Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Restructuring Operations: 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 10 rulings · 2014–2023

Current position

For Corporate Income Tax (IS), a merger may qualify for the special regime if carried out within a commercial context pursuant to Royal Decree-Law 5/2023 and complies with Article 76.1 of Law 35/2006 (LIS), with the acquiring company maintaining the values and seniority of the assets. Regarding Value Added Tax (IVA), the transfer is subject to tax if the elements do not constitute an autonomous economic unit capable of carrying out an activity on its own. In Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty (ITPAJD), the operation is not subject to tax under the corporate operations modality and is exempt in others.

The DGT's position has remained constant over time. There is a repeated application of the requirements for valid economic reasons for IS and the requirement that the transfer of assets constitutes an autonomous economic unit to avoid being subject to IVA, as reflected from rulings V0035-14 to V3121-23.

Analysis based on 10 of 10 rulings with a stated position. Updated 28 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

10
V3121-23 1 Dec 2023

Absorption merger may qualify for special tax neutrality regime

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
fusión por absorciónrégimen especial de fusionesneutralidad fiscaloperaciones de reestructuraciónvalor fiscal LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 76.1.aLIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 77
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1823-18 22 Jun 2018

The application of the special merger regime in Corporate Income Tax requires valid economic reasons and must not have merely tax-driven purposes

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
régimen especial de fusionesmotivos económicos válidosbases imponibles negativasoperaciones de reestructuraciónexención de ITP LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 76.1.aLIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 89.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0319-16 27 Jan 2016

Absorption merger may qualify for IS special regime if valid economic reasons exist

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
fusión por absorciónrégimen especial de fusionesmotivos económicos válidosunidad económica autónomaoperaciones de reestructuración LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 17LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 76.1.a)
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2198-15 15 Jul 2015

Merger by absorption may qualify for special Corporate Tax regime and be exempt from ITPAJD

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
fusión por absorciónrégimen especial de fusionesunidad económica autónomaoperaciones de reestructuraciónmera cesión de bienes LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 76.1LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 77
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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