VAT for the self-employed in Spain 2026: modelo 303 and 390

VAT (IVA in Spain) is the tax that causes autónomos the most headaches, though it is not really yours: you only act as an intermediary between your clients and Hacienda. This guide explains how VAT works in 2026, the rates, how the quarterly return (modelo 303) works, the annual summary (modelo 390), which activities are exempt and the equivalence surcharge.

In short: the autónomo charges VAT to clients (output VAT) and pays VAT on purchases (input VAT). Each quarter you file modelo 303 with the difference: if you charged more than you paid, you pay Hacienda the difference; if it is the other way round, it is carried forward or refunded. The 2026 rates are still 21% (standard), 10% (reduced) and 4% (super-reduced). In January you file the annual summary (modelo 390).
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In this guide
  1. What VAT is and how it works
  2. VAT rates in 2026
  3. The settlement: output minus input
  4. Modelo 303 (quarterly)
  5. Modelo 390 (annual summary)
  6. VAT-exempt activities
  7. Equivalence surcharge

What VAT is and how it works

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax on consumption. As an autónomo, you add VAT to your invoices (you charge it to your client) and you pay VAT when you buy goods or services for your activity. In the end VAT is neither income nor an expense for you: you collect it for Hacienda and hand over the difference every quarter.

VAT rates in 2026

In 2026 the three usual rates remain, unchanged:

RatePercentageApplies to
Standard21%Most goods and services.
Reduced10%Hospitality, passenger transport, some foods, housing.
Super-reduced4%Basic foods (bread, milk, fruit), books, medicines.

You must apply the rate matching each product or service you sell. Check the AEAT's official classification if your activity may fall under a reduced rate.

The settlement: output minus input

The basic operation each quarter is simple:

Example of one quarter
Output VAT (charged to clients)€3,000
Input VAT (paid on purchases)−€800
To pay on modelo 303€2,200

If input VAT exceeds output VAT (e.g. a quarter with heavy investment), the result is negative: it is carried forward to offset the following quarters. In the fourth quarter you can choose to request a refund of the balance in your favour.

Modelo 303 (quarterly)

Modelo 303 is the quarterly VAT return. It is compulsory for every autónomo registered for VAT, even if you did not invoice in the quarter (in that case you file it "with no activity").

QuarterPeriodDeadline
Q1January – March1–20 April
Q2April – June1–20 July
Q3July – September1–20 October
Q4October – December1–30 January 2027
Do not forget to file itEven if the result is zero or you had no activity, you must file the 303 on time. Not filing leads to surcharges and penalties.

Modelo 390 (annual summary)

Modelo 390 is an informative annual summary of VAT: the sum of the four modelo 303 filings of the year. You pay nothing with it, it only compiles. It is filed from 1 to 30 January of the following year (for 2026, in January 2027).

Exemption from the 390If you are in the Immediate Supply of Information (SII) system, you are exempt from filing the 390. Most autónomos do not use the SII, so they do file the annual summary.

VAT-exempt activities

Some activities are VAT-exempt: no VAT is charged on their invoices and input VAT cannot be deducted. The most common:

If all your activity is exempt, you generally do not file modelo 303. With mixed activity (partly exempt, partly not), the prorrata rule applies. It is worth checking with an adviser.

Equivalence surcharge

The equivalence surcharge (recargo de equivalencia) is a special regime compulsory for retail traders (autónomos selling to the final consumer without transforming the product). It works like this: your supplier charges you, on top of VAT, an additional surcharge, and in exchange you do not file modelo 303 or deduct the VAT on your purchases. It greatly simplifies admin.

VAT rateEquivalence surcharge
21% (standard)5.2%
10% (reduced)1.4%
4% (super-reduced)0.5%

The retailer pays the surcharge to the supplier, who pays it to Hacienda. A trader under the equivalence surcharge cannot deduct input VAT, but saves the quarterly VAT returns.

Deductible expenses → modelo 130 calculator → Back to the self-employed hub →
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Frequently asked questions

When is VAT paid in 2026?
Each quarter with modelo 303: 1–20 April, July and October, and 1–30 January for the fourth quarter. In January you also file the annual summary (modelo 390).
Do I file the 303 if I did not invoice?
Yes. If you are registered for VAT, you must file modelo 303 even with no activity, marking it "no activity".
What if my VAT is negative?
If input VAT exceeds output VAT, the balance is carried forward to offset later quarters. In the fourth quarter you can request a refund of the balance in your favour.
Who is VAT-exempt?
Activities such as healthcare, regulated education or certain insurance. If all your activity is exempt, you normally do not file modelo 303.
What is the equivalence surcharge?
A compulsory regime for retail traders: you pay an extra surcharge to the supplier (5.2%, 1.4% or 0.5% by rate) and in exchange do not file the 303 or deduct VAT.

Official sources

Guidance based on the rules in force in 2026. The VAT rates for each activity and the special regimes may have particularities. This does not replace advice from a qualified tax adviser (gestor).