WE'VE only just finished our Easter holidays, and already there's another key date waiting for us.
Today - Tuesday, April 11 – is, if you live in Spain, the start of Declaración de la Renta season, which concludes on the last working day in June.
Basically, that's our annual personal income tax declarations, and which can be either a source of dread or excitement, depending upon your situation.
If you've overpaid in the calendar year of 2022, you'll be due something back, but if you've underpaid, you'll need to hand over the difference.
For those fortunate enough to be in the first category, the State tax office, Hacienda, has until December 31 to pay it to you without adding on any interest.
This effectively means that any tax you overpaid in the year 2022 does not legally have to be refunded to you until the day before 2024 starts, and interest-free, which can be frustrating.
But the good news is that Hacienda does not normally stretch it out that long, especially if you get your declaration in early – sometimes, taxpayers get their rebates before May is out.
For those who need to pay to make up a shortfall, you would typically be expected to settle it in a lump sum before the end of June, but as long as you apply to do so before the close of 'declaration window', you can arrange to stagger it in several quotas.
Who is required to make a Declaración de la Renta
Annual tax declarations, in Spain, are not just for the self-employed. Almost everyone has to file one, even if they are retired or their income is from non-work-related activities – but there are some exceptions.
You should always seek professional advice if you suspect you may be exempt, since you could be fined if it turns out you should have made a declaration and failed to do so.
In general, tax residents in Spain who do not have to make an annual declaration are those whose income for the whole of the previous calendar year was from just one source, and was less than €22,000 in total.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com