Running a business in Spain comes with tax responsibilities—especially if you’ve set up a Sociedad Limitada (SL) or another company type.
This guide breaks down Spain’s corporate tax system, including rates, filing rules, and what foreign business owners need to know to stay compliant.
💶 What Is Corporate Tax in Spain?
Corporate tax in Spain is called Impuesto sobre Sociedades and applies to:
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Spanish-resident companies (worldwide income)
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Non-resident companies with permanent establishments in Spain (Spanish-source income)
📊 Corporate Tax Rates in Spain
| Company Type | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard SL (Sociedad Limitada) | 25% |
| Newly created companies (first year with profits) | 15% (special rate) |
| Non-resident companies (permanent establishment) | 25% |
| Special cases (non-profits, cooperatives, etc.) | Varies |
📝 The 15% reduced rate is available for new SLs in their first year with positive taxable income and the following year.
🗓️ Corporate Tax Deadlines
| Obligation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Year-end closing | Typically Dec 31 |
| Annual corporate tax return (Modelo 200) | Within 25 days of 6 months after fiscal year-end |
| Quarterly pre-payments (Modelo 202) | April 20, Oct 20, Dec 20 |
Failure to meet deadlines can result in penalties and interest from the Agencia Tributaria (AEAT).
📁 What Must Be Filed?
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Modelo 200 – Annual corporate tax return
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Modelo 202 – Advance tax payments (3x per year)
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Modelo 232 – Related-party transactions (if applicable)
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Annual accounts – Submitted to the Mercantile Registry
👨💼 You’ll also need to maintain:
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Balance sheets
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Profit & loss statements
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Supporting invoices and receipts
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Payroll and VAT records (if applicable)
✂️ Common Corporate Tax Deductions
Businesses in Spain may deduct:
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Salaries and social security payments
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Rent, utilities, office supplies
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Marketing and professional services
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Depreciation of business assets
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Certain R&D investments
Personal expenses cannot be mixed with corporate accounts.
🌍 Tax for Non-Resident Companies
If your company is based outside Spain but has a permanent establishment (e.g., a branch office or employees in Spain), you must:
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Register for corporate tax
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File Modelo 200 annually
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Pay tax on income earned in Spain
You may also be subject to withholding tax on payments to or from your foreign HQ, depending on international tax treaties.
📚 Corporate Tax vs. Autónomo Tax
| Feature | SL (Corporate Tax) | Autónomo (Self-Employed Tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax rate | 25% | Progressive: 19–47% IRPF |
| Liability protection | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Ideal for | Companies, startups | Freelancers, small operators |
| Accounting complexity | Higher | Lower |
If you’re not sure which to choose, our lawyers can advise based on your business goals and tax burden.
🧾 Do You Need an Accountant?
Yes. For SL companies and foreign corporate structures:
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You are legally required to keep double-entry bookkeeping
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You must file tax returns electronically via Agencia Tributaria
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All filings must be digitally signed with a company certificate
Hiring a tax professional or lawyer helps avoid errors that can result in audits or fines.
🧑⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We support foreign entrepreneurs and companies in Spain with:
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Corporate tax filings (Modelo 200, 202)
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Tax planning to reduce liability
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Registration with Agencia Tributaria
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Representing your company before the tax office
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Acting as fiscal representatives if you’re non-resident