The following information is provided by Property Tax International and is intended as a guide only.
Under current legislation, non-resident individuals are taxed in Spain on income arising from Spanish sources only and are liable to a number of other property related taxes outlined below. Individuals living more than 183 days in Spain in a given tax year (1 Jan – 31 Dec) are considered as residents for tax purposes, even if they have not obtained a Spanish residence permit. Non-residents may also be liable for tax on the same source of income in their home country of residence, where taxes are levied on worldwide income. Relief for double taxation may apply.
Taxes payable when purchasing a property in Spain:
Spanish Transfer fees are payable on purchases and depend on the region where the property is located but generally range between 6% - 7% of the title deed price.
Stamp Duty tax is payable @ rates ranging from 0.5% - 1.1% of the title deeds price for second-hand properties.
Spanish VAT (IVA) @ 8% (7% before June 2010) is payable on the title deed price of the property if it is been sold for the first time and the seller is a property developer.
For second-hand properties, VAT is not applicable but Transfer Fees will apply.
Ongoing property taxes payable in Spain are as follows:
Spanish Rental Income Tax rules changed with effect on January 1st 2010. Prior to 2010 income tax was payable at 24% of gross income with no deductions permitted for expenses. The 2010 changes make it possible for EU residents to deduct expenses against rental income provided such expenses are directly related to the rental income generated form the Spanish property. Spanish rental income must be declared and paid one month after the rent is received. Quarter returns are also allowed. There is no annual balancing tax return to be filed.
Tax on Deemed Rental Income is payable on urban property that is not let. This is calculated @ 2% of the property’s rateable value that has not been evaluated since January 1994; otherwise rate is calculated at 1.1%. You must pay 24% tax on deemed rents. Deemed rental income returns also have to be filed by 30th December.
Spanish Wealth Tax is a direct tax levied on your net assets located in Spain as at 31st December each year with rates varying between 0.2% - 2.5%. It must be filed between 1st May & 20th June and is dependent on the type of property and is based on the higher of
- The purchase price;
- The assessed value set by the Tax Authorities; or
- The rateable value
NB: Wealth tax was abolished in January 2009 effective for year 2008.
Spanish Local Property Taxes (rates) are based on the rateable value of the property and generally vary between 0.4% - 1.1%. Rates depend on whether the property is urban or rural and varies per region. They are generally due from September to November each year. An annual local tax on mains drainage & refuse collection is also payable.
Other applicable taxes are as follows:
Spanish Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of property is charged @ 19% of the gain effectively since Jan 2010 (18% for period 2007-2009). The purchaser must withhold a Public Treasury tax @ 3% of the purchase price and pay it to the Tax Authorities within a month of transfer. A Spanish CGT tax return should be filed within 3 months of the withholding tax paid.
Spanish Inheritance Tax (IHT) is payable depending on a number of factors: the inherited amount, the relationship between the parties involved and the level of current wealth before receiving the inheritance. Spanish IHT rates vary from 7.65% - 34%.
Worldwide income. Your resident country may require a declaration of all your worldwide income including rental income from foreign owned property. Check if a Double Tax Treaty is in place and what income is covered under the agreement.
The information provided above is intended as a reference guide only. While Property Tax International Limited makes every effort to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate, we take no responsibility or liability for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Tax Planning
Pre-Purchase Tax Reports are available specially tailored to the individual investor’s requirements. Each report is adapted to the personal needs of the investor(s) giving a complete overview of all taxes payable during the initial purchase, all on going taxes during the ownership period and what taxes would apply on the ultimate sale of the property. Also included: sections on Inheritance Tax (IHT), Transfer Tax, Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Income or Corporate Tax, Costs Deductions, Mortgage Relief and much more… would apply between family members.
Tax ID Registration
A national Tax ID number is required by most countries when purchasing property and filing tax returns. PTI offer a registration service for Individuals, Companies and VAT registration.
Pre-Purchase Tax Reports are available specially tailored to the individual investor’s requirements. Each report is adapted to the personal needs of the investor(s) giving a complete overview of all taxes payable during the initial purchase, all on going taxes during the ownership period and what taxes would apply on the ultimate sale of the property. Also included: sections on Inheritance Tax (IHT), Transfer Tax, Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Income or Corporate Tax, Costs Deductions, Mortgage Relief and much more… would apply between family members.
Tax ID Registration
A national Tax ID number is required by most countries when purchasing property and filing tax returns. PTI offer a registration service for Individuals, Companies and VAT registration.
To find out more how the leading Spanish Tax property specialists can help you with your tax enquiries, simply complete the form to the right, or click on the Property Tax International logo.
