Tax Clarity for Americans in Spain
Understand your US and Spanish tax obligations, without overpaying. Discover how to reduce your tax liability by thousands.
“Most Americans overpay taxes in Spain by €5,000-€20,000”
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Recognized US-SPAIN Tax Advisors
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Income Tax: How Much Will You Actually Pay?
Will I owe more taxes in Spain than the US?
Smart Tax Planning Can Reduce what you owe by 20-40%
Before
Wealth Tax: Spain’s Non-Resident Tax on Income & Assets
After
Wealth Tax: Do you Have to pay IT? (Good News) Most Americans don’t.
Here is why and how to confirm
The short answer: You likely won’t pay Spanish wealth tax. If you manage your residency strategy correctly. Here’s the breakdown.
I’m moving to Spain for work. Will I pay taxes in both countries?
Yes, but Foreign Tax Credit prevents double taxation
(See detailed explanation below + calculator)
I’m retiring in Spain. How do my social security and pension get taxed?
Social Security may be tax-free; pensions taxed locally
(different rules apply—see scenario breakdown)
We have rental property-how do we report Spanish income to the IRS?
Rental income taxed in Spain, declared on US returns with credits.
(Calculate your actual net income below)
The 3 Most Common Tax Mistakes for Americans
Misunderstanding residency and triggering worldwide tax liability
Missing key deductions (Beckhams law, rental property, double treaty benefits)
Late filling leading to fines in Spain or the US
Get Clarity
Spanish Tax Residency
Main Filing Form
Key Risks
Tax Optimization
Quick Tax References Table: Essential Concepts
Digital Nomad |
Likely resident | Modelo 100(Spain) 1040(US) | Double Tax missed Beckham regime | Flat 24% Beckham Law |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Resident (183+ days) |
Modelo 100, Wealth 714 |
Tax on worldwide income |
Employer Exclusion Treaty |
|
|
Usually non-resident |
Modelo 100(Spain) 1040(US) |
Overpaying on rental income |
Deductibles Treaty |
|
|
Non-resident |
Modelo 100(Spain) 1040(US) |
Unreported Spanish Assets |
Foreign Asset Filing |
MEDIA
WATCH • LISTEN • READ
NATIVES
(video)
Learn more from real people, just like you & experts about moving to Spain.
Tax in Spain or US?
Will you pay double tax, to Uncle Sam & in Spain?
DEEP DIVE
(podcasts)
5-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
Key Considerations
Tom & Ina talk through the details on all tax matters
SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
(blogs)
10-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
Is it Possible?
From Beckham’s Law to making sure you pay the least tax.
THE EXPLAINER
(video)
10-15 minute videos answering your biggest Spain questions.
AI Moving Analysis
Over 100 leading sources, from expert tax lawyers, US and Spain, explain.
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NATIVES-DEEP DIVE-SPAIN MADE SIMPLE-THE EXPLAINER
Watch • Listen • Read
Everything You Need to Know
Visa and Residency Options
All pathways explained in plain English
Buying and Property in Spain
Step-by-step guides written for Americans
Mortgages for US Citizens
How to secure Spanish financing from abroad
Schools and Education
American & International school options
Healthcare for
Expats
Public vs private: what Americans need to know
Cost of Living & Comparison
How much will Americans save by living in Spain?
Double Tax & Beckham’s Law
Will Beckhams’s law work for you? Paying tax in Spain?
Moving Step-by-
Step
Guiding you from an idea to living the life you want
Spanish Tax System Overview
Dual tax system:
Resident taxed on worldwide income, non-residents on Spanish-source income.
Tax Year:
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Spanish Deadline:
June 30
US expats:
June 15 extension
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion:
Up to $130,000 in 2025 can be excluded from U.S. tax
Are You Spanish Tax Resident?
Spain determines tax residency by three main tests:
How Long You Stay
183- Day Rule: 183+ days spent in Spain during a calendar year
Center of Your Financial Interests
Center of Economic Interest: Main income, investments, business ties in spain
Your Family
Family Ties: Immediate Family habitually in Spain
Check your residency using our online ”Tax Residency Checker”
Spanish Income Tax Rates & Deductions
Resident: Progressing rates(national + regional). Savings income taxed 19-30%
Non-Resident: Flat 24% (Spain – source income); 19% for EU/EEA
Deductions: Social security, union dues, business costs, rental property deductibles, investment admin fees.
Major Taxes Affecting U.S. Buyers & Resident
Property Tax (IBI): 0.4-1.1% yearly (lowest in Espona & Costa del sona).
Wealth Tax: Net assets €7000,000 (rates to 3.5%, €300,000 exemption for main home).
Resident: Progressing rates(national + regional). Savings income taxed 19-30%
Capital Gains Tax: 19-30% on sale profits, non-residents subject to withholdings.
Avoid Double Taxation
US- Spain Treaty Benefits | No double taxation on same income
Lower Rates for dividends, interest, royalties | Tie-breaker rules for dual residents
Claim Foreign Tax Credit (From 1116) & Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (2555)
The Beckham Law:
Tax Privilege for New Arrivals
1
24% flat rate on Spanish income up to €600,000/year (six years maximum)
2
No Spanish tax on foreign income
3
Must elect Beckham Law within six months of arrival
The 3 Most Common Tax Mistakes for Americans
Plan residency timing for best tax outcome and Beckham Law eligibility
Optimize investment income: Stage gains/transfers before relocating
Asset protection: Develop estate plan and ownership structure for inheritance tax relief(esp. in Andalucia)
Guide: “Five pitfalls fo first-year expats-and how Sandtons solved them”
Resources
How to Buy Spanish Property
Browse properties by visa type, destination, price range, and investment or family needs
Mortgage Deduction Guide
Downloadable PDF with checklists, cos calculators, and step-by-step timelines.
Inheritance & Estate Planning
Compare your US city to top Spanish regions and neighborhoods
Request Consultation
Explore Americans, international and bilingual schools, admissions advice and enrollment steps.
Essential Filing Forms & Deadlines
Essential Filing Forms & Deadlines
| Form/ Requirement | Spain Deadline | US Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Income tax (Modelo 100) |
April – June |
June 15 (extension) |
|
Income tax (Modelo 714) |
With annual tax |
N/A |
|
Foreign asset (Modelo 720) |
March 31 |
N/A |
|
FBAR(Foreign Bank Account Report) |
N/A |
April 15 (extension to 15) |
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a remote worker - what’s the simplest way to get covered on day one?
Usually a Spanish-approved private policy that meets visa rules, then review later.
We’re retiring in Spain - will we qualify for public healthcare and do we still need private?
Many retirees mix both: public for core coverage, private for speed and English.
We’re moving with kids-are pediatricians, ER care, and vaccinations easy to access?
Yes; most families use nearby public clinics plus private pediatricians in English-speaking centers.
How do I know if I am a Spanish tax resident?
You’re considered a Spanish tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, if your main economic interests are based there, or if your spouse and dependent children live in Spain, which creates a presumption of residency. Meeting any of these conditions means Spain may tax your worldwide income, while those who don’t meet them are typically treated as non-residents and taxed only on income earned within Spain.
Do I pay taxes in both the US and Spain?
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What is the deadline for Spanish and US taxes?
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How are property and rental income taxed?
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How does inheritance and estate tax work in Spain?
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Should I hire a tax professional?
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What documents are needed to file in Spain?
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Still Have Questions?
Not finding the answer you need? Our team is here to guide you with visa, tax, and property questions — no pressure, no obligation.