Tax office requirements
A letter from the Tax Agency is frightening, but it can often be sorted out. We review what they are asking for and help you reply properly and on time.
What it involves
A requirement from the Tax Agency (requerimiento de Hacienda) is an official communication in which the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) asks you for information or documents, or asks you to correct a return. You may also receive a proposed assessment, if it believes you should pay more, or notice that penalty proceedings have been opened. The deadline to reply is short, and what you reply can change the outcome.
Is this your case?
- You have been asked to justify some expenses you deducted in your return.
- The Tax Agency says you did not file a return that you believed did not apply to you.
- You are being asked for VAT (IVA) or personal income tax (IRPF) for a quarter because your figures don't match those of your clients.
- You have received an electronic notification and don't know whether the deadline is already running.
How we help
We read the letter with you and explain in plain words what they are asking for and what the risks are. We gather the documents, prepare the reply or the objections and file them within the deadline. If in the end there is an assessment or a penalty that is not correct, we assess whether it is worth appealing. And if the debt is genuine, we tell you about options such as deferring payment. We can help you in Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight, French and English, at our offices in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Málaga and Barcelona or online, wherever you are in Spain.
To avoid any more nasty surprises, we help you meet your tax obligations; and if the letter comes from Social Security, see Social Security requirements.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a requirement and a proposed assessment?
- In a requirement (requerimiento), the Tax Agency asks you for information or documents. In a proposed assessment (propuesta de liquidación), it is already telling you that it believes you owe an amount, and it gives you the chance to submit objections (alegaciones) before it decides.
- What happens if I don't reply to a requirement from the Tax Agency?
- Not replying can lead to a penalty and, in addition, the Tax Agency will decide on the basis of the information it has, which may not be in your favour. Even if you don't have everything they ask for, it is better to reply and explain your situation.
- Can a debt with the Tax Agency affect my papers?
- It can in some cases, for example when renewing a self-employment permit or applying for nationality, where being up to date with your payments is usually taken into account. We help you put your situation in order as soon as possible.
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We speak Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight (Berber), French and English.