Tax season in Spain can be tricky, especially for expats and international residents. Hacienda, the Spanish tax authority, has announced several updates for the 2025 tax declaration (Declaración de la Renta). Here’s a clear guide to help you stay ahead.

Key Dates to Remember

The filing window for the 2025 tax return (covering the 2024 fiscal year) runs from April 2 to June 30, 2025. Two other important dates include:

• May 6, 2025: Phone-based filing opens.
• June 2, 2025: In-person filing at tax offices begins.

Marking these dates can help you avoid a last-minute scramble.

More Ways to Pay

If you owe money on your tax return, you’ll now have additional payment options. Besides standard bank transfers, you can also pay using:

• Credit or debit cards
• Bizum, a mobile payment service

These options make settling your tax bill quicker and easier.

Higher Income Thresholds for Filing

There are new rules for determining who needs to file:

• Single income source: Filing is required if your income is over €22,000.
• Multiple income sources: The filing threshold increases from €15,876 to €16,825 if secondary payers contribute more than €2,500.

This change raises the previous secondary income limit from €1,500, giving a bit more flexibility to those with multiple income streams.

New Requirement for Unemployed Residents

A major update affects those receiving unemployment benefits. Starting in 2025, all unemployment benefit recipients must file a tax return, no matter how much they earned or how long they received benefits. This change makes it crucial to stay informed and prepare accordingly.

Why These Changes Matter for Expats

These updates highlight the need to keep up with Spain’s tax regulations. Knowing your obligations can help you avoid fines and manage your finances more effectively.

For personalized advice, consult a tax professional who specializes in working with expats in Spain. Good preparation is key to a smooth tax season.

Main image:Pexels/Nataliya Vaitkevich