If you have already made a 720 asset declaration you may need to make a new one if your circumstances have changed. If your assets have increased by more than 20,000€, your investments have matured or you have purchased or sold property, then you might need to present again. If you are unsure, then it is worth checking with your Ábaco tax adviser.

If you are new to Spain and are now living here as a resident, then the 720 asset declaration is a requirement if you have more than 50,000€ (or equivalent) in assets outside of Spain. The deadline for this is March 31st but the declaration only needs to be made once unless circumstances change. To check whether you qualify or not, we are happy to advise. For more information read our article:

The 720 asset declaration form (and NEW 721 FORM!!)

Many people buy a property in Spain with the idea of retiring here in later life. For some, it never happens. However, if it is something that you are keen to do – how should you go about it? In this article we take you through some of the important stages in making your dream a reality:

With rising air fares and the annoying reality of realising your luggage costs more to fly than you do, people are looking for alternatives. Depending, of course, on where you live, driving might be a feasible option. In this article we consider how to make it as comfortable as possible, the importance of having some knowledge of Spanish driving laws and how to make your car Spanish road ready:

If you love architecture and living in a historically rich and cultural place, then Avila could be the one for you. The city dates back to Roman times and boasts a splendid castle and surrounding city wall. The Cathedral of Ávila is only one example of the religious architecture that characterises this town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – an accolade that is well-deserved. To find out more about it, read David Ruiz’ article: Living in Avila Spain: The Definitive Guide

Do you have an electric scooter? Love them or hate them, they are certainly a presence on many Spanish streets and roads and cause concern amongst car drivers. In an attempt to regulate them more closely, registration is now compulsory and owners are also required to have liability insurance. Murcia Today explains how to register if you do have one. The regulation requirement applies to any personal mobility vehicle powered by an electric motor with a maximum speed of between 6 and 25 km/h:

It might feel as though the little people never win but, in this case reported by EuroWeekly, there is hope for us all. Two pensioners took on the Spanish Tax Authority when they received a demand to pay tax against their British pensions:

The GOV.UK website has added information to their guidance for British people living in Spain. ‘Planning for later life as a British person in Spain’ provides information on a range of subjects including getting care from social services, planning finances and reporting safeguarding concerns. The main message is not to expect that you will get the same level of public-provided support as you might in your native country:Planning for later life as a British person in Spain

The Spanish government is pressing towards 

Did you get chance to watch one of the Spanish carnivals? This glorious February event is celebrated with gusto in some Spanish towns. If you weren’t able to go or didn’t really like the idea of standing for three hours, then you can watch this video of Torrevieja’s carnival and marvel at the amazing costumes and endurance of those taking part:

Some people are naturally morning people whilst others…well it takes a little while to get to grips with the day. Particularly if you are retired, it is important to harness your mornings and develop your own healthy routine. HealthPlan Spain provides its recommendations for how to make your morning start a good one:

Simple Morning Habits To Improve Your Health 

Cyclists passing parked cars aren’t at danger from the car, but from its door. Every year cyclists are severely injured because they have either collided with the opened door or have been forced into the path of a car to avoid it. This movement, reported by the N332 website, is the perfect way to ensure that you check behind before opening:

With elections on the horizon and news circulating about the reasons behind the regulation of immigrants, this Euronews article puts the rumours in context. It clarifies who is able to vote in Spain and when:

A Place in the Sun is obviously an advocate of making the right move abroad at the right time. In this article they provide five reasons why you might want to take the plunge and buy your property in Spain now:

If you watched an episode of A Place in the Sun in January you might have seen Jerome and Meik invest in their own holiday apartment on the Costa del Sol. In this article we find out how much the apartment is actually costing them on a monthly basis and how it is living up to expectations:

Every year, at around this time in Spain, the pine processionary caterpillar is spotted on its annual journey from the pine trees where it has hatched, to a safe place in the ground where it will burrow and pupate. This march in file of caterpillars represents a real danger to pets and young children. Read more about them on our Spain Explained website:

100 years after Antoni Gaudi’s death, his perhaps most ambitious project is almost completed. The Sagrada Familia has been a work in progress since then and visitors have become accustomed to viewing it with the familiar accompaniment of scaffolding. Now, with the cross in place, the basilica is nearing its inauguration. EuroWeekly provides us with some of the history and background to this historic event:

Easter week is nearly upon us and if you haven’t already started thinking about marking the occasion, perhaps reading this article from EuroWeekly will kick start your planning:

We would welcome any suggestions for future themes you would like us to cover either in the newsletter or in an article on Spain Explained.

Please let us know by email at newsletter@abacoadvisers.com.

Thank you!