make your money work for you, consider these alternatives. Do your research, compare options, and start investing today!
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A equipe de conteúdo do ADXIS escreve sobre organização financeira, investimentos e comportamento com dinheiro.