Receiving a certified letter from the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria, AEAT) is never a pleasant experience. Whether it’s a tax audit, a tax enquiry, or a proposed tax assessment, the first thing to remember is that time is of the essence. From the moment you open that notification, the countdown begins—and every day counts.
At Lullius Partners, as tax lawyers in Mallorca and trusted advisors for tax matters in Spain, we know how quickly an apparently simple tax check can spiral into a major issue if it’s not handled promptly and strategically. This article is designed to help you understand what’s happening, what you should do next, and why seeking expert legal advice is not just wise, but essential.
1. Time Is Running: Why Deadlines Matter
One of the most common mistakes people make is underestimating the importance of timely response. Most tax requests or audit notifications from the Spanish authorities come with very tight deadlines—usually just ten business days to reply. Ten days may sound reasonable, but in practice, gathering paperwork, reviewing records, and consulting your tax advisor can eat up that time before you know it.
Every year we see taxpayers in Mallorca and across Spain who “leave the letter for the weekend,” only to realise—too late—that deadlines have expired. The Spanish Tax Agency does not wait, and missing a deadline can mean fines, adverse assumptions, and sometimes the closing of your case without a chance to challenge their findings.
2. What Should I Do If I Receive a Tax Audit or Tax Assessment Proposal?
First, don’t panic. Receiving a tax notification does not necessarily mean you have done anything wrong. Sometimes, the AEAT simply requests more information about a specific transaction, tax year, or document. Other times, a full audit is opened into your business activities, rental income, or foreign assets.
In all these scenarios, the key steps are:
- Carefully read the entire notification, noting the reason, the deadline, and the correct method for replying.
- Start organising the relevant documents: invoices, tax returns, contracts, bank statements, etc.
- Most importantly, contact a specialist tax lawyer in Mallorca or Spain with experience in tax audits as soon as possible. Expert advice not only ensures you meet deadlines, but also helps you avoid common mistakes that can worsen the situation or limit your options for defence later on.
Why is professional legal support so crucial? Because a seasoned tax lawyer will assess the notification strategically: Is the request valid? Are you obliged to provide all the information they ask for? Can the scope of the audit be limited? Are there formal errors in the notification itself? These details can make a huge difference to the outcome.
3. How You Respond Is as Important as When You Respond
Don’t just “send what they ask for” without thought. How you respond can set the course for the entire audit. Sometimes, it is advisable to include explanatory notes, provide context for certain transactions, or even submit expert opinions or technical reports to support your position.
Remember, the Tax Agency is required to explain and justify any proposed assessments. If their arguments are unclear or you spot calculation mistakes or debatable interpretations, you are entitled—and well advised—to challenge them with strong legal arguments. At this stage, having an experienced tax lawyer in Spain or Mallorca at your side can be the difference between a fair resolution and a costly mistake.
4. Why Trust a Tax Lawyer in Mallorca or Spain?
Spain’s tax environment, and Mallorca’s in particular, has its own administrative and legal nuances. Criteria and approaches may differ between the Delegation in Palma and other regions. There are also sectors under special scrutiny (holiday rentals, yachting, real estate investment…) where local experience is invaluable.
A good tax lawyer doesn’t just get you through an audit—they will review your whole tax situation to prevent one-off problems from becoming chronic issues. They know how to negotiate with the tax authorities, and sometimes, their local knowledge can resolve cases before they escalate.
5. Practical Tips for Surviving a Tax Audit in Mallorca or Spain
Stay calm and organised. If your documents aren’t already sorted, do so now—having everything ready will make the process smoother and your defence stronger.
Be transparent with your tax advisor or lawyer: hiding information only makes things worse in the long run. And always request proof or a stamped copy for anything you submit to the tax authorities.
If you are out of Mallorca or Spain when you receive a notification, don’t worry: you can grant your tax lawyer electronic power of attorney so they can handle communications and act on your behalf.
6. Your Defence Doesn’t End with the Audit
Sometimes, even after submitting explanations and evidence, the Tax Agency may still uphold their assessment. If that happens, you have the right to appeal before the regional Economic-Administrative Tribunal (TEAR) and, if necessary, take your case to court in Palma or even the Supreme Court in Madrid.
What matters is that you never let a deadline pass without a response and that you always have a tax lawyer on your side who understands every step of the process.
Conclusion: Peace of Mind Is Just a Call Away
If you have received a tax notification, act quickly and trust your case to a team of tax lawyers in Mallorca and Spain with real experience in tax audits. At Lullius Partners, we take the time to study every case personally and help you defend your assets and rights from start to finish.
Don’t let a tax issue keep you up at night: contact us today and let true professionals take care of your case. When it comes to Spanish tax matters, peace of mind isn’t just priceless—it’s perfectly achievable.
Need urgent help or a first assessment with no obligation?
Lullius Partners – Tax Lawyers in Mallorca and Spain
📞 Phone: +34 871 002 151
✉️ Email: abogados@lullius.com
🏛️ Office: Carrer Unió 10, 2ºA, 07001, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
🌐 www.lullius.com
