Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Loan: 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 11 rulings · 2015–2026

Current position

The classification of a transfer of money as a loan or a gift depends on the real intention of the parties and the obligation to repay. If there is an intention to repay, it is a loan subject to, but exempt from, ITP (Transfer Tax). If there is no intention to repay, it is classified as a gift and taxed under Inheritance and Gift Tax. The Administration has the power to make the real legal classification of the act regardless of the denomination given by the parties.

The DGT's position remains constant in the distinction between a loan and a gift based on the intention to repay. Rulings have moved from analyzing technical aspects of the ITP exemption to delving deeper into the real legal classification versus the denomination given by the parties. No change in criterion is observed, but rather an application of economic reality over form.

Turning points

  1. V3217-20

    Establishes that if there is a commitment to repay, a contribution to the payments of someone else's loan is classified as a second loan and not as a gift.

  2. V0663-25

    Reinforces that the Administration can make the real legal classification of the act regardless of the denomination the parties give it.

Analysis based on 9 of 11 rulings with a stated position. Updated 27 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

11
V2066-24 25 Sept 2024

Spousal payment of third-party debt may be subject to IRPF or exempt from ITPS and AJD

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
asunción liberatoria de deudadonaciónpréstamoprincipio de calificaciónnegocio jurídico gratuito LISD — Ley 29/1987 de Sucesiones y Donaciones art. 3.1.bLISD — Ley 29/1987 de Sucesiones y Donaciones art. 5.b
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V3317-20 6 Nov 2020

Family loans are exempt from ITPAJD but require a tax return filing

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
transmisiones patrimonialesactos jurídicos documentadosexenciónpréstamoobligación de declarar TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.1.BTRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.5
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0509-20 2 Mar 2020

Non-resident loans must self-declare as exempt to the State Tax Agency

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
transmisiones patrimonialesactos jurídicos documentadospréstamoexenciónsujeto pasivo TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 8
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0152-19 23 Jan 2019

Lender is the taxable person in mortgage-backed loan deeds

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
póliza de créditogarantía hipotecariasujeto pasivotransmisiones patrimoniales onerosascuota variable TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.1.BTRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.5
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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