Road tax in Spain What do you have to pay for your car?

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Posted and filed under Motoring in Spain.

All Spanish-registered vehicle owners (including motorcycle owners) must pay an annual road tax.

The amount of tax payable varies with the ‘fiscal horsepower’ of your car, which is a nominal amount not necessarily related to the engine power of a vehicle.

Payment

Road tax must be paid to your local authority, usually some time between March and May. Payment on the Orihuela Costa is usually by the first `part of May. Announcements are made on municipal notice boards and in local newspapers and banks, and the town hall may send you a reminder (but don’t count on it!). Tax can be paid in person at the SUMA office near the Town Hall on the N332, directly via certain local banks or direct debit from your account or by post.

When a vehicle is purchased, the tax payable is calculated pro rata for the current tax year. If a car is unused for a whole calendar year, you can have its registration temporarily suspended ( baja temporal) at your provincial traffic department. However, if a vehicle is used for just one month in a year, tax must be paid for the whole year.

There’s a late payment surcharge (recargo) of 5 per cent in the first month and 20 per cent thereafter, and the unpaid sum is also liable to interest. Some people have been able to avoid paying road tax for many years, although municipalities are now clamping down on non-payers, whose vehicles can be impounded by local police. Note that a Spanish-registered car is automatically logged by your local municipality when you register your ownership with the provincial traffic department.

A Spanish road tax certificate isn’t displayed inside your car’s windscreen or on your registration plates. However, you should keep the receipt in your car with your other vehicle documents, as the local police may ask to see it.  It is also sometimes requested for ther traffic matters such as a change of ownership.

56 Comments

  • George Kitts

    How much would I pay for a 2017 Peugeot 108 (998cc)

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon George,

      Can we ask if this car is on Spanish plates please, if so your road tax invoice should come through the post. If you have not received anything please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be happy to help you get this and arrange payment. We look forward to hearing from you.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Ken Rawlins

    My car is 34 years old and I haven’t had to tax on it since it was 25 years old. This has now been rescinded and I’m obliged to pay 50% of the current rate.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Ken,

      We are sorry to hear this.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Susan Smith

    my car is currently registered at the town hall in San Javier, Murcia I have just moved home to La Torre, Torre Pacheco and need to register my car at the town hall. I am a non resident, is this an easy procedure?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Susan ,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      When you move house it is very important you change the address on your driving licence and also the car in order to prevent any issues with traffic fines in the future. If the address is changed correctly and a traffic fine is issued, you will not receive this. Through time the traffic fine will incur charges which can then become an embargo on your property, bank account or vehicle.

      Spanish solutions can help you with this for sure, we would need the following:

      Copy of log book
      Copy of ITV
      Passport
      NIE
      Padron

      We will contact you directly to discuss this matter further.
      We look forward to speaking to you.
      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Lindy

    I was told awhile ago that as a non-profit resident, I would not need to pay road tax on my car, I have not received any letters about the ta,x, but now I’m told, I would need the tax paid in order to sell, I’ve had the car 2 years, what do I do and what will happen

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Lindy,

      As far as we are aware, there are no exemptions for not paying road tax. In order to sell your car you will have to clear the debt or Trafico will not complete the name transfer, should you need any help paying this debt or the name change, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • steve

    We bought a car from a dealer in Palma in May 2019, he paid the road tax for the next year, so the next renewal will be paid by us. I believe I can do this in my local town hall but how do I know when it is actually due?
    We never received any paperwork regarding the payment from last year so am now concerned when to pay it if I’m not sent some sort of reminder/demand. Can I go into the Ajuntament in my village and ask them to look it up and see when its actually due in case they dont issue reminders. First time we have had to tax a vehicle so I’m a bit clueless :(

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Steve,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      Yes, if you visit your local town hall with your log book, ITV, passport and NIE/residencia they can confirm when and if the road tax is to be paid.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Patricia Higlett

    This is my first payment for my car tax and as we are in lockdown how can i pay on line I have tried but it is very difficult xx

    • Ian C.

      Hello Patricia,

      Thanks to contact us.

      To pay the SUMA online you need the bill with you. The SUMA web is http://www.suma.es, in the left side, first option is TAXPAYERS, please click there and then “pay online”.

      If you can’t do it please let us know and we will help you.

      Kind regards

      Spanish Solutions

  • Henry Steel

    Can I pay Suma online, have not received renewal from town hall. Was the same last year

    • Ian C.

      Hello Henry,

      of course you can pay your SUMA online, but you need your digital signature. If you don’t have it, I recommend you phone them at 965292000, they have an english service. If you can not solve your problem please let us know and we will help you.
      Kind regards.

  • Pete

    Hi, we are on lock down here In England, my is do for road tax my paper work is in benidorm and it doesn’t look like we will be back until (hopefully) December. Can advise me please.
    Kind regards
    Pete Ryan

    • Amanda Thomas

      Dear Pete, Please don’t worry, the payments are suspended and they have extended paying them into June. You can pay online with a digital certificate (bit complicated) or using the bank web page or just wait until early June. And any problems in early June I am sure we can help. Kind regards.

  • Tom conlong

    I am 80 yes old can I pay my car tax on line and is there a time extension for paying, my local bank is closed temporarily. Thanks

    • Amanda Thomas

      Dear Tom, Please don’t worry. The payments are suspended and they have extended paying them into June. You can pay online with a digital certificate (bit complicated) or using the bank web page or just wait until early June. Kind regards.

  • James Hyslop

    I bought a brand new car on Oct 2019 .the garage tax it .now with the lockdown I am in the UK the car is laying at alicante airport. How can I tax it regards Jim

    • Amanda Thomas

      Dear Jim, Please don’t worry. The payments are suspended and they have extended paying them into June. You can pay online with a digital certificate (bit too complicated) or using your bank web page or just wait until early June. You are okay for now as it is in the State of Alarm. Kind regards

  • Karen Deeney

    Hi we sold our car in Spain last October.In April our account was debited for the road tax.I rang the bank to have payment returned but they say because it is tax they cannot return it.How can I get my money back.Thank you

    • Amanda Thomas

      Dear Karen, Thanks for the enquiry. Well the first thing is you need to find out why you have been debited the tax, and that leads me to believe that the change of ownership was not done. You need to find out by seeing the green log book slip that the change of ownership was done and then contact the SUMA office (or local tax office to you responsible for car taxes) if it is not in your name (and was not previous to Jan 2020) as maybe there was not a communication to suma. But I suspect that you might find the car is still in your name and you must make sure the change of ownership is done as soon as possible. Because of the State of Alarm, the Traffic office is not open as yet though. Good luck. Any further help, please contact enquiries@spanishsolutions.net.

  • Claire Sharp

    I bought a Spanish reg car in 2015 in Andalucia,I moved to Murcia 2019 and paid car tax thru my bank in Murcia for that year.I have been to my local town hall only to register with the Padron.Do I also need to register my car with the Padron?If so,what documents should I produce to them? Thank you.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Afternoon Claire,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      It is very important that you change the address on your car.

      If the car is registered under your old address you will not receive any traffic fines, which will increase through time if not paid. If the fine remains unpaid it will become an embargo which will be attached to your car or property, or can be taken from your bank accunt without warning. Spanish Solutions can help you with the change of address for sure.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Claire Sharp

    Dear Nicola
    Thank you for your reply. We would be grateful for your assistance as we are not having any success contacting the Town hall for an appointment, partly due to the language barrier and of course problems with COVID 19. How should we proceed with you?
    Regards,
    Claire and Michael Sharp

    • Ian C.

      Hello Claire,
      I believe you are dealing with Nicola directly?
      If you have any other issues, please let me know.

      Regards,

      Ian

  • Helen Coates Jones

    I have received the car tax through the post but sold the car in January and the transfer was done at our local Mapfre. Can I contact the Traffic Office to advise them and do I have to pay it.

    • Ian C.

      Hello Helen,

      The person that is the owner on 1st January is liable to pay the tax for that year, so you have to pay it.
      Sorry!

      Regards, ian

  • Anna Timings

    I have just had a payment go out of my bank (four days ago) for the road tax. I sold my car yesterday. Is it possible to get a refund on the road tax paid?

    • Ian C.

      Hi Anna,

      Probably not I’m afraid.
      The owner of the vehicle on Jan 1st is the one who is responsible for paying the road tax.
      Sorry!

  • Maureen Watson

    Please can you help me. I have just come back to Spain after lockdown on England. I need to pay the tax on my Spanish motorbike. But I can find the form I was sent. I must of misplaced it during the upheaval getting back to England.

    • Ian C.

      Hello Maureen,
      Don’t worry- We are here to help!
      We can get the bill, but first we need the plate number and the NIE. you can make a transfer over to us and we’ll get it all paid for you.
      Happy riding!
      Ian

  • Thomas Soerensen

    Hi
    We are from DK but have a car in Costa del sol. We belong to La Cala townhouse. Can i pay my roadtax online through you? The wait time in townhall is about 3 Weeks and then i am back i DK. Can you somehow send me a bill i can take to my bank and pay.

    • Ian C.

      Hi Thomas

      Yes we can assist with this, I will e mail you contact details.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Elizabeth Watkins

    Hello , can I pay my Spanish road tax with direct debit from my English bank account. I love in Spain and no not want a Spanish account as it’s the only thing I will need it for. Thank you Elizabeth

    • Jane

      Hi Elizabeth

      Some Suma offices allow this but can vary per province so you will require to contact your local office.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Richard Bird

    Hi, I am looking to see if you help me please. I bought a Moto in January 2019 and it was stolen in August. I have given my insurance company everything but now they have asked for the Suma road tax receipt before they will settle the claim. I like many others haven’t changed address with my driving license so never got a reminder. I need help please to find out how much I owe since And how I can make payment as I speak next to no Spanish. Are you able to help me please?

    Thank you
    Richard

    • Amanda Thomas

      Dear Richard, Please can you email enquiries@spanishsolutions.net regarding this and let Nicola know where you live in Spain as that is important. And also if you have old bill that might help us, Kind regards Amanda

  • H M

    Hi there
    My car tax is due..i live in la Cala hills/Mijas ..Costa Del sol & need to know how & where I pay it please .Regards

    • Jane

      Hi Hayley

      You should contact your local Tax/Suma office to pay this. You may also receive a bill through the post.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Phillipa leech

    Hi have just got to Spain since feb 2020. We brought a car in spain in dec2019. I am unaware if it has tax and how do I go about finding out. Hopefully it has but if not how do I get some. We are due to return to uk 4th october 2020. Hope you can help.

    • Jane

      Hi Phillipa

      We would need to know where you live, and where you bought the car. If you wish us to look into this for you please contact us directly with this information.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Diana

    I Changed my car from English to Spanish plates in August last year, I’ve not had any suma bill for tax as yet, I’m assuming as it over a year, I should have had to pay something by now. My itv is not due until July 21. How do I find out where and how much to pay?

    • Jane

      Hi Diana

      When the car was changed to Spanish plates the gestoria/Solicitor should have set this up for you, it would be best to go to your local town hall with your vehicle documents and passport, where you can check the road tax and what is outstanding.

      Kind Regards

      Jane

  • Jean Brett

    My friends car is parked in a private garage, the tax runs out May, can she leave it untaxed while it is in the garage? She doesn’t live here permanently!

    • Nicola Ryan

      Afternoon Jean,

      If the road tax is not paid in May, it will incur interest each month until paid. It would be best for your friend to contact the department dealing with the road tax to request a bill is emailed to her for payment. If your friend needs any assistance with this, please do not hesitate to contact us, we would need a copy of her old road tax bill.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Wilma Sturtivant

    Do you have to pay Sums / Tax on your car if it is going to be written off

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Wilma,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      If the car has not been de-registered from Trafico or written off on January of this year, you will be liable for this years road tax. Your insurance company will be responsible for ensuring your car is de-registered, if this is not done correctly, you will continue to receive your road tax notifications each year. If this is the case, we can help you with the de-registraion for sure.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • B Gaffney

    Hi,my father inlaw bought a small car back in 2007 in la zenia area,he thought the car tax was included in his annual insurance which we now know wasn’t, so the car has never been taxed,he is a non resident and sold his property roughly 3 yrs ago and now goes over to my property and still owns the car and continues to drive it when he goes over to spain,i am also a non resident, what is the best way and the cheapest way to get this sorted out,the car now would be roughly worth €2000.hopes that all makes sense, thanks.

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning Mr Gaffney,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      The outstanding road tax may be an embargo by now, which may already be attached to the car.

      The problem is, if your Father in Law sold his house and never changed the address on the car to another address, he will never receive any of the notifications about the debt and the interest will continue to accrue until the outstanding balance is paid. We can help you for sure, but will contact you directly as we need to confirm some further information. We look forward to speaking with you.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • John Black

    There is a embargo on my car because last owner did not pay suma can you please help me

    • Nicola Ryan

      Good Morning John,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      The car will not be put into your name until the debt has been cleared. We will contact you directly to discuss this matter furter.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Pierre

    Hi ,bought a car from a lady but she didnt pay the suma om the car for the last 2 years.
    I cant put the car into my name .
    Who has to pay for this tax please?
    Thank you very much.

    Pierre

    • Nicola Ryan

      Thank you for your enquiry Pierre,

      The SUMA would be the responsibility of the registered keeper (seller) but if you can not contact her, you may need to pay this to get the car transferred into your name. Should you need any assistance with this please do not hesitate to contact us.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

  • Mike

    Hello i have just been informed my car has an embargo due to non payment of road tax in 2018 in Ibiza where we were living and it will cost 150 euros to clear. How can i appeal this as i have the receipt for tax paid?

    • Nicola Ryan

      Thank you for your enquiry Mike,

      It would be best to contact the office in Ibiza, who deals with the road tax and provide the proof that the road tax for 2018 is paid. When they are satisfies with this, they should be able to remove the embargo for you. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards
      Nicola

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