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Reference Value: 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 57 rulings · 2022–2026

Current position

The tax base in the transfer of real estate is the Cadastre's reference value. If the declared value, the price, or the agreed consideration are higher, the greatest of these amounts shall apply. The reference value can only be challenged through the rectification of the self-assessment or the challenge of the assessment.

The DGT's position remains constant in applying the reference value as a minimum tax base. Throughout the rulings, it has been reaffirmed that this value prevails over the declared value if it is higher, allowing for a supplementary self-assessment to reach it. The doctrine has been consolidated in the application of this criterion to various scenarios such as the dissolution of communities, transfers via auction, or horizontal divisions.

Turning points

  1. V0502-25

    Establishes the obligation to file a supplementary self-assessment for the difference if the declared value is lower than the reference value.

Analysis based on 52 of 57 rulings with a stated position. Updated 22 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

24
V5546-26 15 Sept 2026

Horizontal division and change of use may be subject to Stamp Duty

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
división horizontalcambio de usoactos jurídicos documentadosbase imponiblevalor de mercado TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 4TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 10
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V5541-26 15 Sept 2026

Acquisition of second-hand property subject to ITPAJD as an onerous transfer

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
transmisiones onerosasbase imponiblevalor de referenciavalor de mercadoliquidación TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.1.ATRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 7.5
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1968-25 16 Oct 2025

Group of properties taxed under variable AJD rate with reference value as base

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
agrupación de fincasbase imponiblevalor de referenciaactos jurídicos documentadoscuota variable TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 10TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 30
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0536-25 28 Mar 2025

Sale price used for capital gain calculation if not below market value

SG de Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
ganancia patrimonialvalor de transmisiónvalor de mercadovalor de referenciatransmisión onerosa LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 33.1LIRPF — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF art. 34.1
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0388-25 20 Mar 2025

Reference catastral value must be declared if higher than inherited value

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
base imponiblevalor de referenciaautoliquidación complementariavalor de mercadohecho imponible LISD — Ley 29/1987 de Sucesiones y Donaciones art. 3LISD — Ley 29/1987 de Sucesiones y Donaciones art. 9
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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