Corporate tax in Spain

If you are thinking about starting a business in Spain, you will need to understand how the local tax system works. This will help you with everything from getting a tax number and filing your tax returns to producing invoices and dealing with social security in Spain.

To help you on your way, explore the details of corporate tax in Spain, including the following information:

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The corporate tax system in Spain

Corporate tax in Spain falls under the purview of the Agencia Tributaria, the national tax agency. As such, all companies have to file tax returns with the Agencia Tributaria every year. And, in Spain, tax rates apply to the global income and profit of a company.

Although the country has federal-level corporate tax, some regions have their own taxes that businesses might be subject to as well. This is important to bear in mind if you are considering setting up a company in the country.

Who pays corporate tax in Spain?

Corporate tax in Spain applies to all companies and businesses that are legal entities in the country. In some cases, non-resident companies may also be required to pay tax if they are doing taxable business in Spain. As such, companies that are established or headquartered in Spain or have registered offices in the country will have to pay corporate tax there, too. That said, the rules are slightly different depending on the type of company you own.

Corporate tax for sole traders and freelancers

In Spain, sole traders and freelancers don’t pay corporate tax in the same way that other types of companies have to. Instead, they pay a progressive tax rate on personal income that varies between 19% and 47%, depending on their profits and region.

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They will also likely need to report and pay VAT. However, there are many tax deductions available for sole traders. For example, they may be able to offset expenses such as social security contributions, rent or utility bills, and internet services.

Corporate tax for partnerships

Although partnership businesses do have to pay corporate tax in Spain, the rates are not the same as those that are generally applied to companies. In some cases, the partners may just need to pay personal income tax. However, if the partnership is a flow-through business entity, they are subject to different rules.

Corporate tax for limited companies

In general, limited companies will need to pay the usual corporate tax rate in Spain. You can read more about this in the next section.

Corporate tax for holding companies 

Spanish holding companies are subject to slightly different corporate tax rates. In fact, these types of companies usually incur one of Spain’s highest tax rates of 35%.

Corporate tax rates in Spain

Generally speaking, most corporate entities in Spain are subject to a 25% corporate tax rate. And, as previously mentioned, resident companies in Spain have to pay tax based on their global income.

Of course, there are several exceptions to these rules. New companies only have to pay a 15% tax rate for the first two tax periods in which they turn a profit. The caveat, however, is that this rate does not apply to companies that are part of a national or international conglomerate.

Spain also levies a business and professional activities tax on any business, professional, or artistic activity. Although the rate for this varies, it shouldn’t be more than 15% of the business’s profits. That said, companies are exempt from paying this tax if their turnover during the tax year was less than €1 million.

Below are a few other types of corporate tax rates in Spain:

• Banks and credit unions: 30%
• Tax-protected cooperatives: 20%
• Entrepreneurs: 15%
• Associations and foundations: 10%
• ZEC entities (Canary Islands): 4%
• Investment companies: 1%

Corporate tax exemptions and credits in Spain

Like most countries, there are certain exemptions and credits under corporate tax law in Spain. However, it can be tricky to navigate these. Below are some of the most useful exemptions, credits, and deductions that are useful to know about as an expat.

Corporate tax exemptions

Sole traders and freelancers (or autónomos in Spanish) are exempt from Spain’s usual corporate taxes. Companies also pay a reduced rate of 15% for their first two tax periods in which they are profitable. Until recently, foreign dividends and capital gains were previously fully exempt from tax. However, recent developments in Spanish tax laws mean that the exemption is now 95%. As such, 5% of a company’s foreign dividends and capital gains will now be subject to the prevailing corporate tax rate.

Corporate tax credits in Spain

Spain offers numerous corporate tax credits, and companies should be aware of this. For example, there is a 99% tax credit on income generated through supplying local services. Corporate income generated in Ceuta and Melilla can also receive a 50% tax credit.

Additionally, companies specializing in research and development can benefit from several tax credits. In fact, any expenses incurred from R&D receive a 25% tax credit. There is also a 17% tax credit available for staff expenses, but only for staff that is exclusively involved in R&D. Finally, if a company has assets exclusively for R&D, a further 8% tax credit applies. Similarly, the Spanish government is encouraging technological innovation with a separate 12% tax credit.

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For film productions and performing arts, Spain’s corporate tax laws also offer some credits. Of course, this is designed to encourage the use of Spain as a filming destination and creative hub. For example, producers and anyone who finances films, serials, documentaries, or the like, can benefit from a 30% tax credit on the first €1 million they contribute, and a 25% credit for further contributions up to €10 million. Additionally, a tax credit of 20% applies to the first €500,000 of expenses incurred while producing live performances and musicals.

To encourage employers to give jobs to disabled persons, there is also a €9,000 tax credit for every disabled worker employed on a full-time permanent basis. This is for workers whose disability is assessed at 33% to 65%. If the level of disability is over 65%, then the tax credit is €12,000.

Corporate tax deductions

Corporate tax law in Spain allows companies to claim a number of deductions. For instance, a business may claim depreciation deductions on certain assets such as warehouses (7%/annum), furniture (10%/annum), and computers (25%/annum). Companies are also able to deduct financial expenses up to 30% of their operating profit. Severance pay is also deductible, as long as it is less than €1,000,000.

VAT in Spain

Spain applies value-added tax (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido or IVA for short) to all goods and services in the country. This specific tax also applies to imports and services within the European Union. However, there are three tiers of IVA, as follows: 

• Ordinary rate for regular goods and services: 21% 
• Reduced rate for basic necessities (including food and agricultural products), live cultural events, and cinema tickets: 10%
• Highly reduced rate for very basic necessaries (including bread and medicine): 4% 

Notably, the Spanish IVA rates do not apply to the Canary Islands or Ceuta and Melilla. Instead, the Canary Islands have the Impuesto General Indirecto Canario (IGIC). As such, companies based there will usually pay a 7% rate, although a 15%, 9.5%, 3%, or 0% rate applies for certain goods and services. Similarly, Ceuta and Melilla apply a sales tax in place of a value-added tax.

All companies that deal in IVA-liable transactions must register for this tax after making their first taxable transaction. For example, if a company specializes in imports into Spain, holds goods in a warehouse for resale, or sells products from Spain to other EU countries, it must register for IVA. This can be done within one or two weeks.

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To get a tax number for Spain, you will have to produce the appropriate documentation. For example, you may need to show a VAT certificate if the company is registered in another EU member state, produce the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, or show the extract from the business’s national trade register.

The corporate tax year in Spain

In Spain, the tax year for companies is the same as the company’s accounting year and should not be more than 12 months. Additionally, companies have to file their tax return within 25 calendar days after the six months following the end of the tax year. For example, if a company’s tax year ends on 31 December, the tax return should be filed between 1 July and 25 July of the following year.

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In addition, companies need to make three advanced payments of their annual tax liabilities. As such, most companies will need to make tax payments in the first 20 days of April, October, and December. There is an exception, however, for investment companies and the like, which are not required to make advance payments or file a corresponding tax return.

How to file your corporate tax return in Spain

Although corporate tax in Spain can be tricky, filing a company’s returns is a bit easier. In fact, there are three forms to fill out, and all can be completed and filed online through the Agencia Tributaria website. Of course, the most important filing is Form 200, the annual corporation tax return, which must be submitted 25 days following the six months of the end of the tax year.

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In addition, companies will need to file Form 202 – pre-payment of the corporation tax – three times a year, in April, October, and December. Finally, groups of companies will also have to file the 220 tax form.

Other types of Spanish business taxes

In addition to the corporate taxes we have previously discussed, different regions of Spain may apply local business taxes. These might include:

• Real estate tax
• Tax on increase in value of urban land
• Vehicle tax
• Construction tax
• Fees for waste collection

Corporate tax fines in Spain

Penalties for late or incorrect corporate tax returns apply in Spain. However, these penalties are graded on a sliding scale. For instance, if the return is filed three months late, the fine is 5% of the tax due. If it is more than a year late, the fine is 20% of the tax due. There is also a 5% interest on payments that are over a year late.

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Spain also imposes penalties for corporate tax evasion. If a company is found guilty of this, it may be fined up to twice the defrauded amount. There may also be a prison sentence for the responsible legal person.

Corporate tax advice

It can be tricky to navigate the corporate tax system in Spain. Because of this, most companies in the country hire accountants. However, if it doesn’t make sense to have a full-time, in-house accountant for your company, you can easily hire an external consulting accountant. In this case, you should look for an accredited accountant or try and get a recommendation from someone you trust.

Useful resources

• Agencia Tributaria – the website of the Spanish Tax Agency
• PwC – read more about corporate tax credits and incentives in Spain
• GLI – information about corporate tax laws and regulations in Spain
• ICLG – read more about corporate tax laws and regulations