Got questions about your 2026 tax return? Experts set to answer ahead of April launch
Tax data available from March 19 as new advice service opens for confused taxpayers
With the 2026 income tax campaign just weeks away, many people in Spain are already preparing their paperwork and trying to get ahead of the process. From March 19, taxpayers will be able to access their tax data online, giving them an early opportunity to check the information the Tax Agency holds before submitting their return.This data includes key details such as income, withholdings, address information, bank details and even donations to NGOs. Reviewing it in advance is considered essential to avoid mistakes that could lead to penalties or administrative issues.
The campaign itself, which covers the 2025 tax year, will officially begin on April 8, when draft returns can be requested and submitted. As in previous years, the process opens in early April, with online filing running through to the end of June.
To help people navigate the system, a new tax advice initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Tax Advisors (AEDAF). Taxpayers are being invited to submit their questions in advance, with experts set to respond on April 7, just one day before the campaign opens.
The service is designed to address the most common concerns, from how to request a draft return to more complex situations. These include declaring the sale of a property, reporting cryptocurrency gains, or understanding whether income from platforms such as Wallapop or Vinted needs to be included.
One organiser said the goal is to offer clarity at a time when many feel uncertain. “We want to provide clear answers before the deadline arrives,” they explained.
This year’s campaign comes with added complexity. Recent changes, including the removal of certain deductions linked to the so-called ‘social shield’, mean some taxpayers may notice differences compared to previous years.
There are also ongoing questions about who actually needs to file. Some pensioners and lower-income earners may not be required to submit a declaración de la renta, depending on their individual circumstances. Even so, checking carefully is strongly advised.
Key dates are also worth noting. Online filing will run from April 8 to June 30, while telephone assistance will begin on May 6. In-person appointments at tax offices will be available from June 1, although booking in advance is required. Taxpayers with a payment due will need to arrange direct debit by June 25, and those choosing to pay in instalments must complete the second payment by November 5.
For many residents in Spain, the annual tax return can feel complicated and time-consuming. With access to tax data now opening and expert advice on hand, the hope is that this year’s process will be a little easier to manage.
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Financial Advice Issues for Expats in Spain
I have been a Qualified Financial Adviser for almost 35 years now. 25 years in the UK for major institutions such as Natwest, RBS and Royal London. I have been in Spain giving expats financial advice now for 10 years and it is quite remarkable the different approaches as well as advice that are required for an expat now living in Spain. Blacktower is a company that has specialised in providing the best solutions for its clients living outside the UK for 30 years also.
The currency issue is always high on the agenda and a discussion for the long-term future has to be taken onto account. Questions like What will happen if one partner dies? Will the other remain in Spain? What about other family members? What Inheritance tax provisions do you have in place? The list goes on and on.
Existing portfolios and investments that were the mainstay of portfolios in the UK may now be obsolete. An example of this is quite often tax efficient products in the UK like ISA’s and previously held TESSA’s: PEP’s actually have low growth rates and provide no tax advantage to a Spanish fiscal resident.
Existing pension holdings either paid by the state or private pensions built up through working lifetimes are topics that have to be covered. Many expats have lots of small pensions from many ex employers and can be confused by the communications and administration in dealing with them. At Blacktower we specialise in advising on how to consolidate and bring all these pensions together in one place.
Bank accounts and investments in Spain always bring up lots of questions too. Quite often the small print associated with financial products in Spain is in Spanish this can make it very difficult even if you have a good grasp of the language. Understanding Jargon in English is sometime difficult enough. I provide clear easy to understand letters and documents in English so that you fully understand any terms and conditions before making a decision.
Advice on tax efficiency is just as important and offering good returns. There are products available exclusively for Spanish expats that can provide invaluable benefits. Having a good base knowledge of the tax implications both now and in the future is an essential ingredient to making a sound decision.
Click for more information about Keith Littlewood.
The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.
This communication is for information purposes only and it does not constitute advice or a recommendation. The value of investments can go up as well as down, and investors may not get back the full amount invested. The Blacktower group of companies operates across multiple jurisdictions, each authorized under its respective regulatory license. For further information, please refer to the relevant regulatory page.
