Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Effective Depreciation: DGT doctrinal evolution

How the DGT's position on this topic has evolved, and the rulings it rests on.

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How the DGT's position has evolved

Settled doctrine High confidence 53 rulings · 2015–2026

Current position

In income from real estate capital, the depreciation of the property and the assets leased is deductible provided they correspond to its effective depreciation. For the property, this effectiveness is met when the annual amount does not exceed 3% of the higher of the acquisition cost or the cadastral value, always excluding the land value. Deductible expenses are limited to the period in which the property is effectively rented.

The DGT's position remains stable regarding the calculation of depreciation in income from real estate capital. The rulings repeatedly confirm the 3% limit on the higher of the values (cost or cadastral value) excluding the land. No changes are observed in the methodology for calculating effective depreciation throughout the sequence.

Turning points

  1. V2863-19

    Establishes that the acquisition value shall be reduced by the tax-deductible depreciation, including even the minimum depreciation regardless of its consideration as an effective expense.

Analysis based on 52 of 53 rulings with a stated position. Updated 21 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

24
V5246-26 23 Jul 2026

Operating leases of vessels considered services, not goods delivery

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
arrendamiento operativoamortización linealinmovilizado materialbuques de recreoembarcaciones de recreo LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 10.3LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 11.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0046-26 13 Jan 2026

Rental income-linked contingent payments may increase fixed asset value

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
inmovilizado materialcontraprestación contingenteprecio de adquisiciónamortizacióndepreciación efectiva LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 10.3LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 11.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1245-23 11 May 2023

The limit for accumulated depreciation of a property is its acquisition value

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
rendimientos del capital inmobiliarioamortización deduciblevalor de adquisicióndepreciación efectivavalor catastral LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 22LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 23.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0097-23 30 Jan 2023

Deductibility of vehicle depreciation in corporate tax and VAT allocation

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
amortizacióninmovilizado materialdepreciación efectivaafectación a la actividaddeducción de cuotas LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 10.3LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 11.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1491-21 21 May 2021

Amortisation rate below 3% may be applied to income from real estate capital

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
rendimientos del capital inmobiliarioamortizacióndepreciación efectivavalor catastralganancia patrimonial LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 22LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 23.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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