Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Nullity of Contract: 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 17 rulings · 2015–2023

Current position

The restitution of amounts due to the nullity of a contract does not constitute income for Personal Income Tax (IRPF) as it seeks a return to the initial state. Legal interest derived from the judgment has an indemnifying nature and is taxed as capital gains in the savings tax base. The temporal imputation of these interests occurs in the tax year in which the judgment becomes final.

The DGT's position has remained constant since 2015. All rulings confirm that the restitution of the principal is not income and that legal interest constitutes capital gains due to its indemnifying nature. No changes are observed in the classification of the concepts or in their temporal imputation.

Analysis based on 17 of 17 rulings with a stated position. Updated 25 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

17
V2552-21 21 Oct 2021

Tax refund possible following deed annulment due to self-dealing prohibition

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
devolución de ingresos indebidosnulidad de contratoefecto lucrativoautocontrataciónusufructo temporal TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 57.1TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 57.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0592-19 20 Mar 2019

Legal costs arising from contract nullity cannot be treated as capital losses

SG de Tributación de las Operaciones Financieras
ganancias y pérdidas patrimonialesrenta al consumogastos judicialesnulidad de contratoobligaciones subordinadas LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.1LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.5.b
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0088-16 14 Jan 2016

Taxpayers may claim refunds on IRPF paid on interest from voided preferred shares

SG de Tributación de las Operaciones Financieras
participaciones preferentesrendimientos del capital mobiliarionulidad de contratorectificación de autoliquidacióndevolución de ingresos indebidos LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 25.2LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. DA 44
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V3316-15 27 Oct 2015

Taxpayers may claim refunds of Income Tax paid on interest from voided preferred shares

SG de Tributación de las Operaciones Financieras
participaciones preferentesrendimientos del capital mobiliarionulidad de contratorectificación de autoliquidacióndevolución de ingresos indebidos LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 25.2LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. DA 44
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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