Did you miss the non-resident tax declaration deadline?

If you are a non-resident with a property in Spain then December 31st was the deadline for the non-resident tax declaration.

However, you can submit a late declaration for a small fine (5%) and avoid the risk of being fined 20% in tax plus interest if you leave payment until next year. It’s not a lot to pay for piece of mind if you take the opportunity now.

In this article we explain more about what the declaration covers and why you are required to make it:

Did you miss the non-resident tax declaration deadline?

Are you worried about inheritance?

Whether you live in Spain yourself or you have close relatives who do, it’s important that you understand Spanish inheritance law. 

Ábaco Advisers have put together their own handbook to explain in more detail what the Spanish succession laws are, how to make a will and information about inheritance and donation tax. For this comprehensive advice you should go to The complete guide to Spanish inheritance law.

Keeping informed about Brexit

It’s a historic time for British people. After the 2016 referendum, Britain is finally leaving the EU. A lot of uncertainty remains about exactly what this will mean for everyone concerned. However, there are plenty of reassuring noises coming from the consulate.

The main message, as always, is make sure you’re official and that you have your documentation. National police stations, social security offices and driving licence issuers have found themselves inundated by requests for appointments recently and Murcia Today reports on the increase in registered British people living in Murcia:

The official British population in Murcia and Spain increases

Whether Big Ben is set to bong or not on January 31st, it’s unlikely that we’ll see any monumental changes over night. We’ve been told that there is a year’s interval for settling in purposes and we’ve been reassured that the benefits that residents currently enjoy through mutual agreements will continue.

The Local has published a number of practical articles for UK nationals resident in other countries. They are currently running a survey to find out how people feel about Britain’s departure. The results should be interesting. Use this link if you would like to contribute:

Brits living in Europe: How does it feel to be leaving the EU?

Those thinking of taking up residency in the future may find the requirements becoming even more stringent. Whereas 12 years ago you could walk into Spain show your passport and receive your residencia, this is not the case anymore. This article is written about applying for residency in France but there are many similarities and some clear messages too:

Brexit: The Withdrawal Agreement won't stop Brits in France 'falling through the gaps'

This article looks at the prospects for those who wish to live in Spain following Brexit:

Can Brits still move to Spain after Brexit day?

For many, January 31st will be a sad day. However, those with British nationality who have the correct paperwork should not be too alarmed as we begin on a new era of relationship with Spain.

What was on at Fitur

Fitur is the annual tourist fair that takes place in Madrid. It’s opportunity for tourist destinations in Spain and around the world, to show off what they have to offer. This year, Andalucia had a high profile and Torrevieja also made an appearance. This year there were some novel ways of attracting an audience and El País in English show cases what some of these were:

Madrid’s Fitur tourism trade fair: Around the world in 10 pavilions

It’s carnival time!

In some parts of Spain February is the month when local people lose the scarves, gloves and boots and turn to feathers, sequins and sandals. Carnival takes place during this rather cool part of the Spanish year in the run up to lent and represents that last opportunity for excess, of many different types, before the fasting.

Of course, not many people fast in this way, but the opportunity for a good party and lots of extravagant clothing will never go amiss in Spain. You will need to do your own research to discover if there is a carnival near to you. Eurotourguide is advertising some carnival dates for Torrevieja:

Torrevieja Carnival

Don’t forget you can find out about lots of events in the Costa Blanca region from their website and ‘What’s On’ newsletter:

Eurotourguide Blog

You can watch some of last year’s carnival in Torrevieja on YouTube:

Torrevieja Carnival on YouTube

Have you heard of an earth sandwich?

That’s the term that’s been given to two people on opposite sides of the world linking up. In this case, it’s a man in New Zealand creating ‘the earth sandwich’ with one in Spain. It’s not clear why you would go to this amount of effort to do this, but you never know, it might catch on!

'Earth sandwich': two men, two slices of bread and 12,724km of filling

What interests you?

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!