Articles

Investing in gold in Spain: how to prevent your profits from being eaten up by taxes

Gold has always had that aura of being a “safe value” that attracts both small savers and large investors. When markets tremble, gold shines. However, before rushing out to purchase jewelry, coins, or bars, it is important to ask yourself a key question: how is gold taxed in Spain? Because, although gold may shine, its … Read more

Bizum Is No Longer Invisible to Tax Authorities: What 2026 Means for Self-Employed and Businesses in Spain.

What’s Changing? Until recently, banks and payment platforms only reported large electronic payments to the tax authorities — for example, over 3.000€ or 10.000€ in a year. That threshold disappears in 2026. Because of the Royal Decree 253/2025, all Bizum payments received for commercial activity will be compiled and sent to the Tax Office monthly, … Read more

Spanish Residents Alert: Waste Fee Refunds May Be Incoming

The controversial municipal waste‑management tax (tasa de basuras) introduced by many Spanish councils is now facing major legal scrutiny. According to the Asociación Nacional de Inspectores de la Hacienda Pública Local (ANIHPL), the tax could amount to over 3.400 million €, and if deemed invalid by the courts, millions of residents and businesses across Spain could be … Read more

Spanish inheritance: what if the deceased had tax debts?

When a person dies owning Spanish assets, their heirs inherit not only assets and rights but also certain liabilities, including outstanding tax debts. This can become particularly complex when the deceased operated as a sole trader, because tax assessments may arise after death. Understanding how liability is transferred and what can be limited is essential … Read more

Seizure orders by the spanish tax office: all you need to know

Seizure orders (diligencias de embargo) are one of the most powerful tools used by the Spanish Tax Office (Agencia Tributaria / AEAT) to secure the collection of unpaid tax debts. When a taxpayer fails to pay on time, the administration may freeze bank accounts, garnish wages, or even seize real estate. This comprehensive article explains … Read more

Spain’s Pension Changes for 2026: What You Need to Know

Spain’s public pension system is undergoing significant reform in 2026, affecting how pensions are calculated, the age and conditions for retirement, annual pension increases, and contribution structures. These reforms, based on legislation such as Real Decreto-ley 2/2023, aim to ensure the system’s sustainability amid an ageing population and increasing life expectancy. 1. Introduction of a … Read more

The Cost of Living Across Spain: Where it is Highest and Lowest

Spain continues to attract residents and expatriates from across Europe and beyond, drawn by its climate, healthcare system and quality of life. However, recent data show that the cost of everyday living is placing increasing pressure on household finances. According to the latest consumer spending analysis, the average Spanish household now spends approximately 21,938 € … Read more

Reinvestment in a Lifetime Annuity Investment

As you approach the age of 65, you may begin considering ways to supplement your retirement income. One particularly tax-efficient strategy is to sell an asset and reinvest the proceeds into a lifetime annuity investment. This approach can provide a steady stream of income while offering significant tax advantages under Spanish tax law. Exempt Sales … Read more

Does being a director automatically make you liable for tax? The Supreme Court answers (and issues a warning to the Spanish Tax Office)

In recent months, the Supreme Court ruling of May 20, 2025, has generated a lot of interest, and with good reason. The ruling sets clear and necessary limits on an all too common administrative practice: the Spanish Tax Office assigning tax liabilities to directors simply because they are directors and hold that position. This ruling … Read more

Modelo 347 in Spain. A key tax reporting tool for detecting siscrepancies and undeclared activity in 2025

In Spain, businesses and self-employed individuals must comply with a range of tax reporting obligations, among which Form 347 (in Spanish known as Modelo 347) stands out as a key instrument for fiscal control. Far from being a mere administrative formality, this annual informative declaration allows the Spanish Tax Office (Agencia Tributaria) to detect inconsistencies, cross-check transactions between companies, and combat undeclared economic activity. For 2025, the form includes a notable update, making an understanding of its requirements more essential than ever.