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”

98% Client Compliance

30+ Years Experience

Recognized US-SPAIN Tax Advisors

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

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

Taxes Made Simple

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Natives

(video)

Taxes Made Simple (Spain) is for Americans who love the idea of living in Spain but are worried taxes will ruin the dream. This video explains why US citizens must file in both Spain and the US, how the 183‑day rule works, and how to avoid paying tax twice on the same income using the US–Spain tax treaty, foreign earned income exclusion and foreign tax credits.

Watch Now

Deep Dive

(podcasts)

This episode of Taxes Made Simple is for US citizens living in Spain—or planning the move—who are worried about getting caught between two tax systems. We break down why the US taxes you based on citizenship, how Spain taxes you based on residency, and why the 183‑day rule is so important for deciding when Spain can tax your worldwide income.

Listen Now

TAX MADE SIMPLE

(blogs)

Brian breaks down the US-Spain tax treaty in plain English, explains what you owe Uncle Sam versus Spain, shares the exact calculation for dual-country filing, walks through deductions most Americans miss, and reveals why the first year is different than year two.| 

Explainer

(video)

If you’re a US citizen living in Spain or planning the move and worried about getting taxed twice, this video is your roadmap through the dual‑tax maze. You’ll learn why the US taxes you on citizenship, how Spain taxes you on residency, and why that 183‑day rule is so critical for deciding when Spain can tax your worldwide income.

Watch Now

The GUIDE

(brochure)

A practical tax planning guide with a year-by-year breakdown of filing requirements, a side-by-side comparison of tax rates in major Spanish regions, a deduction checklist specific to Americans abroad, and a decision tree for choosing a tax professional before you move.

Download This Guide

TAX MADE SIMPLE

From residency rules to property and pensions, Spain’s tax system explained in plain English.

Individual tax review & plan

€500-€1,500

Sit down with a tax advisor who understand expats. We review your income streams, properties and pensions, flag risks around residency and double taxation, and design a clear, compliant plan to avoid surprises and overpaying.

Download This Guide

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%

Deductions: 7.65%-34% regionally relieved in Andalucía (up to 99%).

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

Everything You Need to Know

VISAS MADE SIMPLE

All Pathways Explained in Plain English Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative

Consulting

€500-€2,000

Direct access to your visa expert, providing individual guidance. Access to the Hub, Comprehensive guides. Recommended plan to meet your circumstances

Go to Visas Page

TAX MADE SIMPLE

From residency rules to property and pensions, Spain’s tax system explained in plain English.

Individual tax review & plan

€500-€1,500

Go to Tax Page

MOVING TO SPAIN MADE SIMPLE

From first “Could we?” to landing with a plan, your entire relocation mapped in plain English.

Independent mortgage advice

€750-€2,000

Work with a relocation strategist to design your move end‑to‑end. We align your visa, budget, work situation, family needs and timeline into one realistic plan, with a clear sequence of actions for the next 3–12 months.

Go To Moving to Spain Page

Buying Property Made Simple

All pathways explained in plain English, Digital Nomad or Non-lucrative

Curated search + transaction coordination

€750-€1,500 + Lawyer fee discount

Weekly curated property matches, tour coordination, and full transaction management. We handle lawyer, notary and paperwork, saving you time and money

Go to Property Page

NIE Made Simple

Your Spanish foreigner ID number, secured quickly and correctly so everything else can move forward.

NIE document check and booking

€150-€500

We confirm that you need an NIE now, choose the right route (in Spain or via consulate) and walk you through each form in English. Your advisor checks your documents, helps you complete EX-15 and the free correctly, and assists with an appointment so your application is accepted the firs time

Go to NIE Page

COST OF LIVING MADE SIMPLE

All pathways explained in plain English, from first numbers to a move-ready budget

Consulting

€750-€1,500

Work directly with a Sandtons expert to translate your current lifestyle into a Spain‑ready budget. We compare locations, housing options, schooling and healthcare, then deliver a clear plan that fits your numbers and priorities.

Go to Cost of Living Page

INSURANCE MADE SIMPLE

Health and home cover that meets Spanish rules, explained and arranged in plain English.

(1:1 relocation strategy session)

€250-€750

Speak with and advisor who knows both Spanish insurers and visa rules. We review your situation, shortlist health and home policies that meet consulate requirements, explain the fine print in English and help you choose cover that actually fits how you’ll live in Spain.

Go to Cost of Living Page

MORTGAGES MADE SIMPLE

All the numbers, options and bank rules explained in plain English.

Independent mortgage advice

€750-€1,500

Work 1:1 with a mortgage specialist who speaks your language and the bank’s. We assess your profile, shortlist suitable lenders, sanity‑check what you can really borrow, and prepare you so your chosen bank sees a clean, credible application.

Go to Mortgages Page

Money Transfer Made Simple

Move your money to Spain with low fees and smart FX.

(Your money-movement game plan)

€250-€750

Sit down with an advisor to design how you’ll move money into euros: what to keep in your home currency, when to transfer, which providers to use, and how to combine SEPA transfer with specialist FX for major events like a property purchase or relocation.

Go to Money Transfer Page

Living in Spain Made Simple

You’ve got the keys. Now we make everyday life in Spain work smoothly

(1:1 “First 90 Days” session)

€500-€1,500

Spend an hour with a relocations expert who maps your specific situation-family, city and turns it into a personalized step-by-step plan. We priorities your registrations, appointments and paperwork and answer the question google can’t.   

Go to Living in Spain Page

Property Management Made Simple

Turn your Spanish property into income, with strategy, compliance and management handled for you.

(1:1 property strategy & setup)

€750-€2,500

Work with a specialist to choose the right path for your property-dip, long-term, short-term or hybrid. We run ROI model for your location, explain the 2025 rules on community approval and licensing and design a clear plant to reach your income or sell targets.   

Go to Property Page

Education Made Simple

Public & international schools, Spain’s education options explained in plain English.

1:1 educational option session

€500-1,500

Talk through your child’s age, language level and future plans with an advisor who knows the local schools. We compare public, concertado and international options in your target areas, estimate total annual costs, and create a shortlist of schools that actually match your family’s priorities.

Go to Schools Page

Property Management Made Simple

Turn your Spanish property into income, with strategy, compliance and management handled for you.

(1:1 property strategy & setup)

€750-€2,500

Go to Property Page

Living in Spain Made Simple

You’ve got the keys. Now we make everyday life in Spain work smoothly

(1:1 “First 90 Days” session)

€500-€1,500

Go to Living in Spain Page

Everything You Need to Know

Visas

Which visa path seems right for you, Digital Nomad or Non Lucrative?

Tax

Can you really live in Spain for less than US? 

Cost of Living

Understand your US and Spanish Tax obligations and don’t overpay. 

Mortgage 

Check your score and get pre-approved for a mortgage in less that 3 minutes

Visas

Which visa path seems right for you, Digital Nomad or Non Lucrative?

Tax

Can you really live in Spain for less than US? 

Cost of Living

Understand your US and Spanish Tax obligations and don’t overpay. 

Mortgage 

Check your score and get pre-approved for a mortgage in less that 3 minutes

Quick Guides

Visas Made Simple

Moving to Spain isn’t about luck; it’s about matching your income source to the right visa.  

Tax Made Simple 

The headlines say “Spain will take half of your money.” The reality is different with the right structure. It can be incredibly tax efficient for high earners.

Moving Made Simple 

Moving to Spain is no just about packing bags; its is a legal and logical operation.  

Buying Property Made Simple

Buying property in Spain is not like buying in the US or UK. It is safe, but the process is different.  

NIE Made Simple

The NIE (Número de identificación de extranjeros) is not just a tax number- it is your digital fingerprint in Spain. You do not exist legally or financially without it.

Cost of Living Made Simple

You have heard the headlines: “Spain is cheap.” But cheap is relative. The real story isn’t just about spending less it is about Geo-Arbitrage. .

Insurance Made Simple

Insurance in Spain is not just about protection. It is often a legal gatekeeper for your visa or mortgage.   

Mortgages Made Simple

The most common question we get “Can wa foreigner really get a mortgage in Spain?” The Answer: Yes, Spanish banks are eager to lend to UK and UK citizens. 

Money Transfer Made Simple

The biggest loss of money is year 1 is not rent, not even on taxes. It is the haircut; on large transfers when buying property or moving you rest egg.

Living in Spain Made Simple

You have the visa. You have the property. Now comes the real work turning a Spanish address into a home. 

Property Handling Made Simple

You bought below market, you bought off-plan. Now you need to decide: flip it, ren it, short-term or long=term 

Education Made Simple

Spain offers a high quality of life for children. Choosing between public and international schools, has lots of conditions beyond free of ree.

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

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

Answer to the most common questions we receive from clients

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?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat

What is the deadline for Spanish and US taxes?

How are property and rental income taxed?

How does inheritance and estate tax work in Spain?

Should I hire a tax professional?

What documents are needed to file in Spain?

Tax Clarity for Americans in Spain

Understand your US and Spanish tax obligations, without overpaying. Discover how to reduce your tax liability by thousands.

98% Client Compliance

30+ Years Experience

Recognized US-SPAIN Tax Advisors

Income Tax: How Much Will You Actually Pay?

Smart Tax Planning Can Reduce what you owe by 20-40%

Before

After

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?

I’m retiring in Spain. How do my social security and pension get taxed?

We have rental property-how do we report Spanish income to the IRS?

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

MEDIA

WATCH • LISTEN • READ

Taxes Made Simple

Natives

Watch Now

Deep Dive

Listen Now

TAX MADE SIMPLE

Read More

Explainer

Watch Now

The GUIDE

Download This Guide

TAX MADE SIMPLE

Download This Guide

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Spanish Tax System Overview

Dual tax system:

Tax Year:

Spanish Deadline:

US expats:

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion:

Are You Spanish Tax Resident?

Spain determines tax residency by three main tests:

How Long You Stay

Center of Your Financial Interests

Your Family

Check your residency using our online ”Tax Residency Checker”

Spanish Income Tax Rates & Deductions

Major Taxes Affecting U.S. Buyers & Resident

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

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)

Resources

Everything You Need to Know

VISAS MADE SIMPLE

Go to Visas Page

TAX MADE SIMPLE

Go to Tax Page

MOVING TO SPAIN MADE SIMPLE

Go To Moving to Spain Page

Buying Property Made Simple

Go to Property Page

NIE Made Simple

Go to NIE Page

COST OF LIVING MADE SIMPLE

MEDIA 

Subscribe to 
Our Newsletter

Your Family 

Check your residency using our online ”Tax Residency Checker”

US- Spain Treaty Benefits | No double taxation on same income
Lower Rates for dividends, interest, royalties | Tie-breaker rules for dual residents

The Beckham Law: 
Tax Privilege for New Arrivals

24% flat rate on Spanish income up to €600,000/year (six years maximum)

Mortgage 

Mortgage 

Tax Made Simple 

Moving Made Simple 