Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Means of Payment: 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 8 rulings · 2015–2022

Current position

Cryptocurrencies and virtual currencies are considered means of payment and must be declared in Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio) valued at their market price in euros on the accrual date. Exchange operations between different means of payment are exempt from VAT (IVA). Investment gold is considered a means of payment in the customs context.

The DGT's position remains stable regarding the classification of digital assets and virtual currencies as means of payment. Consistency has been maintained regarding the VAT exemption for their transfer and the obligation to value them at market price for Wealth Tax.

Turning points

  1. V4321-16

    Establishes that the commission for using a computer application to make payments is an independent service subject to VAT, rather than being ancillary to the payment service.

  2. V0590-18

    Defines that bitcoin and analogous figures must be declared in Wealth Tax, valued at their equivalent in euros on the accrual date.

Analysis based on 8 of 8 rulings with a stated position. Updated 2 October 2026.

Rulings on this topic

8
V2821-19 14 Oct 2019

Exemption from VAT on exchanging denominations of the same currency

SG de Impuestos sobre el Consumo
exenciónoperaciones financierascambio de divisasmedios de pagoprestación de servicios LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 20.Uno.18.jLGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 89.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0590-18 1 Mar 2018

Bitcoin and cryptoassets must be declared in Wealth Tax at euro value

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
criptomonedasmonedas virtualesprecio de mercadodevengomedios de pago LIP — Ley 19/1991 del Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio art. 24LGT — Ley 58/2003 General Tributaria art. 89.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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