There are several changes to this year’s income tax return in Spain, particularly for the unemployed, those who received minimum wage, and those who earned large capital gains. Here’s what you need to know.
This year’s income tax campaign in Spain begins on April 8th. This means that you have from April 8th until June 30th to complete your personal income tax return, known as the declaración de la renta in Spanish.
Remember that this is for income earned during the 2025 calendar year, even though you file it in 2026.
Like most years in Spain, this year there are several changes you have to be aware of, affecting who should file, how much you’ll pay and what you can deduct.
The unemployed
Up until now, even if you were unemployed you still had to file an income tax return, but this year you won’t have to.
According to Spain’s BOE state bulletin, in order to prevent a modification of taxes for unemployment benefit recipients, it is considered necessary “to eliminate this obligation to file an IRPF return”.
In practical terms, this means that if you were unemployed in 2025 and only received unemployment benefits not exceeding €22,000 annually, then you will not have to file la renta.
If you earned more than this though, or if you were self-employed at some point in 2025 or if you received the Minimum Living Income (IMV), you will still have to file one.
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Minimum wage earners
If you only earned minimum wage in 2025, then this year you will be able to benefit from a tax deduction. Specifically you can get a deduction of up to €340 if you earned between €16,576 and €18,276 last year.
If you earned €16,576 or less, you will get the full €340 deduction, but if you earned between €16,576 and €18,276, the deduction will be worked out proportionally. Anyone earning more than this will not be able to benefit.
Capital gains
If you earned capital gains exceeding €300,000 last year, then it’s important to be aware that the tax rate has changed this year.
It has increased from 28 to 30 percent and is applied to amounts over €300,000 from dividends, bank interest, and gains from selling investment funds, shares, or other financial assets.
READ ALSO: The tax deadlines in Spain in 2026
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Aid and compensation will be exempt
Compensation and aid granted to those affected by forest fires and other emergencies such as floods that occurred between June 23rd and August 25th, 2025, will be exempt from Personal Income Tax.
This includes aid received for repair of homes, vehicles, and belongings, as well as aid to businesses and the self-employed in the affected areas.
Regional tax deductions
This year there are 30 new regional tax deductions, which depend on where you live in the country. For example, those with celiac disease will benefit from a deduction of up to €100, and if you live in Andalusia, Asturias or La Rioja it may be up to €250.
If you live in Andalusia or Murcia you will also be able to deduct gym membership for the first time this year, as well as vet bills. Those in Valencia and La Rioja can already deduct gym membership and their regional governments are looking into the possibility of deducting vet bills too.
There are also tax deductions for energy efficiency improvements to homes, which depend on what you’ve had done and where you live.
Our reporters at The Local are not tax experts, so if you’re unsure about anything regarding filing your return or which deductions you may be able to apply, it’s important that you contact a gestor or accountant.
