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Reduced Rate: 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 Medium confidence 79 rulings · 2014–2026

Current position

The 10% reduced rate applies to passenger transport services, construction works or renovation of dwellings with residential suitability, and certain food supplies with auxiliary services. Medical equipment only benefits from this rate if specifically included in the Annex of the Law. Hairdressing and gym services are taxed at the general rate of 21%.

The DGT does not show a doctrinal evolution regarding a single concept, but rather applies specific and differentiated criteria for each analyzed case of the reduced rate. The rulings maintain a strict application of the IVA (Value Added Tax) Law, requiring compliance with technical or classification requirements to use rates lower than 21%.

Turning points

  1. V1404-25

    Clarifies that hairdressing services are not considered social assistance or residential care, and therefore are taxed at 21%.

  2. V5100-26

    Establishes that the suitability of a dwelling for the 10% rate is determined by objective design characteristics and not by the certificate of habitability.

Analysis based on 73 of 79 rulings with a stated position. Updated 4 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

24
V5483-26 18 Aug 2026

New companies may apply reduced Corporate Tax rates if they meet activity requirements and are not part of a group

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
entidad de nueva creacióntipo reducidoactividad económicabase imponible positivagrupo de sociedades LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. Disposición transitoria vigésima segundaTRLIS — RDLeg 4/2004 (derogado por la Ley 27/2014) art. Disposición adicional decimonovena.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V5475-26 14 Aug 2026

15% reduced rate inapplicable due to membership in a corporate group

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
entidades de nueva creacióntipo reducidogrupo mercantilactividad económicaentidad patrimonial LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 5.1LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 18
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V5422-26 30 Jul 2026

10% VAT reduced rate applied to cultural tuk-tuk tours

SG de Impuestos sobre el Consumo
tipo reducidotransporte de viajerosactividad empresarialepígrafe de iaeagencias de viajes LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 4LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 5
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V5236-26 23 Jul 2026

New entities may apply 15% reduced rate if criteria met and not part of a group

SG de Impuestos sobre las Personas Jurídicas
entidad de nueva creacióntipo reducidobase imponible positivaactividad económicagrupo de sociedades LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 5.1LIS — Ley 27/2014 del Impuesto sobre Sociedades art. 5.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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