Tax reforms in the Southern Spain region of Andalucía will reduce income tax and succession tax liabilities for local taxpayers from 2022.

It is not often that we have good tax news, but the government in Andalucía has been making a habit of it the last couple of years.  In 2019 it committed to reform its tax system to reduce the pressure on local taxpayers. The latest changes make Andalucía one of the most tax attractive regions in Spain, especially for succession tax planning.

Law 5 of 20 October 2021, on ceded taxes of the Autonomous Community of Andalucía, introduces substantial changes in personal income tax and succession and gift tax.  Most are effective from 1st January 2022.

Personal income tax rates 2022

The general income tax scale rates have been modified, reducing the applicable tax rates.  From January 2022, the applicable general income tax scale rates are as follows:

Spanish succession and gift tax (SSGT)

These changes will be a relief for Andalucía residents as they reduce the amount of tax your family and heirs will have to pay when they inherit your assets.

From 1^st January 2022 the applicable progressive succession and gift tax rates have been reduced across the bands.

The starting tax rate has reduced from 7.65% to 7%, while the top rate is now 26% compared to 36.5% in 2021. 

The Spanish tax regime also applies multipliers, which in some cases can significantly increase the tax rates.  This is usually based on both the pre-existing wealth of the beneficiary and their degree of kinship, but in Andalucía is now only based on the relationship:

Group I & II – 1.0

Group III – 1.5

Group IV – 1.9

Previously, group IV beneficiaries would be subject to multipliers between 2 and 2.4, and even group I & II heirs could face up to 1.2.

The beneficiary groups are defined as follows:

Group I – Descendants (children, grandchildren etc) under 21

Group II – Descendants over 21, ascendants (parents etc), spouses and pareja de hecho partners (which Andalucía treats the same as spouses for SSGT purposes)

Group III – Siblings, cousins, uncles/aunts, nephews/nieces, in-laws, potentially stepchildren (determined case by case)

Group IV – Everyone else, including unmarried partners not registered as  pareja de hecho

Succession tax personal and main home reductions

At state level, the highest personal reduction is only €15,957.  Here in Andalucía, your children and spouse benefit from a €1 million allowance on inheritances (not gifts):

Groups I and II – €1,000,000

Group III – €10,000

Group IV – Nil

Previously the €1 million allowance was only available to those whose pre-existing wealth was less than €1 million; this condition has now been removed.

The 99% tax relief for inheritances that applies to Group I and II beneficiaries will still be applicable in 2022.

In Andalucía, the main home is reduced by 99% for inheritances received by close family. Until now, this was reduced to 95% if the property was valued over €242,000, but this no longer applies.  The 99% reduction is available if:

1.     The beneficiary of the property is a spouse, civil partner, ascendant, descendant, or other relative over 65 years old who lived with the deceased the previous two years before death.

2.     The property is retained for three years.

Gift tax allowance on main home

The requirements for the 99% reduction on lifetime gifts on the main home have been expanded to:

1.     The recipient is either below 35 years old, or qualifies as disabled, or is a victim of domestic violence or terrorism, and

2.     Their pre-existing wealth does not exceed €402,678, and

3.     The recipient uses the property as their main home and retains it for three years, and this is stated in the public deed of gift.

Property taxes

Property transfer tax – with effect from 27^th October 2021, this tax rate is 7% (this only applies to re-sales as new properties are subject to VAT).  The new tax rate applicable for leasing is 0.3%.

Stamp duty tax – The new tax rate applicable for notary documents from 27^th October is 1.2%.

Spanish wealth tax

After last year’s reductions, there are no changes to Andalucía’s wealth tax rates for 2022 and range progressively from 0.2% for wealth up to €167,129 to 2.5% for wealth over 2.5%.

Tax planning

These tax reforms, particularly to succession tax, are very welcome for Andalucía tax residents.  While Spain’s inheritance regime remains complex and often misunderstood, your family and heirs will pay less tax under these new rates, meaning more of your hard-earned wealth goes to them, rather than to the taxman.

Remember that many British expatriates remain liable for UK inheritance tax, so your estate planning needs to be set up to take account of both the Spanish and UK rules.  At Blevins Franks, our advisers are cross-border specialists and have years of experience helping clients navigate both regimes to achieve their wishes for their heirs.

If you’d like to understand how these Andalucía reforms benefit you personally, get in touch with Blevins Franks. We can also review your tax planning and wealth management to ensure it takes full advantage of Andalucía’s tax regime. 

David Bowern, Partner, Blevins Franks

+34 952 809 212

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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.

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