The basics of Spanish wealth tax

09.08.19
The basics of Spanish wealth tax

Please note that this article is over six months old. While Blevins Franks takes care to make sure that information is accurate on the date of publication, some content may change over time. You should not rely on the accuracy of legislation and tax information in this article; take professional advice for your circumstances.

As President Macron in France sought to restrict taxpayers’ exposure to French wealth tax, Prime Minister Sánchez in Spain promised to raise taxes and increase public spending. It was no surprise then that Spanish wealth tax was extended for 2019 (payable in 2020) and looks likely to remain for the foreseeable future.

Who pays wealth tax in Spain?

Spanish wealth tax is payable by residents and non-residents based on assets held at 31 December each year, including property, investments, bank accounts, jewellery, art, cars, boats, etc. Spanish residents are liable on their worldwide assets, while non-residents are liable to wealth tax only on Spanish assets.

There are two scenarios where a wealth tax return needs to be submitted:

1. Where, after deducting all possible reductions and allowances, a wealth tax liability results; and

2. In cases where there is no tax due (i.e. in Madrid there is a 100% relief for wealth tax), where the total value of assets is more than €2 million. This is just for information purposes.

Since January 2015, Spanish non-residents who reside in another EU/EEA country may be able to apply the rules of the autonomous region in Spain where most of their assets are located instead of the state rules, if these are more beneficial to them.

Rates and allowances

The general state allowances for 2019 are €700,000 per individual, plus up to €300,000 per individual for the value of the main home (the main home allowance does not apply for non-residents). While some assets may be held jointly, wealth tax is an individual tax, so the value will need to be apportioned between joint owners.

The 2019 state wealth tax rates start at 0.2% on the first €167,129 of value, gradually increasing to 2.5% on anything over €10,695,966. However, some autonomous regions have approved their own allowances and wealth tax rates.

Cataluña reduced its individual reduction from €700,000 to €500,000 for 2015, and this still applies in 2019. Similarly, Comunidad Valenciana have applied a €600,000 personal reduction since 2016.

Some of the favoured locations where UK nationals like to reside also have higher wealth tax rates at the upper end:

  • Andalucía: 2.54% over €5,347,998 and 3.03% over €10,695,996
  • Murcia: 2.52% over €5,347,998 and 3% over €10,695,996
  • Comunidad Valenciana: 2.62% over €5,347,998 and 3.12% over €10,695,996
  • Islas Baleares: probably the highest top rates, at 2.90% over €5,454,958 and 3.45% over €10,909,915

On the other hand, for taxpayers who are resident in Madrid, there is currently a 100% relief of the final wealth tax due. This effectively means there is no wealth tax payable at all in this Spanish region.

Exemptions from Spanish wealth tax

Some assets are exempt from wealth tax, including:

  • Some antiques and works of arts (there are specific rules)
  • Household items
  • Intellectual and industrial property rights – if they are retained by the author
  • Pension plans
  • Main home – up to a maximum of €300,000
  • Professional and business assets where necessary for the economic activity of the taxpayer
  • Shareholdings in certain entities – normally a family business where you own at least 5% of the company, or with the family, at least 20% together (other requirements apply)

A loan or mortgage will be deductible in arriving at an individual’s net wealth tax liability, as long as the loan was not used to buy or invest in assets exempt from Spanish wealth tax.

The 60% limitation rule

Spanish residents can benefit from a rule by which the cumulative wealth and income taxes due cannot exceed 60% of the general and savings net taxable base amount (‘base imponible’), excluding any gains on assets held for more than one year. However, this relief is restricted to the point where an individual must pay a minimum of 20% of the full wealth tax calculation. There is no limitation applicable for non-residents.

You exclude from the limitation calculation any wealth tax on assets that by their nature or intended purpose are not capable of generating taxable income at all (e.g. antiques and works of art, jewellery, private cars, aircrafts, boats, interest-free loans and cash in safe deposits).

Note that the main home is considered an income-producing asset – the wealth tax on such assets remains payable and unreduced by the limits. Those with high-value property may find it advantageous to downsize in order to take advantage of tax mitigation opportunities for capital assets.

Other capital assets

A life assurance policy is an income-producing asset for Spanish wealth tax purposes. This 60% limitation is particularly beneficial if the taxpayer invests in Spanish tax-efficient investments, such as Spanish -life assurance bonds. This is because the tax deferral contributes to minimise Spanish tax exposure for taxpayers in Spain as they can significantly reduce both income tax and wealth tax payable in Spain.

Pension plans are generally excluded for wealth tax purposes.

Wealth tax planning

While wealth tax can be a real concern for higher net worth individuals – sometimes enough to prevent them living in Spain – strategic tax and wealth management planning can make the world of difference.

By reviewing how they hold their assets, those with larger investment portfolios can make a substantial difference to tax liabilities – not only wealth tax. Other potential benefits may include income tax deferral, reducing succession tax for heirs, investment flexibility, asset protection and no exit tax liability if leaving Spain to return to the UK.

Specialist advice from a firm like Blevins Franks, which has 40 years’ experience of Spanish tax planning, can help Britons take advantage of all the compliant opportunities available in Spain.

 

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.