Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Impairment of Value: 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 44 rulings · 2014–2026

Current position

Impairment expenses are deductible if they are justified, recorded, and allocated to the fiscal year in which they accrue, respecting the fair value or recoverable amount. In the case of goodwill, its impairment is not deductible, and amortization must be applied according to the one-twentieth limit. Expenses recorded in reserves in periods subsequent to their accrual shall be allocated when such recording takes place, provided that this does not result in a lower tax liability than what is due.

The DGT's position remains constant regarding the need for justification and accounting records for deductibility. A specialization of the criterion is observed depending on the asset, clearly distinguishing between inventories, credits linked to related parties in insolvency proceedings, and the non-deductibility of goodwill impairment. Recent doctrine focuses on the correct temporal allocation of expenses.

Turning points

  1. V3383-14

    Establishes that the write-off due to expropriation is not an impairment, but rather a negative income from transfer, avoiding the restrictions of articles 21.4 and 32.5 of the TRLIS.

  2. V2767-15

    Allows the deductibility of impairment losses on credits with related entities if the debtor is in the liquidation phase of insolvency proceedings.

  3. V3824-16

    Clarifies that the impairment of goodwill is not deductible, and amortization limited to one-twentieth must be applied.

Analysis based on 39 of 44 rulings with a stated position. Updated 23 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

24
V0302-26 12 Feb 2026

Loss of value in shares not deductible if LIS article 21 exemption conditions met

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
deterioro de valorexención de dividendosparticipación en el capitalajuste extracontableentidad no residente LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 10.3LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 15.k
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V3824-16 12 Sept 2016

Deductibility of goodwill in Corporate Income Tax: limits and regime under the LIS

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
fondo de comercioamortizacióninmovilizado intangibledeterioro de valorampliación de capital LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 10.3LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 12.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1082-16 17 Mar 2016

Impairment of land held as inventory is deductible if recognised in accounts

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
deterioro de valorexistenciasvalor neto realizableimputación temporaldevengo 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
V0456-16 5 Feb 2016

Reversal of impairment is not taxable if it was not tax-deductible

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
deterioro de valorbases imponibles negativasconsolidación fiscalreversión de deteriorotransmisión de participaciones TRLIS — RDLeg 4/2004 (derogado por la Ley 27/2014) art. 90.3LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 62.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V3153-15 19 Oct 2015

Deductible deterioration reversal must be removed from consolidated tax base

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
consolidación fiscaldeterioro de valorreversión de deteriorobase imponible consolidadaeliminaciones LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 13.2.bLIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 20
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1209-15 17 Apr 2015

Impairment losses on tangible fixed assets are not tax deductible

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
deterioro de valorinmovilizado materialimporte recuperablevalor razonablevalor en uso 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

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