Spanish Tax Deadlines Every Expat Should Know This Spring on the Costa Tropical
Key Spanish tax deadlines this spring for expats on the Costa Tropical, including income tax, wealth declarations and property obligations.
Understanding Key Filing Dates Across Granada Province
As spring approaches, many foreign residents across the Costa Tropical begin preparing for one of the most important administrative periods of the year: the Spanish tax season. For expats living in Motril, Almuñécar, Salobreña and wider Granada Province, understanding key Spanish tax deadlines is essential to avoid penalties and unexpected bills.
Spain’s annual income tax campaign, known as the Declaración de la Renta, typically opens in early April and runs until the end of June. In 2026, the filing period is expected to follow the usual calendar, with online submissions beginning in early April and the final deadline falling around 30 June. For residents in Andalusia who earn income in Spain — whether from employment, pensions, rentals or self-employment — filing is often mandatory.
Who Needs to File?
Many expats assume that if their income comes from abroad, they do not need to declare it in Spain. That is not always the case. Anyone considered tax resident in Spain — generally defined as spending more than 183 days in the country within a calendar year — must declare worldwide income.
This applies to British retirees receiving UK pensions in Almuñécar, remote workers living in Salobreña while employed by overseas companies, and property owners in Motril earning rental income. Double taxation agreements between Spain and other countries may prevent paying tax twice, but income must still be declared.
Failure to respect Spanish tax deadlines can result in surcharges that increase over time. Even late voluntary submissions can incur additional costs.
Wealth Tax and Overseas Asset Reporting
Beyond income tax, some expats in Granada Province may also need to consider Spain’s Wealth Tax, which applies to high-value assets above certain thresholds. While Andalusia has introduced regional adjustments that significantly reduce the effective burden for many residents, the declaration requirement may still exist depending on asset levels.
Another key obligation is the Modelo 720 form, used to declare overseas assets exceeding €50,000 in certain categories, such as foreign bank accounts or property. Although recent European Court rulings have softened the penalty regime, reporting requirements remain in force.
These additional declarations have separate Spanish tax deadlines, often aligning with the first quarter of the year.
Property Owners and Non-Residents
Not all expats on the Costa Tropical are full-time residents. Non-resident property owners must file an annual Non-Resident Income Tax return, even if the property is not rented out. The tax is calculated on a notional income value based on the property’s cadastral valuation.
Those renting out holiday homes in coastal areas of Granada Province face additional reporting obligations. Rental income must be declared quarterly, with annual summaries submitted afterward.
This is particularly relevant in popular areas such as Playa Granada and the seafront districts of Almuñécar, where foreign ownership remains significant.
Why Spring Is a Critical Period
Spring is when most of these obligations converge. Accountants across Motril and Almuñécar report increased demand from April onwards as residents seek clarification on evolving regulations and digital filing procedures.
Spain’s tax agency has expanded online systems in recent years, but language barriers still present challenges for many foreign residents. Professional advice can be especially important for those with cross-border pensions, investments or inherited assets.
Understanding the main Spanish tax deadlines is not simply about compliance. For many expats, it is part of settling fully into life on the Costa Tropical. Financial clarity brings peace of mind, particularly in a region where many residents chose the lifestyle for its climate and slower pace.
Spring on the Granada coast brings longer days and warmer temperatures. It also brings paperwork. Taking the time now to review obligations can prevent complications later — and ensure that life in Andalusia remains as straightforward as possible.
Ahmedabad