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Tax Avoidance: 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 45 rulings · 2014–2024

Current position

The transfer of shares is exempt from IVA (Value Added Tax), unless the anti-avoidance clause is applied due to the intention to evade real estate tax, in which case it will be taxed as a transfer of real estate. If the entirety of the shares of an entity that constitutes an autonomous economic unit is transferred, the operation may not be subject to IVA. In the scope of ITPAJD (Transfer Tax on Real Estate Transfers and Legal Documents), restructuring operations require valid economic reasons and must not have the primary objective of tax fraud or evasion.

The DGT's position has remained constant since 2014. The criterion establishes that exemptions in mergers, exchanges, and contributions of securities are maintained as long as there is no intention to evade the tax on the transfer of real estate. No changes are observed in the interpretation of the tax avoidance clause throughout the sequence.

Analysis based on 44 of 45 rulings with a stated position. Updated 23 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

24
V2207-24 14 Oct 2024

Sale of company shares may be VAT exempt or not subject to tax

SG de Impuestos sobre el Consumo
transmisión de participacionesexenciónunidad económica autónomaelusión fiscalmercado secundario LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 4LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 5
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1823-18 22 Jun 2018

The application of the special merger regime in Corporate Income Tax requires valid economic reasons and must not have merely tax-driven purposes

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
régimen especial de fusionesmotivos económicos válidosbases imponibles negativasoperaciones de reestructuraciónexención de ITP LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 76.1.aLIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 89.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0744-17 23 Mar 2017

Share swaps may be taxed as property transfers if tax avoidance is detected

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
permuta de accionesganancia patrimonialvalor de mercadoelusión fiscaltransmisión de valores LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.1LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 37.1.h
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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