What you need to know about filing your tax return in Spain

Spanish nationals and foreign residents, whether self-employed or whose employer deducts their tax at source, have until June 30 to file their tax return in Spain. This year, the Agencia Tributaria, Spain’s internal revenue service, has rolled out a new online system called RENTA WEB, which allows taxpayers to access a draft of their return, and in some cases to directly file it with the Tax Agency. 

Those who want to sit down with a tax official, however, to receive assistance with their return, will be able to make appointments from May 4 onward.

People on low incomes wishing to benefit from tax breaks related to maternity, mortgages, or dependents, will need to file a return

Anybody earning less than €22,000 a year, provided their income is from one source, is not required to present a tax return in Spain. The same applies if income from secondary or third sources amounts to less than €1,500 per year. Those earning less than €12,000 a year, even if from multiple sources, are also not required to file a return. However, people on low incomes wishing to benefit from tax breaks related to maternity, mortgages, or dependents, will need to do so.

If you are due a rebate, the Tax Agency typically pays out within a month. If you are eligible for a refund, it is advisable to file your return as quickly as possible, and on the internet, which will speed up the process.

The Tax Agency recommends checking and double-checking all information in your tax return before handing it in. Pay particular attention to personal details relating to marital status and number and ages of children, if applicable, and also that your address is up to date.

If you are eligible for a refund, it is advisable to file your return as quickly as possible, and on the internet, which will speed up the process

If you took out a mortgage prior to December 31, 2012, you may be eligible for a deduction of up to 15% of the interest you have paid, up to a limit of €9,040, so it is important to provide full details of the property, which must also be your main residence. A home-owning couple could be eligible for a joint deduction of more than €2,700. Money spent on renovating a first home can also be deducted.

Recent reforms to tax law also mean that working mothers, people with large families or dependents, as well as single parents, are also eligible for a rebate of €1,200 per year.

People who have contributed to a private pension plan can also apply for a reduction of their taxable income, by as much as €8,000.

English version by Nick Lyne.