If you are living or working in Spain, understanding the Spanish tax system is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Spain has specific tax deadlines depending on whether you are filing personal income taxes, corporate taxes, or VAT returns. This article will guide you through the key Spanish tax deadlines, the filing process, and important considerations for expats, including US citizens living in Spain.
Who Needs to File Taxes in Spain?
You are required to file a Spanish tax return if you meet any of the following conditions:
- You are a tax resident of Spain (i.e., you live in Spain for more than 183 days in a year).
- You earn income in Spain, even if you are a non-resident.
- You have worldwide income exceeding specific thresholds set by Spanish tax authorities.
Spain taxes residents on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxed on income earned within Spain.
Key Spanish Tax Deadlines for 2025
Personal Income Tax (IRPF) – Modelo 100
- Filing Period: April 3, 2025 – June 30, 2025 (for 2024 income)
- Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Applies to: Residents and non-residents earning income in Spain
Personal income tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas, or IRPF) applies to all tax residents in Spain. If you earned income in Spain during the 2024 tax year, you must file your tax return between April 3 and June 30, 2025.
For those with simple tax situations, the Spanish tax agency (Agencia Tributaria) offers a draft return (borrador) that can be reviewed and submitted online.
Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR) – Modelo 210
- Quarterly Payments: April 20, July 20, October 20, January 20
- Annual Filing: December 31 (for non-residents with rental income)
- Applies to: Non-residents earning income in Spain
If you are a non-resident with rental income, investment income, or other earnings from Spanish sources, you must file a non-resident tax return. Some taxpayers must submit quarterly payments, while others can file annually.
Wealth Tax (Modelo 714)
- Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Applies to: Residents and non-residents with assets in Spain exceeding €700,000 (varies by region)
Spain imposes a Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio) on individuals with high-value assets. This applies to residents with worldwide assets and non-residents with assets in Spain. Some autonomous regions offer reductions or exemptions.
Corporate Tax (Impuesto sobre Sociedades) – Modelo 200
- Deadline: July 25, 2025
- Applies to: Spanish companies and branches of foreign businesses
Spanish companies must file corporate tax returns by July 25 for the previous tax year. The corporate tax rate in Spain is typically 25%, though special rates apply to startups and small businesses.
Value Added Tax (VAT) – Modelo 303
- Quarterly Deadlines: April 20, July 20, October 20, January 30
- Annual VAT Summary (Modelo 390): January 30, 2026
- Applies to: Businesses and freelancers registered for VAT in Spain
Businesses and self-employed individuals who collect VAT must file quarterly VAT returns. An annual summary report (Modelo 390) is also required.
Late Filing and Penalties
If you miss a Spanish tax deadline, penalties can apply. The amount depends on how late the payment is and whether it was voluntary or prompted by an audit. Fines can range from a small percentage of the unpaid tax to significant penalties for major infractions.
For non-residents, failing to declare rental income or other earnings from Spain can result in fines and interest charges.
Tax Considerations for US Expats in Spain
Foreign Tax Credit vs. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
- The Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) allows you to offset US taxes by the amount of Spanish taxes paid.
- The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) lets you exclude up to $126,500 (2024 limit) of foreign-earned income.
If you have already paid Spanish taxes before filing your US tax return, you can maximize the Foreign Tax Credit, potentially reducing or eliminating your US tax liability.
FBAR & FATCA Requirements
If you have Spanish bank accounts exceeding $10,000, you must file a Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) with FinCEN. If your total foreign assets exceed certain limits, you may also need to file Form 8938 (FATCA reporting) with your US tax return.
Why US Expats Should Consider Filing a US Tax Extension
US Tax Deadlines vs. Spanish Tax Deadlines
- US Tax Deadline (Standard): April 15, 2025
- US Expat Tax Deadline (Automatic Extension): June 16, 2025
- Spanish Tax Deadline: June 30, 2025
Since Spanish tax returns are due after the initial US expat tax deadline (June 15), many US expats choose to file an extension for their US tax return. This allows them to accurately report Spanish income on their US tax return and avoid unnecessary amendments.
How to File a US Tax Extension
If you need more time to file your US tax return, you can request an extension by filing Form 4868 with the IRS. This extends the US tax deadline to October 15, 2025.
- The extension only applies to filing, not to tax payments. If you owe US taxes, you should estimate and pay the amount by June 15 to avoid interest and penalties.
- If you qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), waiting until after you file Spanish taxes ensures that you can properly claim credits for Spanish taxes paid.
Spain has strict tax deadlines, and failing to comply can result in penalties. If you are an expat in Spain, it’s important to understand your filing obligations and whether you qualify for exemptions or deductions. Since Spain’s tax deadline comes after the US expat tax deadline, filing a US tax extension can help ensure that you accurately report your income and avoid double taxation. By waiting until after you file Spanish taxes, you can properly claim foreign tax credits and avoid unnecessary amendments.
