Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Residual 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 10 rulings · 2014–2023

Current position

The depreciation base of an asset is the acquisition price or production cost, excluding the residual value. Residual value is the amount expected to be obtained from selling the fixed asset at the end of its useful life and must be estimated by the owner without fixed percentage rules. In the exercise of financial lease purchase options, the transfer value is not the agreed residual value, but the total amount paid by the lessee.

The DGT's position remains constant in the technical definition of residual value as the amount expected at the end of the useful life for the calculation of depreciation. No doctrinal changes are observed, but rather an application of the concept in different scenarios such as the depreciation of assets or the determination of the tax base in the IVTNU (Real Estate Transfer Tax) through purchase options.

Turning points

  1. V2321-20

    Defines residual value as the amount expected to be obtained from selling the fixed asset at the end of its useful life, clarifying that it must be estimated by the owner without fixed percentage rules.

  2. V0198-23

    Establishes that in the exercise of a purchase option, the transfer value is not the residual value of the option, but the total amount paid by the lessee.

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

Rulings on this topic

10
V3162-20 22 Oct 2020

The tax base for AJD on leasing purchase options is the amount of said option

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
arrendamiento financieroopción de comprabase imponibleactos jurídicos documentadoscuota gradual TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 30.1TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 31.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0974-14 7 Apr 2014

Deed of cancellation of a real estate leasing contract is subject to Stamp Duty

SG de Impuestos Patrimoniales, Tasas y Precios Públicos
arrendamiento financieroleasingopción de compraactos jurídicos documentadosescritura pública TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 29TRITPAJD — RDLeg 1/1993 de ITP y AJD art. 31.2
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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