admin

Verifactu moratorium: What your company needs to know about this.

In December 2025, the Government approved a further extension of the obligation to implement the Verifactu verifiable invoicing system. (Legal News)

The new effective dates are:

  • For companies subject to corporation tax: 1 January 2027.
  • For all other companies and, where applicable, self-employed persons and professionals: 1 July 2027.

In practice, this means that the formal obligation to issue invoices under the Verifactu standard is postponed for an additional year.

What is Verifactu and why does it matter?

Verifactu is the electronic invoicing system designed by the Tax Agency (AEAT) whose objective is to guarantee the authenticity, integrity and traceability of invoices issued by companies and professionals.

Invoices issued under Verifactu must be generated using certified software, include a unique identifier and, where applicable, a QR code, and be securely recorded so that the AEAT can access them at any time.

The purpose of this regulation is to strengthen controls against tax fraud, improve transparency and standardise electronic invoicing in Spain.

What does the moratorium mean for your company?

The positives — more time to prepare for the transition

  • Additional time to adapt systems: If you have not yet incorporated compatible software or are in the process of implementing it, you now have more time, until 2027, to do so at your leisure.
  • Less rush for immediate technological investment: Avoid hasty decisions in December 2025 — you can plan ahead with greater foresight.
  • Opportunity to calmly review internal processes: Opportunity to coordinate accounting, invoicing, filing and internal reporting before the requirement comes into effect.

But that doesn’t mean you can leave everything to the last minute

  • The moratorium only postpones the requirement; the system is still planned. You must continue planning.
  • If your company had already begun the adaptation process — changing software, internal processes, training — you should review those plans in light of the new deadline (and anticipate that suppliers will update their software).
  • Regulatory uncertainty remains: the postponement reflects organisational difficulties, which underscores the importance of accompanying the transition with advice.

What our consultancy would recommend — steps to take now

As your consultancy, we propose the following actions to take advantage of the extra time and ensure an orderly transition:

  1. Evaluation of the current invoicing system
  2. Check whether your invoicing software meets the technical requirements of Verifactu (certification, unalterable registration, possibility of generating unique identifiers, etc.).
  3. Planning for technological adaptation
  4. If it is necessary to change or update software, define internal deadlines, costs, testing and staff training well in advance.
  5. Design of robust internal processes
  6. Prepare a standard procedure for issuing, archiving and backing up invoices in accordance with the new system; define responsibilities within the company.
  7. Internal communication and training
  8. Inform the entire team — finance, accounting, administration — about the importance of the new regulations and their correct use.
  9. Simulation of adaptation scenarios
  10. Conduct pilot tests with the new system before it becomes mandatory to detect errors or integration failures.

What this moratorium means for your company in the medium term

Although the moratorium may seem like a respite, it does not eliminate the obligation—it only postpones it. The ideal approach is not to wait until 2026 or 2027 to act, but to take advantage of this margin now to:

  • Calmly implement a modern invoicing system.
  • Reduce the risk of future penalties for non-compliance.
  • Optimise accounting and administrative processes, improving efficiency and thus saving time and costs.
  • Take advantage of the transition to implement good internal control practices and secure digital archiving.

Conclusion

The government’s decision to postpone the mandatory implementation of Verifactu until 2027 offers your company a valuable opportunity to adapt at your own pace. However, realistically speaking, the moratorium should not be interpreted as an indefinite delay: the system will become mandatory, and it is advisable to prepare as soon as possible.

Our tax advisory service is at your disposal to accompany you throughout the process: from evaluating your current system to implementing the new software, including training your team and defining internal processes. If you wish, we can organise an information session for clients, explain the regulations in detail and prepare a personalised action plan tailored to your structure.



Capital Gains from Selling a Home: Differences Between Improvements and Repairs

At MDG Advisors, we often see clients wanting to include all expense invoices when calculating capital gains from the sale of a property. However, this is not always allowed.

The Tax Agency clearly distinguishes between improvements and repairs or maintenance expenses. Only improvements—actions that increase the property’s value, enhance its livability, or extend its useful life—can be added to the purchase price, reducing the taxable gain. Examples include completely renovating a kitchen or bathroom, replacing electrical wiring, or installing efficient climate control systems.

Expenses aimed at keeping the property in normal condition, such as painting, fixing dampness, or replacing old windows, do not reduce capital gains, although they may be deductible if the property is rented.

In practice, the line between improvements and repairs is not always clear, leading to different interpretations. That’s why it’s essential to review each case carefully and maintain proper documentation. At MDG Advisors, we help our clients make the right decisions and optimize taxation when selling their property.

Allocation of real estate income under the expatriate regime (Beckham Law)

We would like to inform you of a recent interpretative change that affects taxpayers covered by the special tax regime for expatriates, commonly known as the Beckham Law, in relation to the treatment of their primary residence in Spain.

As is well known, this regime allows certain individuals who move to Spain to be taxed as if they were non-residents: in general terms, a fixed rate is applied to certain income obtained in Spain and they are not subject to income tax on their worldwide income. However, when it comes to its application, there have always been doubts as to the extent to which the rules of Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR) or Personal Income Tax (IRPF) should be followed.

One of the aspects that had been causing the most uncertainty was the allocation of real estate income. In particular, there was a question as to whether the impatriated taxpayer should declare a presumed income for the property they own in Spain that is at their disposal, even when that property is their habitual residence and is not rented out.

Until recently, there were criteria that were more favorable to taxpayers. In particular, some court rulings had held that, applying the logic of personal income tax by analogy, the habitual residence of the impatriate should not generate income attribution, as is the case with the habitual residence of an “ordinary” resident taxpayer in Spain.

However, in a recent ruling, the Central Economic-Administrative Court (TEAC) has modified this approach and concluded that taxpayers covered by the Beckham Law must be taxed on the property they have at their disposal in Spain, even when it is their habitual residence. In practice, this means that the impatriate is treated, for these purposes, as a non-resident owner of an urban property for their own use.

From our firm’s perspective, this ruling reinforces the idea that: 

Special regimes, such as those for impatriates, can be very attractive from a tax point of view, but they are also particularly exposed to changes in the interpretative criteria of the Administration and the courts.

This context increases the level of review and control over this profile of taxpayers and makes an individualized analysis of each specific case even more advisable.



Selling a Property in Spain as a Non-Resident: What You Need to Know

If you are a tax resident in another country and are selling a property in Spain, you must pay taxes here, even if you don’t live in the country. This is regulated through the Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR), which applies to the capital gain: the difference between the sale price and the purchase price, minus deductible expenses such as Property Transfer Tax (ITP)/VAT, renovations, and notary or registry fees.

The tax rate depends on your residence: 19% if you are an EU resident and 24% if you are a non-EU resident. Additionally, the buyer must withhold 3% of the sale price as an advance on the tax.

Key tip: keep all receipts and documents to calculate your gain correctly and minimize taxes.

At MDG, we help you comply with regulations and pay taxes correctly, avoiding mistakes and penalties.

Major breakthrough in non-resident taxation: Non-EU residents may also be able to deduct expenses from rental income derived from properties located in Spain.

Today we discuss an important ruling from the National High Court that affects non-resident property owners with rental properties in Spain.

Until now, the law allowed only residents of the European Union or the European Economic Area to deduct expenses related to rental income, while residents of third countries were not allowed to do so.

However, in its ruling of July 28, 2025, the National High Court has accepted that residents of third countries may benefit from this expense deduction.

The court upheld the claim of a taxpayer resident in the United States, who owns a rental property in Spain and sought the right to deduct expenses related to that rental. The TEAC had rejected the deduction, arguing that the regulation only allows such deductions for residents of the EU or EEA and that there is no European case law specifically addressing the deductibility of expenses for rental properties owned by non-EU residents.

The National High Court understands that denying this deduction violates both the free movement of capital principle under Article 63 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union —which the CJEU has held to be applicable to third countries— and the non-discrimination principle set out in Articles 1 and 25 of the Spain-U.S. Double Taxation Treaty. It also notes that the evolution of Article 24.6 of the Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax Law (TRLIRNR) shows a legislative effort to align the regulation with EU law, progressively expanding the subjective and material scope of deductions, but without extending them to residents of third countries —a limitation incompatible with the requirements of the TFEU and the case law of the CJEU.

Although the ruling does not establish binding case law, it represents a major milestone in achieving equal tax treatment for non-EU non-residents compared to residents in Spain, the EU, or the EEA.

It is still too early to open the door to filing amendments for non-statute-barred years and claiming refunds for overpaid tax, but this is a significant step forward in a debate that clearly highlights discrimination against non-EU residents.

Tax Myths in 30 Seconds: Selling a Property in Spain

Many people think that if they are not tax residents in Spain, they will only have to pay taxes in their country of origin. The reality is different: even if you are not a resident, selling a property in Spain creates a tax obligation on the capital gain obtained.

To guarantee the payment, the buyer must withhold 3% of the sale price, which is later adjusted in the seller’s tax return. This ensures that the Spanish Tax Office receives at least part of the tax before the sale is finalized.

In addition, your country of tax residence may require you to declare this gain, although international agreements exist to avoid double taxation. That’s why it’s important to be well informed and plan the transaction to avoid paying taxes twice.

Selling a property in Spain as a non-resident has its particularities, but with the right information, you can comply with the law while protecting your financial interests.

Marc Sanderson: Strengthening Málaga, partnerships for Sustainable Innovation

Collaboration between public and private institutions is key to driving the development of our cities. In Málaga, we have worked with various institutions on initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ quality of life and fostering business innovation.

Thanks to this joint effort, a solid roadmap and an international digital platform have been developed, facilitating collaboration between companies, startups, and citizens. The strategy was defined from the very beginning and is part of the Málaga Strategic Plan, initiated in the late nineties.

A standout example is the Digital Content Hub, where private companies and startups work closely with the city, leveraging expertise and promoting education, innovation, and direct investment. This partnership demonstrates that public–private cooperation is essential for urban and economic progress.

From our perspective, collaborating with local institutions and companies not only adds value to projects but also strengthens Málaga’s business and educational ecosystem. The future is built together!

Marc Sanderson:Málaga Facing the Future, Sustainability, Growth, and Citizen Collaboration

Looking ahead, the main risks and concerns for Málaga are becoming increasingly clear. Like many other growing cities, Málaga faces challenges that require a long-term vision. The most important, without a doubt, is sustainability from an environmental perspective: protecting our natural spaces, addressing water scarcity, and managing energy resources efficiently.

These challenges do not only affect our city, but many others around the world. From a social and economic standpoint, we must ensure that no one is left behind. Tackling sustainability challenges also means helping people access education, training, and employment, creating real opportunities for everyone.

Economically, Málaga is at a key moment. The city has experienced remarkable growth over the past five years, driven by new industries and companies choosing to establish themselves here. Maintaining this momentum requires continuing to open doors to innovation and economic diversification.

Nothing happens in isolation: each city has its own interests and challenges. However, collaboration among citizens and the joint construction of solutions will be essential to ensure a prosperous future. I firmly believe that Málaga has a bright future and enormous potential to continue growing while responsibly facing the challenges ahead.

Tax myths in 30 seconds: Is it true that tax procedures are more bureaucratic for non-residents?

It is often believed that being a resident in Spain involves a complicated, bureaucracy-heavy tax process. The reality is different. Non-residents also have specific tax obligations, but the procedures are not necessarily more complex—just different.

For example, if you sell a property in Spain as a non-resident, you must comply with the 3% withholding on the sale price, which the buyer must pay to the Tax Agency to ensure the tax is settled. In addition, non-residents must file the Non-Resident Income Tax, a clear and well-regulated process.

The key is understanding your tax residency, as it determines where you are taxed and which double taxation treaties apply. With good professional advice, the entire process can be simplified, helping you avoid issues and making the formalities much easier.

Discover all the details and practical examples in our video: clarify your tax doubts in just 30 seconds!

Marc Sanderson: Málaga, an example of success in tourism, agriculture, and technology

Málaga is much more than sun and beach. The city has established itself as a reference in diverse sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and technology.

Although attracting traditional manufacturing industries is challenging due to its location and resources, Málaga has reinvented itself. Today, companies like Mercedes-Benz’s tech department design the software used in their cars worldwide right here in the city.

Málaga combines experience, innovation, and technology to grow in new sectors and become an example of diversified economic development.