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With the 2026 income tax campaign just weeks away, many people in Spain are already preparing their paperwork and trying to get ahead of the process. From March 19, taxpayers will be able to access their tax data online, giving them an early opportunity to check the information the Tax Agency holds before submitting their return.

 

This data includes key details such as income, withholdings, address information, bank details and even donations to NGOs. Reviewing it in advance is considered essential to avoid mistakes that could lead to penalties or administrative issues.

 

The campaign itself, which covers the 2025 tax year, will officially begin on April 8, when draft returns can be requested and submitted. As in previous years, the process opens in early April, with online filing running through to the end of June.

 

To help people navigate the system, a new tax advice initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Tax Advisors (AEDAF). Taxpayers are being invited to submit their questions in advance, with experts set to respond on April 7, just one day before the campaign opens.

 

The service is designed to address the most common concerns, from how to request a draft return to more complex situations. These include declaring the sale of a property, reporting cryptocurrency gains, or understanding whether income from platforms such as Wallapop or Vinted needs to be included.

One organiser said the goal is to offer clarity at a time when many feel uncertain. “We want to provide clear answers before the deadline arrives,” they explained.

 

This year’s campaign comes with added complexity. Recent changes, including the removal of certain deductions linked to the so-called ‘social shield’, mean some taxpayers may notice differences compared to previous years.

 

There are also ongoing questions about who actually needs to file. Some pensioners and lower-income earners may not be required to submit a declaración de la renta, depending on their individual circumstances. Even so, checking carefully is strongly advised.

 

Key dates are also worth noting. Online filing will run from April 8 to June 30, while telephone assistance will begin on May 6. In-person appointments at tax offices will be available from June 1, although booking in advance is required. Taxpayers with a payment due will need to arrange direct debit by June 25, and those choosing to pay in instalments must complete the second payment by November 5.

 

For many residents in Spain, the annual tax return can feel complicated and time-consuming. With access to tax data now opening and expert advice on hand, the hope is that this year’s process will be a little easier to manage.

 

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