Paying rental income tax

Some of our readers have been asking for more information about renting out their property and the tax they will have to pay. We’ve put together an article to address some of your queries on our Spain Explained website.We hope this helps:

Renting in Spain - the tax implications

Your questions answered for free!

We’re always looking for ways of making it easier to talk to us. Now some new software means that you can book a free conveyancing consultation without having to speak to anyone at all. We explain how you can do this and talk to one of our specialists by telephone, on skype or face-to-face:

Book your free conveyancing consultation any time you like

Choose your moment to blow your horn with care

It’s often remarked that car drivers in mediterranean countries are more likely to use their horns than in other parts of Europe. The extent of this might be slightly exaggerated when it comes to Spain but there will be times when all of us have witnessed road rage coming out as extended periods of horn honking. 

However, this kind of behaviour is in fact not allowed and you can be fined if you use your horn inappropriately. This interesting article from ThinkSpain explains more about it:

'Non-urgent' horn-honking attracts fines, warns traffic authority 

Choose your hike

Following a previous newsletter, one of our readers asked if we could include an article about hiking in Spain and good routes to take. Not an avid walker myself, it came as quite a surprise to see just how many wonderful hiking opportunities there are here. 

In this article we just touch on some of the routes there are and include a few links for you to find out more. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or more of a pilgrim, you should find something to suit your taste:

Where to go hiking in Spain

Flying in Spain

Most of us are quite content with working out the roundabout rules and feeling confident driving in Spain. Not so, Garrett Fisher. Originally from the United States, Garrett took his PA-11 aeroplane to Germany and now has landed in Spain. He’s a reader of our newsletter and has written an introductory article about the exploits that brought him to Spain for our readers:

Flying in Spain, an Overview

His website is well worth a look at for the stunning photos that he takes whilst in his antique aircraft. We’re hoping that Garrett will share the next stage of his adventure with us too.

A website we’d not seen before

We came across this website whilst searching for information about hiking in Spain. We thought it was good and were impressed by the other articles which identify different places to go and things to do. Worth a look if you want to explore Spain just a little bit more.

It’s called The Culture Trip and you can find out useful and interesting information about countries across the world, not only Spain. It aims to share local knowledge and provide recommendations that ‘enhance people’s lives’. 

You can visit their ‘Spain - See and Do’ site:

Spain - See & Do

or 

Guides and trips: 

Spain - Guides & Tips

or

Art:

Spain - Art

It really is worth taking time to browse, particularly if you’re looking for some new ideas for places to visit and things to see. You can also search by area to find out what’s available and they do seem to have quite a selection of articles available for the major towns and cities. 

For example to find out more about Valencia:

Valencia - See & Do

Heading away from the hotspots

There’s been a lot in the news about some major tourist capitals turning away from this lucrative but sometimes irritating source of revenue. It’s not only residents who can become irritated by too many tourists. Many people prefer a less beaten track. 

This selection of alternative destinations is supplied by the Telegraph. The destinations chosen aren’t exactly comparing like with like but it is an interesting idea that you might want to consider whilst widening your search. Of course, there is always the possibility that other people may have exactly the same idea as you...

Surprising alternatives to Europe’s most overcrowded cities

What’s happening in Catalunya?

You might have heard on the news that Spain is currently split over the status of the region of Catalunya. A proposed referendum is on the cards in the north-east  of Spain but there is strong opposition from the national government and many Spanish people object to it going ahead at all. It’s a complex area  but Murcia Today provides a good summary for those who feel they need to know more:

Murcia News Round-up Week Ending 8th September 2017

There is another interesting write up in The Local:

'Goodbye Spain': Million march for independent Catalonia

and the Guardian has its say:

One million Catalans march for independence on region's national day

The Seat 600 celebrates

Probably every nation has its iconic car that represents the transition from a road reserved for the rich to car driving by Joe public. In Spain, this title goes to the Seat 600 which became a popular vehicle during the late 1950s.

Now, it’s celebrating its 60th birthday and to mark the event those who still own one of these little cars were asked to bring them to a gathering following a motor racing rally in Montmeló.

The event was so well attended that the 787 who gathered have now been entered in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest ever collection of the same make and model of vehicle in one place. Not a bad way of celebrating your 60th!

Seat 600 celebrates 60th birthday

Seat 600 wins place in Guinness Book of Records

La Vuelta in Spain

The Guardian has collected a number of interesting images of this popular bicycle race which comes hot on the heels of the Tour de France:

Vuelta a España 2017 – in pictures

One controversial aspect that you may be aware of if you live in or around Torrevieja, is that the cyclists were not allowed to race through Torrevieja itself.

This leg of the race was due to take place shortly after the tragic deaths on Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Amid security scares, the mayor of the town, José Manuel Dolón, decided that there were insufficient police officers available to ensure everyone’s safety. Instead the cyclists passed by briefly.

Ibiza slows down

Or does it? This article in The Telegraph suggests that the traditional party island is moving away from its previous clients of 20 somethings with an attraction for the maturing 30, 40 and 50 year-old. So what’s taken its place and why?

Ibiza is chilling out as 24-hour party people get older, Thomas Cook says

Of course there are always exceptions to the rule.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all...

The Spanish fiesta does tend to take dangerous pursuits to another level. Whether it is running with bulls, jumping over fires or getting pelted with tomatoes, there is a kind of disregard for danger that takes many of us by surprise. 

However, this fiesta reported in Eye on Spain, is on another level, yet again. Would you want to be locked in a cage with fireworks?: 

Taking Pyrotechnics to Another Level

Help with your water bill

If you are a pensioner, have lived in Torrevieja for the past two years and can prove that you have then you might be entitled to a refund on your 2016 water bill. Those people with a low income,below €7,455 can qualify but you need to complete the necessary paperwork. If you think you might fit this category then HELP Vega Baja are helping people to complete the form.

You will need to collect a form from the ‘Casa Tercera Edad’ building on calle Torrevejenses Ausentes, 39. You can then take it to HELP Vega Baja who are located very close by on Rambla Juan Mateo García, 4, 03182 – near to Queen Burger.

Please remember that HELP in Torrevieja is now open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am until 1.30pm. You can also call 966 723 733 for more information.

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!