In theory, is this doable?
Nov 1st 2015 | 6:14 am
#31
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,584
From: Hampshire coast
Re: In theory, is this doable?
I think that is exactly the point Fred. One thing that could cause a problem for a non resident is signing on the padron which many do. Not saying that would trigger a problem but it could. When I was looking into buying a vehicle many told me no way without signing padron. Research told me this was incorrect and in the end not being on it was not an issue. As you say Fred it is down to the individual to prove if residency becomes an issue but that is very unlikely in reality. Other thing I think non residents should ensure is that they pay the non resident tax, easy not to do but as well as being lawful it helps your non residency case.
Surprisingly we know a number of non resident home owners who still think that its the correct thing to do!
Nov 1st 2015 | 6:50 am
#32
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 11,231
From: Granada Costa
Re: In theory, is this doable?
It's not really surprising as many Town Halls encourage absolutely anyone to sign on. They do this for the simple reason that the more people on the Padron, the more money they get from central government.
The law is pretty clear, you must sign on the Padron in the locality in which you habitually live.
Habitually is the key word here. A non resident cannot possibly have a habitual residence in Spain.
Although there is no evidence to suggest that the tax office looks at the Padron, strictly speaking, if you declare that your habitual residence is in Spain, then you are likely to be considered to be tax resident.
The law is pretty clear, you must sign on the Padron in the locality in which you habitually live.
Habitually is the key word here. A non resident cannot possibly have a habitual residence in Spain.
Although there is no evidence to suggest that the tax office looks at the Padron, strictly speaking, if you declare that your habitual residence is in Spain, then you are likely to be considered to be tax resident.
Nov 9th 2015 | 7:53 pm
#33
Thread Starter
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 8
From: Tz
Re: In theory, is this doable?
Thanks everyone for the replies, looks like I'll only be staying 182 days per calendar year as I'll have to pay more tax if I stay longer. I pay tax in the UK and I'd have to pay the difference to Spain if I become tax resident, the allowances before tax seem much lower than in the UK, therefore more tax payable. I live on a tight budget and this would almost break it, unless I go back to paid employment-shudder, shudder! I'm ok with 6 months a year in Spain, now where do I spend the other 6 months????
Nov 9th 2015 | 8:39 pm
#34
Retired and loving it!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,210
From: Ontinyent - Valencia region (campo)
Re: In theory, is this doable?
Thanks everyone for the replies, looks like I'll only be staying 182 days per calendar year as I'll have to pay more tax if I stay longer. I pay tax in the UK and I'd have to pay the difference to Spain if I become tax resident, the allowances before tax seem much lower than in the UK, therefore more tax payable. I live on a tight budget and this would almost break it, unless I go back to paid employment-shudder, shudder! I'm ok with 6 months a year in Spain, now where do I spend the other 6 months????
If not, then your centre of economic interest would be Spain so a tax return would be required.
Why do you pay tax in UK - why not simply pay it in Spain?
Nov 9th 2015 | 8:53 pm
#35
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Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 8
From: Tz
Re: In theory, is this doable?
I don't own a house anywhere, few savings, monthly pension from the UK but not state pension. My family are, predominantly, in the UK. From what I've been able to find out, I would pay more tax in Spain if I was resident there, the equivalent increase is equal to around 80% of my monthly food bill, not economic sense. Lots of things to consider this is why I'll be coming for a trial run in 2016-rent a room, look at apartments, look at living costs etc. I need to be closer to the UK than I am now and Spain was always going to be 1st choice.
Nov 9th 2015 | 9:02 pm
#36
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 635
Re: In theory, is this doable?
Do the south of Spain and spend the other half of the year across the border in Portugal. Or do the summer in the south of France and head into Spain for the winter.
It's not an ideal existence though, is it. Too much moving around, so you'll never feel settled. But for some, it works.
It's not an ideal existence though, is it. Too much moving around, so you'll never feel settled. But for some, it works.
Nov 9th 2015 | 10:11 pm
#37
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,172
Re: In theory, is this doable?
Is the pension you get a government pension? If so and your only income you would declare it but not pay tax to Spain on it. If private pension then different. As for centre of economic interest well depending on circumstances one can claim the UK with only 90 days there in the year. Not a route I would want to go down but possible.
Nov 9th 2015 | 10:14 pm
#38
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,172
Re: In theory, is this doable?
Other problem if on limited income and not state pension is going to be health care costs!
Nov 9th 2015 | 10:18 pm
#39
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6,912
From: Puente Esuri
Re: In theory, is this doable?
I don't own a house anywhere, few savings, monthly pension from the UK but not state pension. My family are, predominantly, in the UK. From what I've been able to find out, I would pay more tax in Spain if I was resident there, the equivalent increase is equal to around 80% of my monthly food bill, not economic sense. Lots of things to consider this is why I'll be coming for a trial run in 2016-rent a room, look at apartments, look at living costs etc. I need to be closer to the UK than I am now and Spain was always going to be 1st choice.
