As every year, doubts about how to make the tax return appear once again in Spanish society. This process requires our full attention in order to comply with our tax obligations correctly, without making mistakes that we will have to make amends for later. In this article, we will look in detail at what the 2024 tax return entails, who is obliged to file it and how to prepare properly for this important procedure.
What is the income tax return and who is obliged to file it?
The income tax return is a procedure by which taxpayers inform the Tax Administration of their income, expenses and other relevant circumstances in order to calculate the income tax payable. Those who are obliged to file it are those who:
- have obtained income of more than 22,000 euros per year, including income such as liabilities, pensions or remuneration received in other countries.
- workers who have had two or more payers during the year and whose annual income has exceeded 15,000 euros.
- are owners of a property and have rented it for a value of more than 1,600 euros per year.
Official timetable for the 2024 tax returns
Key dates for filing
The Tax Agency has already published the different key dates for the 2023-2024 tax return campaign.
- 3 April: the deadline for filing the tax return electronically begins.
- 29 April: the deadline for requesting an appointment opens. This period will run until 28 June.
- 7 May: the deadline for filing your tax return by telephone begins.
- 3 June: if you prefer to file your tax return in person at one of the Tax Agency’s offices, this is the date from which you will be able to do so.
- 1 July: this is the last day on which you can file your tax return, either online, by telephone or in person.
How to prepare for the tax return
Necessary documentation
It is essential to gather all the necessary documentation before starting the declaration. This includes:
- DNI of the declarant
- If you have properties, the cadastral references of all of them.
- The IBAN number of your account
- Authorisation and photocopy of the DNI of all the people in the family unit of the declarant, and documents proving a change in the family unit, such as widowhood or divorce.
- If the person is receiving a pension or has some kind of disability, a certificate certifying one or both of these situations.
- If you are self-employed, invoices for expenses that may be deductible.
- If you are a member of a political party, trade union or NGO, a document proving this.
- Documentation of the mortgage or rent of a property, if that is the case.
- Certificates of personal income tax withholdings and income on account.
- Certificate from your bank regarding the income generated and interest paid during the year.
What’s new in the 2024 tax return
The first new feature is that the filing deadline will be slightly longer: about nine days longer than in 2023. In addition, if you earn less than 15,000 euros per year, you will not have to file a tax return, which is a difference with 2023, as the threshold was below 14,000 euros/year.
If you have bought any type of new electric vehicle during 2023, you will be able to benefit from a deduction of up to 15% if you have paid at least 25% of the purchase value. If you have a child under the age of three, you will be able to deduct 1,200 euros in your 2023-2024 tax return.
Step by step: How to file your tax return digitally
Filing your tax return online is usually the most widely used method due to its convenience and speed. In the following lines we explain how to file your tax return online, step by step.
Accessing the system and requesting a draft tax return
The first thing you should do is access the system set up by the Tax Agency and identify yourself, either with your National ID card or electronic certificate, Cl@ve PIN or with a reference number. Once inside, click on the section “Draft / tax return processing service (Renta Web)” and select the type of action (in your own name or as a representative).
After this, click on “Available services” and, within this section, on “Draft/return (Renta WEB)”.
Verification of data and how to modify them
You may have already accessed it previously, so you will see a window informing you that a return has already been saved, so you can continue making it. You can also start one from scratch by clicking on “New return”. You may even have already filed a return which you can modify by clicking on “Modify filed return”.
You must then make sure that all the details are correct and add new information using the “Declaration sections” section.The “More options” button allows you to consult certain data, save the document on the Tax Agency server or search for a specific box.
Submission and confirmation
Once you have checked that the data is correct, you must click on “Validate”. At this point, you may see some errors that you must correct by clicking on “Go to warning” or “Go to error”. Remember that the warnings do not prevent you from filing your tax return, although the errors must be resolved for it to be valid when you file it.
After verifying that all the information is correctly filled in, you can click on the “File return” button, which will mean that your return is finally filed with the Tax Agency.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
During the return process, it is easy to make mistakes that can lead to discrepancies with the Tax Administration. Some of the most common mistakes include the omission of income or deductions, as well as calculation errors. To avoid them, it is essential to carefully review all the information before filing or to use the services of a tax consultant, who will advise you during the process or even do it for you.
Tax deductions and benefits applicable in 2024
Tax regulations usually establish a series of tax deductions and benefits aimed at promoting certain activities or personal situations.
It is important to know which ones are applicable in the year 2023-2024 in order to make the most of the tax benefits available.
State deductions
These are the main deductions at state level that you can benefit from in the 2023-2024 tax return:
- Family: mothers with children under the age of three will be able to deduct the amount of 1,200 euros per year. In a divorce situation, compensatory and alimony pensions can be deducted and, if you are part of a large family, you can benefit from a deduction of a maximum of 1,200 euros/year.
- Donations to NGOs: If you have donated money to an NGO, you will be able to deduct up to 80% of the first 150 euros donated. The rest of the donations will have a deduction of 35%.
- Housing: Whether you bought your home through a mortgage before 1 January 2013 or if you signed your rental agreement before 2015 with an income that did not exceed 24,107 euros per year, you are entitled to a deduction, although you will have to make sure that you meet all the requirements.
In addition to these deductions, you can also benefit from certain contributions to pension plans, as well as to political parties, trade unions and professional associations.
Regional deductions
In addition to state deductions, the Autonomous Communities may establish additional deductions within the scope of their competence. It is advisable to find out about the applicable regional deductions depending on the taxpayer’s tax residence through the Tax Agency’s Guide to regional deductions.
What to do if you have to pay or receive a refund
Depending on the result of your tax return, you may have to pay an additional amount of tax or you may be entitled to a refund from the Tax Administration.
If you receive a refund, you can choose to have the refund transferred (to an EU/SEPA or non-EU/SEPA account) or waive the refund in favour of the Treasury. If you have to pay the tax return, you have the option of paying in two instalments or in one payment. Afterwards, you will indicate whether you want to pay the amount by direct debit, make an electronic payment or pay it at the bank or cashier’s office by means of a deposit document.
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 income tax return
Is it obligatory to file a tax return if I have worked abroad?
Tax residents in Spain who work for a foreign company have a maximum annual salary of 60,100 euros, which is exempt from Personal Income Tax (IRPF) as long as the country of the company is not a tax haven.
Can I amend my tax return once it has been filed?
Yes, if the errors work against you, either because you should be refunded more money or because you have paid in more than you should have, you can request a correction of the tax return you have already filed.
On the other hand, if it is the Tax Office that is the victim, either because you have underpaid or because you have been refunded too much, what you have to do is to file a supplementary tax return.
What happens if I do not file my tax return on time?
Late filing can lead to financial penalties from the Tax Administration, as well as late payment interest for late payment of the tax.
Conclusions
The tax return is a fundamental procedure for complying with tax obligations and contributing to the support of public services. Through this complete guide, we hope to have provided the necessary information to facilitate the tax return process and resolve the most common doubts that may arise.
Remember that the Tax Agency is available to provide assistance and guidance should you need it. Don’t leave your tax return until the last minute and make sure you comply with your tax obligations correctly and in a timely manner.
