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Portuguese Phrase

Quanto custa o imposto?

/ˈkwɐ̃.tu ˈkus.tɐ u ĩˈpɔs.tu/
Meaning"How much does the tax cost?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks for the monetary value of a tax. It can refer to any tax—sales tax, property tax, or a specific levy—depending on the context. The question is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need to know the amount you’ll have to pay in taxes, such as when buying a car, signing a lease, or discussing a government fee. It works equally well in a shop, at a bank, or in a conversation with a tax consultant.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Quantocustaoimposto?

1

Quanto

Interrogative adverb meaning ‘how much’; used before verbs to ask about price or quantity.

2

custa

Third‑person singular present of the verb *costar* ‘to cost’. It agrees with the singular noun *imposto*.

3

o imposto

Definite article *o* + noun *imposto* (tax). In Portuguese the article is required before most singular nouns.

4

Question mark

In written Portuguese the question mark is placed only at the end of the sentence (no opening ‘¿’).

🗨In Conversation

A

Quanto custa o imposto sobre esse carro?

How much is the tax on this car?

O imposto é 12% do valor, então fica R$ 6.000.

The tax is 12% of the price, so it comes to R$ 6,000.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Quanto custo o imposto?

    ‘Custo’ is a noun meaning ‘cost’; the verb form needed here is ‘custa’.

  • Quanto é o imposto?

    While not wrong, ‘quanto é o imposto?’ sounds more informal; for a neutral question use ‘Quanto custa o imposto?’.

  • Quanto custa imposto?

    Do not omit the article; *o imposto* is required in standard Portuguese.

↔Alternatives

  • Qual é o valor do imposto?

    What is the amount of the tax?

  • Quanto é o imposto?

    How much is the tax?

  • Quanto devo pagar de imposto?

    How much do I have to pay in tax?

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, taxes are often discussed in terms of percentages (e.g., ICMS, IPI, ISS). When you ask about a tax, be ready to hear the rate first, then the calculated amount. In formal contexts you might hear the full tax name (Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias – ICMS) rather than just ‘imposto’. Also, remember that tax discussions can be sensitive; using a polite tone (e.g., ‘por favor’) is appreciated.