IAE classification for financial intermediation and training activities

The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) has issued a relevant ruling for individuals starting self-employed activities in financial intermediation and training. The inquiry focuses on determining the correct headings within the Economic Activities Tax (IAE) for these types of services.

What the DGT has ruled

The body has established that when these activities are carried out directly, personally, and without a business organization, the taxpayer must be classified as a professional within the second section of the IAE Tariffs. According to current regulations, the choice of heading depends on the specific nature of the service provided:

• Financial intermediation: Corresponds to the application of group 799.
• Training: The professional must opt for group 824 if the activity is intended for professional development, or group 826 if it has a more general character.

This criterion is based on the Recast Text of the Law on the Legal Regime of Local Treasuries and the IAE Instruction.

What it means for you

If you are a self-employed professional intending to provide financial intermediation or training services, your tax classification is not discretionary; rather, it depends on how you organize your activity. If you operate personally, without a complex business structure, you must pay tax under the professionals' section. An incorrect choice of heading could lead to an erroneous classification before the Tax Administration.

What you should do

It is necessary to analyze the exact nature of the services to be provided to select the correct group. In the case of training, you must distinguish whether the content is for the improvement of a specific profession or if it is of a general nature. Given the importance of correct registration in the IAE, it is necessary to assess each particular situation to ensure that the activity is framed within the heading that corresponds to the reality of the service provided.