Doctrine by topic · DGT Observatory

Volume of Operations: 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 63 rulings · 2014–2026

Current position

The volume of operations is determined according to the accrual of operations pursuant to Article 75 of the IVA Law, without rectification due to non-payment altering this calculation. The purchase and sale of securities from private assets, as well as the delivery of goods where there is no transfer of the power of disposal, are not counted as volume of operations. In mixed activities, the volume of operations determines the application of the pro-rata for the deduction of the tax.

The DGT's position remains constant regarding the application of accrual rules and the exclusion of operations that do not constitute business activity. The analyzed rulings do not show a change in doctrine, but rather apply specific criteria to diverse scenarios such as beekeeping, permanent establishments, or securities management. Administrative jurisprudence remains in line with excluding elements unrelated to professional economic activity.

Turning points

  1. V1164-21

    Clarifies that the calculation of the volume of operations is governed by accrual and that the modification of the tax base due to non-payment does not alter this criterion.

  2. V1103-26

    Establishes that the purchase and sale of securities from private assets is not a business activity and must not be included in the volume of operations.

Analysis based on 58 of 63 rulings with a stated position. Updated 22 September 2026.

Rulings on this topic

24
V1103-26 18 May 2026

Private wealth management does not affect VAT deduction prorata

SG de Impuestos sobre el Consumo
prorrata de deducciónactividad empresarialpatrimonio privadovolumen de operacionesvalores mobiliarios LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 4LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 5
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V1075-23 27 Apr 2023

Special cash accounting regime must apply to all non-excluded transactions

SG de Impuestos sobre el Consumo
régimen especial del criterio de cajavolumen de operacionessujeto pasivoexclusión de operacionesdeclaración censal LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 163 deciesLIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 163 undecies
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual
V0123-23 3 Feb 2023

Tourist stay tax must be included in the VAT taxable amount and turnover

SG de Impuestos sobre el Consumo
base imponiblecontraprestaciónvolumen de operacionesimpuesto sobre estancias turísticasservicios de alojamiento LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 78LIVA — Ley 37/1992 del IVA art. 121
Affects CompanyExpat · Non-residentIndividual

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