Legal Trades Person

Ask for references and examples of their previous work, never pay in full up front, if it is a big job partial payments may be needed to cover getting materials, always get receipts and invoices, ask to see their documentation that they are registered as self employed, if they object then they are probably not registered.

To add to John's reply, let them know in advance that you will be wanting a factura from them and will want to see details of their insurance which is easy enough for them to e-mail to you.

Thank you for responding. I will do that.

Ask them to show you one of their bills, and check that IVA is shown separately. If not then they may not be legally registered and paying IVA.

Thank you. Most helpful.

Thank you. Everyone has been very helpful.

The cash limit for a business transaction in Spain is still 2.500€. It was proposed in 2016 for a limit of 1.000€ never applied.

A fractura/invoice should be presented by all business for payment. Even for a deposit.

A fractura should include the business/traders address, telephone number, SL/NIF,NIE number. Letterheads, websites and other business documents should include the business details.

Invoice format should show sales amount, IVA/VAT. In the case of Autónomo to Autónomo a retentions section. Final total.

A deposit invoice may not include VAT/IVA this will be accounted for later in the final invoice as part of the sales amount.

It’s not recommended to pay a business a large amount in cash. Estate agents (rentals) may ask for cash because they don’t have the facilities for credit/debit cards and the delay in forwarding the owner payment. I’ve made the payment direct to the agents account and the owner with a bank transfer. An online transfer can be made and authenticated with iPad or a mobile phone. Payment is immediate. When the recipient has online banking and an app they can also verify straight away. There’s no need to walk about with a large amount of cash.

Only make payment for deposits, materials or work carried out when presented with a properly documented invoice.

If a trader is asking for cash money and not prepared to accept a bank transfer be suspicious.

Thank you to everyone who has replied to my question. At least I know what to ask and look for.