Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Security Deposit: DGT doctrinal evolution

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

← DGT Observatory

How the DGT's position has evolved

Settled doctrine High confidence 18 rulings · 2014–2026

Current position

Commissions for personal guarantees that are autonomous and independent of the rental contract, intended to secure future income, are exempt from IVA (Value Added Tax). To apply this exemption, the guarantee must be strictly limited to securing the obligation without including ancillary services such as management or advisory services. In the field of IRPF (Personal Income Tax), the establishment of a security deposit does not generate capital gains or losses as it does not involve variations in the value of the assets.

The DGT's position remains constant regarding the nature of the security deposit as a guarantee and not as consideration or a variation in assets. The doctrine has moved from analyzing the taxation of its establishment in ITPAJD (Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty) and the accounting of non-remunerated deposits, to specifying the IVA exemption for commissions on autonomous personal guarantees. No doctrinal shifts are observed, but rather an application of the rule to different taxes and specific scenarios.

Turning points

  1. V2178-22

    Establishes that a security deposit with an indemnification purpose to compensate for damages is not an operation subject to IVA as it is not consideration.

  2. V1100-26

    Specifies the IVA exemption for commissions on autonomous personal guarantees, provided they are limited to securing the obligation without ancillary services.

Analysis based on 18 of 18 rulings with a stated position. Updated 25 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

18
V2169-25 13 Nov 2025

Fianza not subject to VAT; application to machinery is

SG de Impuestos sobre el Consumo
fianzacontraprestaciónbase imponiblesujeciónexención LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 4.unoLIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 4.dos
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0019-16 5 Jan 2016

Bail and precautionary attachments must be declared for Wealth Tax purposes

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
fianzalibertad provisionalmedida cautelarembargotitularidad LIP — Ley 19/1991 del Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio art. 3LIP — Ley 19/1991 del Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio art. 24
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1842-14 9 Jul 2014

Cancellation of a guarantee is not subject to Stamp Duty

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
fianzacancelación de fianzaactos jurídicos documentadostransmisiones patrimoniales onerosashecho imponible TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.1.BTRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.5
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

Apply this to your case

VAT advisoryTalk to the team applying this doctrine daily.
Talk to the tax teamWe check whether this criterion affects you and what it means in your situation.
Email
Contact