Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Bare Ownership: 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

Stable position High confidence 67 rulings · 2015–2026

Current position

The donation of bare ownership generates a capital gain or loss, although it is exempt if the donor is over 65 years of age and the asset is their primary residence. In Personal Income Tax (IRPF), the imputed income for the use of real estate corresponds to the usufructuary and not to the bare owner. The extinction of the usufruct due to death is not a new acquisition, but rather the recovery of rights of enjoyment, maintaining the original acquisition date.

The DGT's position remains constant in the application of current regulations without fundamental doctrinal changes. The rulings address different aspects such as the impact on economic activity, the exemption based on age, or the imputation of income, but without modifying the applied principles. There is no evolution in the criterion, but rather an application of the law to diverse scenarios.

Turning points

  1. V1351-23

    Establishes that bare ownership cannot qualify for the special regime of art. 87 LIS due to the lack of rights of use and enjoyment.

  2. V5274-26

    Clarifies that the extinction of the usufruct due to death is not a new acquisition, but the recovery of rights of enjoyment with the original acquisition date.

Analysis based on 64 of 67 rulings with a stated position. Updated 15 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

24
V5274-26 28 Jul 2026

Death of usufructuary does not create new IRPF acquisition date

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
nuda propiedadusufructo vitaliciopleno dominioconsolidación del dominioganancia patrimonial LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.1LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 34
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V5122-26 6 Jul 2026

Dissolution of community with monetary compensation tributes if conditions met

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
disolución de comunidad de bienesexceso de adjudicaciónnuda propiedadactos jurídicos documentadostransmisiones patrimoniales onerosas TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 4TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.1.A
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1380-26 4 Jun 2026

Exemption for sale of habitual home does not apply to usufruct

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
vivienda habitualpleno dominiousufructonuda propiedadexención LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 6.1LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1331-26 29 May 2026

Gain or loss on usufruct and bare property must be calculated separately

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
usufructonuda propiedadganancia patrimonialvalor de adquisiciónvalor de transmisión LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 11.5LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1071-26 14 May 2026

Donation of share ownership does not allow ISD reduction if director is not a relative of donors

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
reducción en la base imponibleexención en el impuesto sobre el patrimonionuda propiedadfunciones de direccióncolateral de tercer grado LISD — Ley 29/1987 de Sucesiones y Donaciones art. 20.6LIP — Ley 19/1991 del Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio art. 4.Ocho.Dos
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0835-26 20 Apr 2026

Death of usufructuary does not create new IRPF acquisition

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
ganancia patrimonialnuda propiedadpleno dominiousufructo vitaliciovalor de adquisición LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.1LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 34
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0808-26 13 Apr 2026

Medium tax rate to be applied when domain is consolidated

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
consolidación del dominiousufructo vitalicionuda propiedadtipo medio efectivo de gravamendesmembración del dominio LISD — Ley 29/1987 de Sucesiones y Donaciones art. 26.cRISD RD 1629/1991
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0536-26 6 Mar 2026

Rental income from property should not be imputed if a usufruct right exists

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
imputación de rentas inmobiliariasderechos reales de disfruteusufructovalor catastralnuda propiedad LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 85.1LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 85.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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