Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Mortgage Liability: 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 · 2014–2022

Current position

The assumption of debt without consideration is considered a gratuitous legal transaction, taxed on the mortgage liability from which the debtor is released, including principal, interest, and expenses. The release of co-debtors through a public deed is subject to the Stamp Duty (Actos Jurídicos Documentados) modality. The novation or substitution of a loan does not exhaust the right to deduction, maintaining the right to the proportional part attributable to the amortization of the original loan.

The DGT's position remains stable regarding the determination of the tax base for extensions and creations. The evolution focuses on precision regarding specific scenarios such as the release of co-debtors, the gratuitous assumption of debt, and the preservation of deduction rights in the event of novations.

Turning points

  1. V3116-20

    Clarifies that the release of co-debtors through a public deed is subject to the Stamp Duty modality.

  2. V1092-22

    Defines the assumption of debt without consideration as a gratuitous legal transaction, taxed on the mortgage liability from which the debtor is released.

  3. V1785-22

    Establishes that the novation or substitution of a loan does not exhaust the possibility of applying the deduction to the proportional part of the original loan.

Analysis based on 9 of 10 rulings with a stated position. Updated 28 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

10
V3116-20 19 Oct 2020

Release of co-debtors in a mortgage loan is subject to Stamp Duty

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
actos jurídicos documentadosresponsabilidad hipotecariasujeto pasivocodeudoresliquidación de gananciales TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 29TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 31.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2999-18 21 Nov 2018

The deed of partial mortgage cancellation on a property is exempt from AJD

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
cancelación de hipotecaactos jurídicos documentadosexenciónresponsabilidad hipotecariaescritura notarial TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 31.2TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 45.I.B.18
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0266-16 25 Jan 2016

No taxation for mortgage redistribution, but AJD applies to loan extension

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
redistribución de la responsabilidad hipotecariaampliación de préstamoactos jurídicos documentadoscuota variablebase imponible TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 2TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 4
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V2258-14 3 Sept 2014

Taxation on mortgage loan extensions and interest novation may be exempt

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
ampliación de préstamonovación modificativaactos jurídicos documentadosbase imponibleexención fiscal TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 4TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.5
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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