Unsure about moving - Page 5

If you do have other pensions make sure that occupational pensions and annuities (from personal pensions) are calculated correctly.   They each have different rates.   The first people who used to calculate our annual taxes did not appear to know that they were different, even when it was pointed out to them.

It has been always my understanding that you are not officially 'fiscally resident ' until you have completed a return.

It's advisable and recommended to submit a return regularly, even if you are under the 'threshold', and as I previously stated it's a quick and painless procedure to have the Tax office help you.

They do have all of the current and official exchange rates for the previous year, so don't worry !

It is much easier to make a return now than it was 30 years ago when I first became fiscally resident...!!!

Just a slight correction, for Orihuela at least. The first time I asked for the exchange rate I was just given a shrug. The second time they scurried about a bit and I ended up with multiple shrugs. The third time the young lady went away and came back with monthly average rates, which she added up and divided by twelve, so all she gave me was an average of averages.

For the last several years I've got the true average from the European Central Bank. That for 2018 income in sterling is here:

https://www.costablancaforum.com/area/almorad%C3%AD-spain-11/taxes-suma-nie-tax-advice-in-almorad%C3%AD-25/jims-guide-residents-income-tax-2018-exchange-rate-52034/

Jim, You were unlucky, I've never had a problem with this and I'm surprised that in a high density expat area like Orihuela you've had inefficient service, may I ask if it was the Tax office or another 'advisor'?.

I'm at present in an area where expats are 'thin on the ground' but never been given the 'run around', in fact always been treated very respectfully.

Anyway, I hope that no one is put off trying to attend to 'Living in Spain' paperwork, my advice is always stay calm and always be polite and practice 'mutual respect', it's served me well for many years...

I've always gone to Agencia Tributaria in Orihuela with my questions. The people I've dealt with there have always been very pleasant, even when they've been very busy, but they've never been able to give me the correct answer to the exchange rate question. I've even rung the national helpline, but they couldn't help either. I've also searched the BOE database several times, expecting it to be officially published, but didn't find it.

On the subject of advisers, I've seen numerous tax returns prepared by so-called 'experts' but every one had at least one error in it.

I know I'm strange, but I actually like doing tax returns and coping with the changes that come out every year. Once I've sussed out the system, which can take quite a while, actually doing a tax return only takes me a few minutes - touch wood! we'll see what happens in April. 

Well Jim,Better luck next time and keep up the good work of helping others.....

Regards,

               Gordon

Hello were in Guardamar is the mobile home site ?