Tax guide for US expats living in Spain
Living in Spain as a US citizen means navigating two overlapping systems – American tax obligations that follow you everywhere and Spain's own residency-based rules.
Whether you arrived last year or have been here for a decade, understanding taxes in Spain for expats is essential to avoid double taxation, claim the right exclusions or credits, and stay compliant on both sides of the Atlantic.
What you'll learn in this guide:
- How Spain taxes on income work for US citizens and residents, from IRPF basics to reporting thresholds
- Which Spanish and US forms apply to your situation, and when they're due
- How to reduce double taxation using treaty benefits, the Foreign Tax Credit, and the FEIE
Who this guide is for:
- US citizens living in Spain navigating taxes on both sides of the Atlantic
- Newcomers considering the Beckham regime
Taxation in Spain for expats is straightforward once you know the rules – but as a US citizen, there's an extra layer. Here's exactly what you owe, where, and by when for 2025.
Spain taxes 2026: key deadlines, rates, and what you'll file (tax year 2025)
The Spanish tax year runs January 1 through December 31, so your 2025 income is reported in the 2026 filing season. Spain's taxes on income follow two tracks: residents pay on worldwide income, nonresidents on Spanish-source income only.
The Renta 2025 campaign (for income earned in 2025) opens for online filing on 8 April 2026 and runs through 30 June 2026 (telephone and in-office assistance use different date windows).
Income tax in Spain is progressive, with rates that vary by autonomous community for general income and a uniform national scale for savings income.
Three thresholds worth knowing before you go any further:
- Modelo 720 – foreign-asset reporting kicks in at €50,000 per category
- FBAR – required if foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the year
- FEIE – the 2025 exclusion is $130,000
For most US expats, the Foreign Tax Credit is the primary tool for avoiding double taxation. The table below gives the full snapshot.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary tax form for residents | Modelo 100 – Declaración de la Renta (IRPF) |
| Tax year | January 1 – December 31 (calendar year) |
| Tax due date | Renta 2025: online filing 8 April–30 June 2026; if paying by bank direct debit, submit by 25 June 2026 |
| Criteria for tax residency | Resident if >183 days in Spain, or center of economic interests in Spain; presumption if spouse/minor children habitually reside in Spain |
| US tax filing requirements | Form 1040, worldwide income; automatic extension to June 15 (regular due date April 15) |
| Eligibility for FEIE | Physical presence or bona fide residence test; 2025 FEIE = $130,000 |
| Methods of double-tax relief | US–Spain tax treaty + Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) |
| FBAR reporting threshold | $10,000 across all foreign accounts at any point during the year |
| Modelo 720 threshold | €50,000 per asset category |
| Resident rate | Progressive; general base varies by autonomous community, savings base 19%–30% |
| Nonresident rate | Flat 24% on Spanish-source income (19% for EU/EEA residents) |
| Estate and inheritance tax | Spain levies Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones (regional); the US estate tax may also apply |
Tax in Spain for residents vs foreigners: Spain tax residency rules
Your tax status in Spain – resident or nonresident – determines everything: which forms you file, which rates apply, and how much of your income Spain can tax. The law sets three objective tests.
1. 183-day presence (bright-line test)
Spend more than 183 days in Spain during the calendar year, and you're a tax resident. Spain counts sporadic absences as days present unless you can prove genuine residence elsewhere – casual travel doesn't protect you.
2. Center of economic interests
Even with fewer than 183 days, Spain may still treat you as a resident if your principal business activity, employment, or economic base is here.
3. Family tie presumption
If your legally non-separated spouse and dependent minor children habitually live in Spain, you are presumed resident unless you prove otherwise.
Two scenarios worth knowing
Arrived mid-year: If you moved to Spain in July 2025 and stayed through December, you likely spent fewer than 183 days that calendar year and would be a nonresident for 2025 – taxed only on Spanish-source income. From 2026 onward, you'd typically qualify as a resident.
Digital nomad rotating EU countries: Moving every few months across EU countries can be tricky. If no single country hits 183 days, but Spain is where your income originates, or your family lives, Spain may still claim residency via the economic-interests test.
What changes based on your status
| Tax resident | Nonresident | |
|---|---|---|
| Income taxed | Worldwide | Spanish-source only |
| Rate | Progressive IRPF (general + savings base) | Flat 24% (19% EU/EEA) |
| Main form | Modelo 100 | Modelo 210 |
| Foreign asset reporting | Modelo 720 applies | Generally not required |
| US forms | Form 1040 + FTC/FEIE | Form 1040 (US obligations remain) |
Residents face full global exposure; nonresidents pay a flat rate on Spanish-source income only. Which side you fall on determines everything – forms, rates, and reporting. That's the starting point for anyone figuring out the tax rate in Spain for foreigners.
Spain expat taxes: how IRPF works (general vs savings income)
Taxation in Spain blends national rules with powerful regional levers, so the rate you actually pay depends on where you live. All figures below reflect the 2025 income year, filed in 2026 – if you're still sorting out your broader obligations as an American living abroad, that's a good place to start.
IRPF – Spain's personal income tax – splits into three tracks:
-
General base (salary and business income): Employment, self-employment, and most rental income land here. The rate is a state scale plus a regional scale, so your total depends on your autonomous community.
-
Savings-based (investment) incomefor 2025 is taxed on a national scale; the 2025 bands are 19% up to €6,000; 21% €6,000–50,000; 23% €50,000–200,000; 27% €200,000–300,000; 30% over €300,000.
-
Nonresident IRNR: If you're not a Spanish tax resident, you pay IRNR on Spanish-source income only – generally a flat 24%, or 19% if you're an EU/EEA resident.
Taxation in Spain for expats means understanding which track your income hits before anything else. With mixed income sources – a US salary plus Spanish rental income, for instance – you'll often straddle more than one track at once.
Income tax in Spain (IRPF): Spain income tax brackets, bands, and rates
Residents are taxed on worldwide income, split between general income (salary, business, rental) and savings income (interest, dividends, capital gains). Nonresidents generally pay a flat 24% on Spanish-source income (19% for EU/EEA residents).
Savings base: national scale (2025)
The bands below apply uniformly to investment income – interest, dividends, and capital gains – regardless of where in Spain you live. This is a savings base only; salary is taxed differently. Source: AEAT / Ley 7/2024.
| General taxable income band (EUR) | Total marginal rate (baseline example) | What this means (1 line) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 12,450 | 19% | This % applies only to income within this band. |
| 12,450 – 20,200 | 24% | Your next euros are taxed at this higher rate. |
| 20,200 – 35,200 | 30% | Mid-income band for the general base. |
| 35,200 – 60,000 | 37% | Upper-middle band (still progressive, not flat). |
| 60,000 – 300,000 | 45% | Higher incomes; marginal rate rises again. |
| 300,000+ | 47% | Top baseline marginal Spain tax bracket (final depends on region). |
General base: state + autonomous community
For employment and business income, the Spanish tax rate combines a national state scale with a regional scale, so there is no single number that applies everywhere – the effective Barcelona tax rate may differ noticeably from Madrid taxes.
The combined rate can range from roughly 19% at the lowest band to over 50% at the top, depending on where you live
| Income band (general base) | Madrid (autonomous marginal) Approx total marginal | Catalonia (autonomous marginal) Approx total marginal | Practical takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low band | 8.5% auton. →19% total | 9.5% auton. → 19% total | Entry rates can be similar at the bottom. |
| Mid bands | 10.7%–17.4% auton.→ 23%–36% total | 12.5%–21.5% auton. →25%–40% total | Catalonia’s mid-band autonomy. Rates generally run higher. |
| High band (top) | 20.5% auton. → 45% total | 25.5% auton.→ 50% total | At the top end, Catalonia’s combined marginal rate can be 5 pts higher. |
VAT (IVA)
Spain applies three IVA bands, and businesses charge IVA on sales and then deduct IVA on inputs, so the tax burdens the final consumer. Your invoices must show the applicable percentage and follow the invoicing rules in the VAT law. If you're running a small business as an autónomo, choosing the right regime can materially change your effective tax rate.
If you're an employee, IVA is largely invisible – you pay it on purchases like everyone else, and it has no direct effect on your tax return. It matters most for autónomos and business owners, who must charge it on invoices, file quarterly returns, and choose the right regime.
-
Standard rate: 21% – Applies to most goods and services nationwide. You charge 21% unless a reduced rate under Article 91 applies; wrong classification risks assessments and penalties.
-
Reduced rate: 10% – Covers specific items like many foods, hospitality, and some housing-related services. It's a closed list – always verify your exact activity before applying it.
-
Super-reduced rate: 4% – Reserved for basic necessities such as bread, books, and essential medicines. As of January 1, 2025, olive oil is permanently included at 4% – reflect this in pricing and accounting.
Wealth tax
Spain's wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio) is an annual levy on net assets measured on December 31 each year. The national framework sets the baseline scale from 0.2% up to 3.5%, with a minimum exemption of €700,000 per person, though regions can and do set different thresholds and rates.
Your primary residence is additionally exempt up to €300,000 per owner. Business assets and qualifying shareholdings may be exempt if strict conditions are met.
Residents are taxed on worldwide assets. Nonresidents are exposed only to Spanish-situs assets – real estate, bank accounts held in Spain, and other locally located wealth.
Which regions effectively reduce wealth tax? Madrid has historically applied a 100% bonus on the regional portion of wealth tax, effectively eliminating it for Madrid residents.
Andalusia has followed with significant reductions. Catalonia applies the tax in full. If wealth tax exposure is a concern, your autonomous community of residence is a key planning variable.
A separate Solidarity Tax on Large Fortunes applies to net worth above €3,000,000 and is filed July 1–31 of the following year – for the 2025 tax year, that means July 2026.
It coordinates with regional wealth tax relief but provides a national floor. How these levies interact with the US–Spain tax treaty depends on your residency status and asset mix.
Inheritance and gift tax
Spain's Inheritance and Gift Tax (ISD), governed by Ley 29/1987, taxes transfers at death and lifetime gifts. The national progressive tariff under Article 21.2 runs from 7.65% to 34%, with multipliers based on kinship and pre-existing wealth pushing effective rates higher still.
These national figures are a starting point only. Autonomous communities have broad powers to set their own scales and bonuses, and effective rates vary massively by region – in some, close family members pay next to nothing; in others, the full state tariff applies. Always verify the rules in force for the specific region where the tax is due.
Scope: Residents can be taxed on worldwide acquisitions; nonresidents on Spanish-located assets or rights. Where the deceased lived, where the heir lives, and where the assets are located all drive which rules apply – and they can pull in different directions.
Deadline: Inheritances must generally be filed within six months of death. A one-time six-month extension is available; interest applies from the original deadline.
Regional variation: Communities redefine reductions, bonuses, and even the tariff itself. Never rely on national figures alone – your effective rate depends entirely on which region administers the tax.
Life insurance: If the policyholder and beneficiary are different people, proceeds are taxable under ISD. Plan beneficiary designations with this in mind.
Property tax (IBI)
IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) is an annual municipal tax based on the cadastral value of your property.
Under the Ley Reguladora de las Haciendas Locales, the national framework sets the rate range for urban property between 0.4% and 1.10% (rural: 0.3%–0.90%). These are boundaries, not fixed rates – the municipal ordinance controls the final rate, and each Ayuntamiento sets its own percentage within that range.
Two things to keep in mind as an owner:
- Payment windows vary by municipality. Each Ayuntamiento sets its own collection calendar; missing it triggers local surcharges.
- Cadastral values are updated periodically. Your IBI bill can rise even if the posted municipal rate stays flat – factor that into long-term ownership costs.
Exit tax in Spain: when US expats may owe tax on leaving
Spain's IRPF exit tax captures unrealized gains when long-term residents move their tax residence abroad. Under Article 95 bis of the Ley 35/2006 del IRPF, it applies if you were resident in Spain for at least 10 of the last 15 tax years and, at exit, either your total shareholdings exceed €4,000,000 in value, or you hold at least 25% of an entity worth over €1,000,000.
Who actually hits this? Two profiles come up most often: founders or early employees holding significant equity stakes who relocate after years in Spain, and long-term residents who have built up substantial investment portfolios. If you have unvested stock or options, model your position before formally changing residency.
- Taxable event – The difference between market value and cost of the affected shares is treated as a capital gain at exit.
- When to declare – Include the gain in your last IRPF period and file a complementary return during the filing window of the first year you're no longer resident.
- Deferral – Moves to another EU/EEA state can access deferral subject to conditions, including guarantees and ongoing notifications; the tax becomes payable on later triggers, like an actual sale.
- Temporary moves – Special rules allow aplazamiento (deferral) for temporary postings; breaching conditions accelerate the tax.
Recent changes
Spain has tightened reporting obligations for departing residents in recent years, and new tax laws in Spain for expats around international mobility continue to evolve.
Get modeling done early – the thresholds are bright-line, and the rate that applies comes from the savings-base scale in effect the year you leave.
Capital gains tax
Capital gains realized by Spanish tax residents are taxed in the savings base at national rates. The 2025 schedule – applicable to gains realized in 2025 and reported in the 2026 filing season – introduced a 30% top band for net gains over €300,000, pursuant to Ley 7/2024 de Medidas Fiscales.
| Savings-based capital gain (EUR) | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 6,000 | 19% |
| 6,000–50,000 | 21% |
| 50,000–200,000 | 23% |
| 200,000–300,000 | 27% |
| Over 300,000 | 30% |
Short-term and long-term gains are unified in the savings base – holding period doesn't shift your band, only the size of the gain does. Timing matters if you're near a threshold.
For nonresidents selling Spanish real estate, the buyer withholds 3% of the sale price at source; the seller then files Modelo 210 to settle the actual gain against that withholding.
Solve your tax question – ask professionals
Overwhelmed by taxes? With the right information, it gets easier.
Submit your question, and you’ll receive an answer from tax experts within a few business days. While we can’t provide detailed consultations without reviewing your documents, we’ll do our best to assist.
Write your question to a tax professional
Discover 15+ key tax breaks for US expats
Spain taxes on foreign income: what's taxable for US expats (IRPF worldwide income)
Getting the numbers right starts with knowing which receipts fall into the general base vs the savings base, and which are out of scope entirely. All figures below reflect the 2025 income year, filed in 2026.
What counts as taxable income?
Most everyday receipts are taxable, though the rate depends on which base applies and, for the general base, your autonomous community.
- Employment income – General base, progressive state + regional scales. Withholding applies via payroll and reconciles at year-end.
- Self-employment (autónomos) – General base; quarterly prepayments and deductible expenses apply.
- Savings income (interest, dividends, capital gains) – Savings base at national bands; the top rate from January 1, 2025, is 30% for amounts over €300,000.
- Rental income – Residents: general base, net of allowable expenses. Nonresidents: IRNR at 24% (19% for EU/EEA residents).
- Private pensions and annuities – Generally treated as employment income in the general base.
- Crypto and securities trading – Savings base at the same bands as other investment income.
- Beckham regime (impatriates) – Elective flat-rate rules on Spanish-source employment. Election via Modelo 149 within six months of the activity start date; Modelo 151 is the annual return for those already in the regime.
Spain taxes on foreign income: which base does it land in?
As an IRPF resident, foreign salary lands in the general base; foreign dividends and capital gains go to the savings base; foreign rental income goes to the general base. Both the US and Spain tax worldwide income – the treaty and credits are what prevent you from paying twice.
| Income type | Spain treatment (IRPF resident) | US treatment | Typical relief |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary/wages | Taxed in Spain as general base (progressive; region matters). | Taxed on Form 1040 | FTC (Form 1116) or FEIE (Form 2555) (2025 FEIE cap $130,000). |
| Self-employment (autónomo) | General base + social contributions (separate rules) | Taxed in the US; SE tax may apply | Usually, FTC; FEIE may help income tax, but doesn’t automatically remove SE tax. |
| Dividends/interest | Typically, savings-based investment income | Taxed in the US | Usually FTC treaty may affect withholding, but the US savings clause limits some benefits. |
| Capital gains (shares/crypto) | Usually savings base | Taxed in the US | Usually, FTC timing/sourcing can be tricky. |
| Rental income (US or Spain property) | Spanish residents report worldwide rental income | Report in the US (Schedule E) | FTC (FEIE doesn’t apply to rental income). |
| Pensions (US or Spanish) | Spanish residents taxed on worldwide income; treaty details can matter | Taxed in the US | Often, FTC + treaty planning (saving clause caveat). |
| Business distributions (foreign company dividends, etc.) | Generally taxable in Spain (worldwide income) | Taxable + possible extra reporting | Usually, FTC + confirms US reporting obligations case-by-case. |
If Spain taxes it because you're an IRPF resident, the US generally taxes it too – so you usually lean on Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit) and/or Form 2555 (FEIE for earned income), with treaty limits for US citizens due to the saving clause.
What income is exempt?
Spain taxes for expats come with some meaningful carve-outs – but each has strict conditions, and none are automatic.
- Severance – Exempt up to €180,000 within Spanish labor-law limits; any excess is taxable.
- Disability benefits – Permanent absolute disability or gran invalidez benefits paid by Social Security are exempt; private employer payments don't qualify.
- Child support – Court-ordered maintenance paid to the child is exempt.
- Work performed abroad (Article 7, p LIRPF) – Employment income for duties physically performed outside Spain is exempt up to €60,100 per year, provided the host country levies a comparable tax, and it's not a tax haven; the exempt amount is prorated by days abroad.
- Maternity/paternity benefits – Public benefits for birth and childcare are exempt.
- Awards of special public interest – Literary, artistic, or scientific awards formally declared exempt by the tax administration, including the Premios Princesa de Asturias, qualify under regulatory criteria.
- Unemployment lump sum (pago único) – Single-payment capitalization of unemployment benefit for starting a business is exempt when requirements are met.
Social security in Spain – expat basics
Spain's social security covers healthcare, pensions, unemployment, and family benefits. It sits alongside Spain's income tax system, and for US expats, the key question is whether you're contributing in the right country.
The 2025 numbers: Employee contributions run at 4.70% of salary, with employers covering 23.60%, plus the 0.80% Mecanismo de Equidad Intergeneracional (MEI) split proportionally. Autónomos pay contributions based on estimated net income under the 2023 quota reform that ties payments to actual earnings.
The US–Spain totalization agreement prevents double social contributions. If you're on a US payroll seconded to Spain for a defined period, you may continue contributing to US Social Security rather than the Spanish system. If you're employed locally in Spain or registered as an autónomo, you contribute to Seguridad Social. Double contributions are a real risk if you don't document your status correctly from day one.
Top deductions and write-offs: US citizens in Spain taxes (2025/2026)
Spain's rules-based system keeps tax write-offs tight, but the right ones can still move your bill. All figures below reflect the 2025 income year, filed in 2026. The breakdown below is the kind of expat tax advice Spanish residents actually need – split by resident vs nonresident, with regional examples.
Resident deductions
Employees:
- Social Security contributions (employee portion)
- Compulsory union or professional fees up to €500
- Legal-defense costs tied to your employment up to €300
- A standard €2,000 employment-expense allowance, with higher amounts for relocation and certain disability categories
Self-employed (autónomos):
All necessary, clearly business-related costs: workspace, utilities, supplies, insurance, pro-rata home office, and depreciation under official rules. Keep invoices and books aligned to your chosen estimation method.
Rental income:
From gross rent: interest, repairs, local taxes, community charges, insurance, services, supplies, and 3% amortization of the higher of purchase price or cadastral value (land excluded). Deductions cannot exceed rental receipts; any excess carries forward four years.
Investment income:
Only administration and deposit fees for negotiable securities are deductible; advisory or discretionary-management fees are not. Withholdings (retenciones) are credited against the final Spanish tax due.
Loss set-offs (savings base):
Capital losses offset gains; cross-offsets with capital income are capped at 25%, with unused negatives carried forward for four years.
Nonresident deductions
If you're a nonresident landlord under IRNR, the base is generally gross with no expense deduction. Only EU/EEA residents may deduct qualifying costs. The standard tax rate in Spain for foreigners under IRNR is 24% (19% for EU/EEA residents).
Regional deductions
Autonomous communities add their own deductions on top of the state rules. Two examples:
- Madrid – Eligible tenants may deduct 30% of annual rent, capped at €1,237.20, subject to age and income conditions (Comunidad de Madrid, Decree-Law 7/2023).
- Catalonia – Offers its own set of credits for rent, family, and investment; always check the AEAT regional deductions guide for the current year before filing.
Spain pension basics – what to know
Spain's state pension is a contributory, pay-as-you-go system run by Seguridad Social, with the ordinary retirement age at 66 years and eight months in 2025.
For US expats, the key tax point is simple: Spanish pension income is taxed as general income under IRPF. If you also receive US Social Security or private pension distributions, the US–Spain treaty coordinates taxing rights – but the details depend on pension type and residency status.
Work with an advisor who knows both systems before you start drawing benefits.
Smart tax credits for US expats in Spain
Spain's IRPF offers targeted relief that can trim your final tax bill – even when you're reporting worldwide income. Knowing which credits stack with your US filing strategy is where the real savings are.
International double-tax relief (IRPF Article 80)
If you're a Spanish resident and a portion of your income was taxed abroad, Spain lets you deduct the lower of the foreign tax paid or the Spanish tax due on that same income. This is the main workhorse credit for expats and applies to the 2025 return filed April–June 2026, when documentation proves the foreign tax.
Start-up investment deduction (50% up to €100,000)
Invest in a qualifying newly created company and deduct 50% of the investment from your state IRPF, up to an annual €100,000 limit, when AEAT conditions are met (eligible shares, Modelo 165 certification from the company).
Donations under Law 49/2002
Give to qualified charities and deduct 80% of the first €250, then 40% of the remainder (45% if you've donated to the same entity for three consecutive years since 2024). The overall donations deduction cannot exceed 10% of your taxable base.
Home purchase deduction – transitional only
State-level relief for buying your habitual residence was abolished from January 1, 2013. Only buyers who already claimed it before that date can continue under transitional rules.
Regional add-ons
Always review the AEAT guide to regional deductions for the year you file. Each autonomous community sets its own credits for rent, family, education, and investment items, each with its own threshold and documentation requirements.
US–Spain tax treaty: what it means now
The US–Spain tax treaty was signed in Madrid on February 22, 1990, and entered into force on January 1, 1991. A modernizing Protocol, signed January 14, 2013, became effective November 27, 2019, lowering or eliminating withholding on many dividends, interest, and royalties and adding mandatory binding arbitration. Official treaty documents are available on the IRS Spain tax treaty page.
Common treaty articles US expats in Spain actually use
- Residence tie-breaker: When both countries claim you as a resident, the treaty applies a structured test (permanent home, center of vital interests, habitual abode, nationality) to assign primary residence for treaty purposes.
- Pensions: US Social Security is generally taxable only in the US; private pensions follow specific rules depending on type and source.
- Dividends and interest: Reduced or zero withholding rates apply under the 2019 Protocol.
- Business profits: Taxed only in the country of residence unless attributable to a permanent establishment in the other country.
- Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP): If double taxation still arises, the IRS and Spain's Agencia Tributaria can resolve cases through competent authority proceedings.
What the treaty does NOT do
The treaty does not eliminate your US filing obligation. Because of the saving clause, the US retains the right to tax its citizens and green card holders as if the treaty didn’t exist. When comparing taxes in Spain vs USA, it’s important to understand that these are parallel obligations rather than an either-or choice.
The treaty reduces overlap between the two systems, but it does not remove it. US tax obligations for Americans living in Spain continue regardless of how long you have lived in the country.
Top tax forms US expats use in Spain
These are the forms US expats in Spain rely on for the 2025 tax year, reported in the 2026 filing season. Getting these right is the foundation of staying compliant across both systems.
- Form 1040 – The standard US individual income tax return. Americans abroad receive an automatic two-month extension to June 15, with further extensions available on request.
- Form 2555 – Used to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. The FEIE is $130,000 for tax year 2025 (filed in 2026). Qualifying requires the bona fide residence or 330-day physical presence test.
- Form 1116 – Claims the Foreign Tax Credit for Spanish tax paid on the same income. Unused credits carry back one year and carry forward 10 years.
- FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) – Required when the total across all foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year. Due April 15 with an automatic extension to October 15.
- Form 8938 – Reports specified foreign financial assets when thresholds apply. For those living abroad: $200,000 at year-end or $300,000 at any point during the year (single); $400,000/$600,000 for married filing jointly.
Spain tax forms and deadlines (2026)
Knowing the right forms and due dates keeps you out of trouble. The dates below apply to the 2025 tax year, filed in 2026.
Modelo 100 – Resident income tax return (IRPF)
Who files: All Spanish tax residents with income above the filing threshold.
When: April 8 – June 30, 2026; bank direct-debit cutoff June 25, 2026.
Modelo 130 / 131 – Quarterly self-employed income prepayments
Who files: Autónomos on direct estimation (Modelo 130) or objective estimation modules (Modelo 131).
When: By the 20th of April, July, October, and January.
Modelo 714 – Wealth tax return
Who files: Residents with worldwide net assets above the applicable exemption threshold; nonresidents with Spanish-situs assets above the threshold.
When: Filed alongside Modelo 100 in the April–June 2026 window.
Modelo 718 – Solidarity Tax on Large Fortunes
Who files: Residents and nonresidents with net assets over €3,000,000.
When: July 1–31, 2026 (for tax year 2025).
Modelo 720 – Foreign assets declaration
Who files: Spanish residents with foreign bank accounts, securities, or real estate where any single category exceeds €50,000.
When: January 1–March 31, 2026 (for the December 31, 2025 snapshot).
Modelo 210 – Nonresident income tax return
Who files: Nonresidents with Spanish-source income (rent, gains, imputed income on property).
When: Quarterly for rental income; by December 31, 2026, for imputed income on vacant property. But for rental income from leasing or subleasing of real estate accrued since January 1, 2024, AEAT permits annual grouping, with filing/payment in the first 20 calendar days of January of the following year.
Strategies for living – and saving – in Spain
Even after you’ve sorted your income taxes, several additional layers remain important to understand. For many Americans abroad, Spain taxes for expats involve more than standard income reporting.
Issues such as trust structures, cross-border money movements, and special tax regimes can affect how expat taxes in Spain work in practice.
Keeping up with new tax laws in Spain for expats and reporting rules can help reduce stress and avoid unnecessary costs.
Trusts
Spain does not formally recognize trusts under its domestic legal system. However, this does not mean trust income is ignored for tax purposes. In certain cases, Spanish tax authorities may attribute income from a trust directly to a resident beneficiary.
Because the tax treatment of trusts in Spain can be complex and highly fact-specific, even discretionary trusts may create reporting obligations or taxable income depending on how assets and distributions are structured.
If you hold assets through a trust while living in Spain, professional tax advice is strongly recommended before assuming how the income will be treated.
Exchange controls
Spain allows the free movement of capital. However, physical movements of cash or similar means of payment of €10,000 or more across borders must be declared to the authorities.
This requirement applies to cash, bearer instruments, and comparable payment methods, not to ordinary bank transfers between accounts.
Foreign investments by nonresidents – such as Spanish real estate purchases or business ownership – may also require registration with the Directorate of Commerce.
Spanish tax residents must also report certain foreign assets using Modelo 720. The filing window for the 2025 snapshot is January 1 – March 31, 2026.
Beckham regime
Spain’s impatriate tax regime – commonly known as the Beckham Law – allows eligible newcomers to be taxed only on Spanish-source income for up to six years.
For 2025, the flat rate is:
- 24% on income up to €600,000
- 47% on income above €600,000
This regime can be attractive for remote professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs relocating from the US. However, strict deadlines apply. The election typically must be made within six months of registering as a Spanish tax resident, and reversing the decision later can be difficult.
Reporting foreign assets in two countries
For Americans living abroad, reporting foreign assets is a key part of compliance. In practice, expat taxes in Spain involve parallel reporting obligations in both Spain and the US. Each country requires different forms, thresholds, and deadlines, so understanding what must be reported – and where – is essential.
Spain reporting rules – Modelo 720
Spanish tax residents must report certain foreign assets using Modelo 720 when the value of assets in a category exceeds €50,000.
The filing window typically runs January–March, with the report covering assets held on December 31 of the previous year. For example, assets held on December 31, 2025 are reported January–March 2026.
The three reporting categories include:
- foreign bank accounts
- foreign securities, investment accounts, and insurance products
- foreign real estate or property rights
A new filing is required if the value of a category increases by more than €20,000, or if ownership changes.
These reporting obligations operate separately from income tax filings that determine tax rates in Spain for expats, but the information reported may still affect how foreign income is reviewed by Spanish tax authorities.
US reporting rules – Form 8938 (FATCA)
US citizens living abroad must also disclose certain foreign assets under FATCA using Form 8938.
For taxpayers residing outside the US, the filing thresholds are:
- $200,000 in foreign assets on the last day of the year, or
- $300,000 at any time during the year if filing single
For married couples filing jointly, the thresholds increase to:
- $400,000 at year-end, or
- $600,000 at any time during the year
Specified foreign financial assets may include foreign bank accounts, brokerage accounts, foreign stocks not held through a US broker, partnership interests, certain pensions, and foreign-issued financial instruments.
FBAR reporting – FinCEN Form 114
Separate from FATCA reporting, US taxpayers must file the FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) when the combined balance of foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year.
This requirement applies to accounts such as:
- foreign checking or savings accounts
- foreign brokerage accounts
- certain foreign retirement accounts
- accounts where you have signature authority
The FBAR deadline is April 15, with an automatic extension to October 15.
Common reporting mistakes
Cross-border reporting is complex, and several mistakes appear frequently:
- assuming the same assets must be reported on every form
- forgetting that the $10,000 FBAR threshold applies to total account balances combined
- overlooking assets such as foreign pensions or brokerage accounts
- failing to refile Modelo 720 after large asset increases
Because expat taxes in Spain and US reporting obligations operate simultaneously, overlooking one system can lead to penalties even when taxes themselves are correctly paid.
Quick decision guide
A simple rule of thumb can help determine which reporting rules apply:
- Foreign bank accounts exceed $10,000 combined FBAR required
- Foreign financial assets exceed FATCA thresholds Form 8938 required
- Foreign assets exceed €50,000 in a category while living in Spain Modelo 720 required
In many situations, all three filings may apply at the same time, which is why coordinated tax planning is important for Americans living in Spain.
Ready to simplify your US taxes while in Spain?
Living in Spain doesn’t mean you can forget about your US tax obligations – and Spanish tax rules are anything but simple. Whether you're navigating IRPF brackets, Modelo 720, or choosing between FEIE and FTC, expert guidance saves time, money, and stress.
Taxes for Expats takes the hassle out of IRS filings. We sync your US return with tax deadlines and offer a free tax extension to keep you fully compliant – no missed forms, no penalties.
FAQ
The usual rule is 183 days in the calendar year. If you spend more than this in Spain, you are considered a tax resident and taxed on your worldwide income under IRPF.
Spain uses progressive tax rates, with national rates ranging from 19% to 47%, plus regional surcharges that can push the top rate above 50% in some autonomous communities.
For savings (investment) income, the bands are: 19% up to €6,000; 21% €6,000–50,000; 23% €50,000–200,000; 27% €200,000–300,000; and 30% over €300,000. For general income, national bands run from 19% up to €12,450 to 47% over €300,000, with regional adjustments.
The top marginal rate nationally is 47%, but some regions (like Catalonia) can push the combined top rate above 50%. This rate applies only to income within the top bracket.
US expats file in Spain under IRPF and in the US using Form 1040. The Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) usually prevents double taxation. Expats are subject to standard Spanish rules, including progressive rates and income bands.
Barcelona is in Catalonia, where regional scales add surcharges to the national rates. This can raise the top marginal rate to around 50%, higher than in Madrid.
US citizens living in Spain pay Spanish IRPF on worldwide income if resident, and continue filing Form 1040 in the US. They usually claim the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) to offset Spanish taxes against US liability. Spanish taxes for US expats follow the same IRPF rules as for other residents, with additional US reporting obligations.
