Construction, installation and/or refurbishment works that require a building license would trigger WCIT, the taxable base being the cost of the works, excluding certain expenses (e.g., VAT, public rates, professional fees, business profit). This is an enormous competitive advantage for companies located in the archipelago. This reserveis allocated to offset tax-loss carryforwards, in which casethe tax-loss carryforwards cannot be offset in future years; consequently,this is a way to offset tax-loss carryforwards earlier. The ZEC is a low tax zone which has been created within the framework of the Canary Islands Economic and Tax Regime (hereinafter REF as per the Spanish acronym) for the promotion of the economic and social development of the Islands and to contribute to diversify the tourism sector. However, Spain made a reservation with respect to article 35(7)(a) of the MLI (entry into effect) and opted to apply a procedure whereby the MLI provisions will apply to the double tax treaties in question once the other signatories are notified that Spain has completed the ratification procedure. In the case of newly created companies, the minimum tax rate will be 10% (instead of 15%) and in the case of credit institutions and companies belonging to the hydrocarbons industry, it will be 18%. Under Basque regulations, the representative company of a Basque tax group should be: However, the non-resident controlling company may appoint any other company of the Basque tax group of companies as the groups representative as long as the appointed company is subject to the tax regulations applicable to the company of the tax group with the highest turnover in the previous tax year. Canary Islands. This site uses cookies to collect information about your browsing activities in order to provide you with more relevant content and promotional materials, and help us understand your interests and enhance the site. A small company is considered to be a company that meets the following requirements in the year prior to the application of the special tax regime: As of 1 January 2019, the general tax rate for micro companiesis 20%. Broadly, capital gains are part of the CIT and NRIT taxable income. Essential products or services have a special reduced rate of 4%. In this case, the effect will be a temporary deferral of tax. The ZEC Entities will be subject to the Corporate Tax valid in Spain, at a reduced tax rate of 4%. In the latter case, the taxpayer must register with the real-time reporting VAT system (Suministro Inmediato de Informacin or SII System). an arrangement involving a hybrid mismatch where the mismatch outcome is priced into the terms of the arrangement or an arrangement that has been designed to produce a hybrid mismatch outcome). With effect for tax years starting in 2020 and 2021, the 12% percentage of deduction will be increased by 38 points for expenses incurred by small and medium-sized enterprises in projects starting after 25 June 2020 that involve the implementation of technological innovation activities whose result is a technological advance in obtaining new pro. IGIC has various advantages compared to VAT: - Lower rate of tax (VAT: 21% - IGIC 7%) - Application of a zero rate or reduced rate of 3% on particular products and services, such as the island . Vizcaya) at a tax rate not lower than a nominal 10% rate. In Alava and exclusively for tax periods starting between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 there will be no limit to the offset of tax-loss carry forwards of micro, small and medium sized entities. It was authorized by the European Commission in January 2000. Such prepayments are made in three installments with due dates of April 20, October 20 and December 20. Where the taxpayer is the acquirer of the asset or right, the applicable tax rate varies in each autonomous region, but the general rates are: Business activity tax is a municipal tax levied annually on any business activity conducted within Spanish territory. The measures resulting from the modifications introduced in each country as a result of the MLI will come into effect in Spain on 1 January 2023 in order to counter international tax avoidance by large multinationals and will also allow the global network of Double Taxation Avoidance Conventions (DTAs) to be updated with the measures resulting from the BEPS project. Incorporation of entities and share capital increases are generally exempt from taxation (exempt The acquiring and transferring companies are notrelated companies. Unsolicited emails and other information sent to Dentons will not be considered confidential, may be disclosed to others, may not receive a response, and do not create a lawyer-client relationship. . The taxpayer has the option to calculate the taxable base on the basis of the actual gain of the land (difference between the value on the transfer of the land and its acquisition), if more favorable than the objective method. Objective method. Regarding indirect taxation, value-added tax (VAT) and transfer tax are applicable in Spain. An incentive known as the ZEC, (Zona Especial Canarias) or Canary Special Zone. Stamp duties and customs duties on imports are among the other forms of indirect taxation. Royal Decree-law 15/2014 of 19 December that amends the Economic and Tax Regime of the Canary Islands 2. In summary, a hybrid mismatch is an entity or instrument which under the laws of two or more jurisdictions provides for non-taxed income and/or a double deduction, including a deferral taxation on a long-term basis. Spain and the United States have signed an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) aimed at improving compliance of international tax laws and enforcing FATCA. Intangible assets should be considered to have a definite useful life. It is also important to note that one member of the companys administration must reside permanently in the Canaries. However, when assets other than cash are contributed to a Spanish company, it should be considered on a case-by-case basis, because tax could be triggered when contributing mortgaged assets to an entity. The Low corporate tax rate; One of the primary tax advantages of the Canary Islands that makes it an appealing destination for businesses trying to decrease their tax liability is the low corporate tax rate. Then we recommend that you keep reading to learn, Taxation is one of the many aspects companies have to consider when setting up their headquarters. Read this article to learn more Skip to content Home THE FIRM Services BOOKKEEPING COMPANY INCORPORATION IN SPAIN PAYROLL SERVICES TAX ADVICE AND GUIDANCE TAX COMPLIANCE FOR AMAZON SELLERS XERO SETUP FOR SPAIN FAQ's In return, the US agreed to terminate proposed trade actions against Spain, Austria, France, Italy and the UK with respect to their existing DSTs. 6% to 11% for transfers of real estate property, 1% to 10% for transfers of movable assets and administrative concessions. Therefore, the tax exemption for double taxation does not apply to companies taxed at a tax rate lower than 10%, even if they are resident in a countrywhich has signed a DTT with Spain. As of 1 January 2019, the general tax rate is 24%. Free depreciation for new tangible fixed assets (except buildings). However, Spain has one of the most extensive double-taxation treaty networks in the world, which reduces or eliminates the Spanish withholding tax rate on such types of income. Distribution or return from this account should be carefully reviewed as it may have adverse tax consequences. At Canary Island Hub we work to maximize the, Have you ever considered moving your company to the Canary Islands? However, depending on the type of entity and the business carried out, other tax rates may apply. Moreover, the Spanish CIT regime recognizes that any excess of the tax credits may be carried forward. The exemption will not be applied when the PEs income is tax exempt in the state in which it is located or is taxed by an identical or similar tax to the CIT at a nominal tax rate lower than 10%. There are three main types of partnerships in Spain, which are not very common due to the unlimited liability of the members: A foreign company that carries on business in Spain, whether it acts through a permanent establishment or not, is subject to tax under the Non-Resident Income Tax (NRIT) Act in respect of such income. There are other instances where this 95% participation-exemption regime does not apply, such as when the nonresident subsidiary is not taxed at a minimum nominal tax rate of 10%, or when the payment of dividends generates a deductible expense. No other rate registered in . Taxpayers that begin their activity in Spain may apply for a two- year exemption on this tax if certain requirements are met. Finally, the enacted legislation clarifies that the anti-hybrid rules will not apply when the mismatch arises as a result of: On 22 December 2021, the Instrument of ratification of the Multilateral Convention (MLI) to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), made in Paris on 24 November 2016, was published in the Official State Gazette. Certain limitations are applicable if a company applies this reduction and obtains negative income in previous or future years. As for Pillar Two / GloBE rules, on March 6, 2023, Spains Ministry of Finance and Public Function opened a public consultation that was open until March 24, 2023, concerning the transposition into Spanish law of the European Directive on the Global Minimum Tax (Council Directive (EU) 2022/2523 of December 14, 2022). The rate of withholding tax depends on the nature of the income (for instance, as a general rule, the 19% applies to interest and dividends regardless of the residence of the non-resident) and on the tax residence of the non-resident (for instance, the 19% applies to residents of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), while the 24% withholding rate applies to other non-residents of the EU or the EEA). The tax system in Spain is administered by the Agencia Estatal de Administracin Tributaria (AEAT), which is an agency of the Spanish Treasury Ministry. reduced tax rate in the Canary Islands Special Zone (hereinafter, ZEC) of the REF would be limited to the part of the . 25% CIT rate over the 5% amount of capital gain/dividends)) applies to capital gains obtained from the sale of shares. Additionally, transfer tax could also trigger in transactions subject to but exempt from VAT, such as certain real estate transactions. The excess can be applied by the taxpayerthat carries out the project. The ZEC also includes the Canaries main business activities, which are part of the tourism sector and take advantage of the archipelagos excellent year-round weather. Employers and employees must pay a monthly contribution to Social Security, but the employer must do it on behalf of the employee. One of the main sectors is wholesale trade and services, although there are many more that can also enter the ZEC. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. The tax credit is 5% for investments in non-current assets that are considered to be improvements or investments in leased assets carried out by lessees. ZEC has a very important role in the internationalization of the Canarian economy. Finally, it is worth noting that Spain has opted to apply the Principal Purpose Test rule to all its double tax treaties. An amount equal to 20% of gross income generated from leases of housing and their financial expenses may be considered tax deductible. When you add the state income tax rates, the top rate for Canary Isles taxpayers could be around 48.5%. From a direct taxation viewpoint there are other applicable taxes, such as local property tax and business activity tax, and others that only apply to individuals, such as the inheritance, gift tax, wealth tax and the temporary solidarity tax on high net-worth individuals (in principle, the latter will only apply in 2022 and 2023). A key element for the low costs is the Canary Islands Economic and Fiscal Regime (REC) which includes a Canary Islands Indirect General Tax (IGIC) of 6.5% (The peninsular VAT is 21%) and the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC). Notable exclusions are the United States (which has not adopted the MLI), the Netherlands, Japan and China. Thanks to this low corporate tax rate, companies can be more competitive and can attract, maintain, and hire qualified talent. Decision (EU) 2020/1792 of 16 November 2020 authorises the Spanish authorities to apply total exemptions or reductions of the local AIEM tax in respect of a limited list of locally manufactured products specified in the annex to that decision until 31 December 2020. Net income for each leased property cannot be negative. Interests in companies resident in Spain that do not comply with the requirement that 85% of their income is generated from business activities. The REF (Economic and Fiscal Regime of the Canary Islands) is a broad set of regulations, the purpose of which is to compensate for the remoteness, insularity and structural limitations of the Archipelago. The Canary Islands has increased its General Indirect Tax (IGIC) rates as part of its 2020 Budget (IGIC is similar to VAT). During the tax year, resident companies and permanent establishments must make tax payments on account, also known as CIT prepayments of the final tax due of the ongoing tax period. The Canary Islands' standard company tax rate is 22.5%, which is much lower than corporate tax rates in many other European countries. Companies that develop activities in Spain must be registered with the General System of Social Security and must also register their employees. T he new tax regime of the Canary Islands (Corporation Tax rate of 4 %) has largely been overlooked by most tax professionals, although it is by far one of the most interesting ones currently in force. Furthermore, in October 2021 Spain, along with 135 other countries, committed to a two-pillar plan for international corporate tax reform that supports the OECD Inclusive Frameworks Tax Challenges Arising from Digitalisation project. The tax base is 1.8 million euros, although this depends on the number of employees the company has. The increase in value is calculated by one of the following methods: i. Since the 95% participation-exemption regime is applicable as of January 1, 2021 (before, a full participation exemption regime applied), the CIT Law establishes: Non-residents without the presence of a permanent establishment in Spain are subject to NRIT at a rate of 19% on capital gains on assets located in Spain, unless otherwise specified in a double-taxation treaty. You will be exempt from documentary and property transfer taxes. In its preamble, the Spanish DST Law expressly mentions that the current rules under the DST Law are aimed at covering a transitional period until the EU DST Directive is approved, in which case local regulations would be adapted to such EU Directive. If the transaction is subject to capital duty or transfer tax (as opposed to VAT), no stamp duty can be levied. 54% on the first million euros when expenses in the Canaries exceed 1.900.000 3. Companies may also qualify for a 15% tax credit for investments made and expenses incurred in respect of tangible fixed assets upon complying with certain requirements. In general terms, a 19% / 24% withholding tax rate would apply to non-residents who obtain Spanish source dividends, interest payments, rents, royalties or management fees (among other kinds of income). General tax rate. The Canary Islands have the lowest corporate tax in Europe approved by the European Union due to their status as one of the EUs outermost regions. The general CIT rate in Spain is 25%. Tax Benefits - lowest corporate tax rate in Europe, just 4%, compared to the European average of around 20%.The Canary Islands also have the lowest VAT rate in Europe at 7%. However, some autonomous regions have included increased rates that vary between 1% and 3% to certain transactions (mainly real estate). Shareholder liability is generally limited to the investment in the companys equity. A non-resident may either establish a Spanish business vehicle to carry on business in Spain or operate directly, with or without a Spanish permanent establishment. Money talks. Depreciation/amortisation periods for assets are shorter than those established by state CIT law. This reduced rate is 4% instead of the 25% general tax rate that applies in the rest of Spain. The asset in which the reinvestment is made is held for five years (three in the case of moveable assets) or, if less, the asset's useful life. The general Corporate Income Tax rate applicable in Spain is 25%. OTHER TAX ADVANTAGES The CIT standard rate applicable to resident companies, including Spanish permanent establishments, is 25%. Taxation is one of the many aspects companies have to consider when setting up their headquarters. Therefore, the recent tax reform for the Spanish Common Territory would apply to Basque tax groups. The general rate is 6,5%, compared to the general Spanish VAT rate of 21%. Taxable income is calculated as worldwide income less deductible expenses. The loan should be used to finance new business activities or projects. A micro company is considered to be a company that meets the following requirements in the year prior to the application of the special tax regime: For holding companies, including, amongst others, real estate companies, the tax rates are as follows: The requirements to be taxed under these rates are as follows: This tax regime establishes the following rulesfor these types of companies: The tax-loss carryforwards to be offset in each tax period cannot exceed 50% of the positive tax base (prior to offsetting ). Staff expenses incurred for staff exclusively carrying out and qualified to carry out R&D activities. You are switching to another language. As for who would be considered a taxpayer, the DST Law establishes that it would be those entities (Spanish tax resident or not) that meet the following requirements: The above-listed thresholdswould be determined at a group level when the entities belong to a corporate group (as per article 42 of the Spanish Commercial Code). All rights reserved. The RDL was published in the Spanish StateGazette on 10 March 2021 and entered into force the following day. This rate will be 19% when the recipient of the services is resident in the EU or the EEA. Therefore, the Spanish measures (that have transposed ATAD 2) apply to hybrid mismatches that occur between Spain and third countries, including EU member states. Spanish tax authorities can also audit, without limitations, tax losses and tax deductions generated in the past 10 years, regardless of the general statute of limitations, which is normally four years. The minimum corporate tax rate is calculated by applying 15% to the taxable base - which is calculated by performing certain taxable adjustments to the accounting result (e.g., exemptions, offsetting tax losses from previous years, etc.). A carryforward method is implemented to deduct net financial expenses, which have not been deducted in the following tax period, jointly with the ones of the corresponding tax period, under the limit stated above. The limit does not apply when a company's net borrowing withrelated companies does not exceed EUR 10 million at any time during the tax period. In exchange, these companies can enjoy the low corporate tax rate of 4%. Corporate - Taxes on corporate income. One of the countries with the lowest taxes for companies is Spain, specifically in the Canary archipelago. Additionally: VAT tax reporting is generally made quarterly, although in some cases monthly tax files are required. However, some particularities should be considered, such as the limitation on certain expenses e.g., interest expenses (except for permanent establishments of banks under certain conditions), royalties, fees and payments for technical assistance and for the use of other goods or rights made by a Spanish permanent establishment to its head office are not deductible from the taxable base of the permanent establishment and valuation of certain transactions (e.g., management and general administration expenses that the head office incurs in the branch are deductible by the branch to the extent that certain requirements are met). The Canary Islands proudly boasts the lowest "Onshore" Corporate Tax Rate in Europe, just 4%. Not including employee contribution of 6.35% Social Security tax, 4.7% pension contribution tax, 1.55% unemployment tax, 0.1% worker training tax . Technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The obligation to disclose assets located overseas, such as accounts, shares, real estate, or vehicles, is also established in the three Basque territories. Most aspects of transfer tax, including rates, deductions and formalities when filing tax returns, are determined by regional tax laws. Companies that create more than 25 jobs will not have an investment requirement. In the case of resident subsidiaries that do not comply with the requirements of being subject to CIT or a similar tax and of carrying on business activities, an amount equal to the net increase of undistributed profits that may be allocated to the interest in the subsidiary generated during the time when the interest is held (excluding the part that would not have been included in taxable income with the offsetting of tax-loss carryforwards) will not be included in taxable income (up to the limit of calculated income). A 5% interest (or 3% in the case of listed companies) should be held for one year. The proposed rules have not yet been adopted. Tobenefit from the tax credit for job creation, the average increase in the workforce must be for employees with an indefinite contract and whose salaries are higher than the minimum inter-professional salary, increased by 70%. When a payment is made to a Spanish non-resident with reference to services performed in Spain, the payer must withhold a 24% tax rate of the payment. Compliance with FATCA may require changes to existing systems and processes across business units and regions, the renewal of policies and day-to-day practices, as well as other new tasks, such as registering with the IRS. Total depreciation/amortisation charges of up to 25% of net tax value or free depreciation for new tangible fixed assets (except buildings). The lender should have a 25% direct or indirect interest in the borrower (15% for listed subsidiaries, and thisinterest should be held for one year). Spanish Succession and Gift Tax (SSGT) for the Canary Isles As previously mentioned, the withholding tax rate can be reduced or eliminated under EU legislation or a double-taxation treaty. Non-residents not acting through a permanent establishment can also be subject to taxation in Spain under the Non-Residents Income Tax (NRIT) Act.