To give you some idea of what you’re up against when trying to negotiate the tax system and set yourself up as self-employed in Spain, here is a choice selection of my favourite quotes from the Hacienda (Inland Revenue) and Seguridad Social (National Insurance). All these quotes have been either contributed by friends or form a part of my own experience:
“From your side of the desk, what you’re saying is understandable. But from my side of the desk, no dice.”
“Here, you have many obligations, and few rights.”
“You are lucky that we will not fine you for this.” (After wrongly advising someone about the VAT rate they should charge, and then coming back six months later to collect the excess)
Feel free to contribute your own mind-blowing quotes from the Hacienda.
Text and photos by Penelope
