Non Residents Tax

Hello All, Jeffin here (fairly new to the forums)

Can anyone give me any information regarding this 'Non Residents Tax' - I have been advised by my solicitor that I have to pay this tax (E70.39 for the 2008 tax year) whether or not I am resident in Spain, also, apparently it is Spanish law that  I have to have legal representation regarding tax matters which costs me E120.00 per annum.

This seems a bit harsh as I only the use the home I have in Spain only two or three times per annum at the moment (until I retire,   when I shall probably make more use of it)

Does every non-resident pay this tax? - I have no wish to break Spanish law by tax avoidance but it's just got me curious.

Many thanks.....

If you only own one property in Spain you do not have to employ a solicitor to deal with your tax affairs.

I'm a non resident home owner and my solicitor has always dealt with my financial affairs but from next year I will be doing them myself.

Each year I pay wealth tax (patrimonia) and income tax (la renta).  This is always paid in arrears, this year I paid what was owing for the year 2008.  In January 2008 wealth tax was set at 0% so in reality you now only pay (la renta) which is about a 1/3 of what I was paying in previous years.

Every two years I have to fill in a declaration at my bank to prove that I'm non resident in Spain.  Some banks charge for this service but I bank with Banco Halifax and it's free.

All my other bills IBI, Electric, Water and Telephone are being paid by direct debit so I don't feel that I should be paying for this one form to be filled in each year.  I pay 85e a year for this to be done, 2/3 of what I paid in tax.

I personally think your solicitor is using scare tactics to make you stay with them.  You don't say where your property is, there is someone on this forum who will prepare the tax forms for you for 35e.  The name of the form escapes at the moment but if you do a search (see prompt at top of page) for wealth tax or la renta all the relevant threads should appear.  It's something that has been discussed a lot on here lately....LOL

If you also google la renta that should explain why every non-resident has to pay this tax.  Also "You and the Law in Spain" is a worthwhile purchase, most large bookstores have it or you can order it online from Amazon.  I think it's by David Seale?

I use my place about 20 weeks a year and I have done my own income and wealth tax for the last 5 years myself, you do not need a fiscal rep. Once you have done it once it takes about half an hour to fill in 2 forms ie me and my wifes.

Hello Jeffin,

I agree with Semijubilada's posting and it may be my business he is referring to with regard to your non resident tax form being completed for £35.  Have a look at the website for more info www.spain214.com.  You do not need a fiscal rep and all the other bills including your IBI bill can be paid by direct debit from your bank.  The renta tax form is the only paperwork you need to submit on a yearly basis, and this can be paid in your own bank once you have the completed form.