Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Fixed assets: 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 51 rulings · 2015–2026

Current position

The transfer of fixed assets is quantified as a capital gain or loss, not as income from an activity. The transfer value is the actual amount of the disposal, provided it is not lower than the normal market value, minus expenses and taxes. The acquisition value is the book value, reduced by tax-deductible depreciation.

The DGT's position remains constant regarding the distinction between inventory (income from an activity) and fixed assets (capital gain or loss). Throughout the rulings, the valuation criteria and the allocation of elements held in joint ownership or common ownership have been specified.

Turning points

  1. V2105-18

    Establishes that capital grants for the acquisition of fixed assets shall be recognized as income in proportion to the depreciation allowance made.

  2. V3195-20

    Specifies that fixed assets held in joint ownership are allocated to both parties in equal shares.

Analysis based on 49 of 51 rulings with a stated position. Updated 19 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

24
V2354-23 30 Aug 2023

Sale of property by a non-profit association may be subject to Corporation Tax

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
entidad parcialmente exentaactividad económicaexención por reinversióntransmisión onerosainmovilizado LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 5.1LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 9.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2996-21 1 Dec 2021

Grants for first-time farmers are taxed as income from economic activities

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
rendimientos de actividades económicassubvención de capitalsubvención corrienteimputación temporalcriterio de cobros y pagos LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 14.1.bLIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 27.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1071-20 27 Apr 2020

Only the authorised owner of a pharmacy may claim activity income and expenses

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
atribución de rentasactividad regladarendimientos de actividades económicasimputación de gastosinmovilizado LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 8.3LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 11.4
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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