The IBI map in Spain: up to 625 euros of difference between territories

Tell me where you live and I will tell you if you are among those who pay the highest or lowest Real Estate Tax (IBI). The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has shown the “huge differences” in tax rates after comparing the amount to be paid in the 52 provincial capitals of Spain and the differences can exceed 625 euros per year.

In a study carried out by the organization for urban housing with a payable base of 80,000 euros, without bonuses, the average amount of the IBI receipt is between 774 euros in Lérida (with a rate of 0.967%) and 147 euros in San Sebastián (with a rate of 0.191%). They are the most expensive and the cheapest of the 52 provincial capitals and mark a difference that exceeds 625 euros.

Variations in bonuses increase the differences

We must add more differences in case of bonuses. According to the OCU analysis, these also vary depending on the municipality. Thus, the discount for officially protected housing for which the law provides for a three-year reduction of 50% of the IBI, is stretched up to seven years by the same percentage in cities such as Barcelona or Salamanca while almost half of the capitals do not contemplate any extension of this benefit, including Madrid, Seville or Palma.

Nor is the discount for large families applied in the same way in all territories. Although this, which usually translates into a reduction of up to 90% of the receipt in most cities, the percentage may be reduced or even non-existent, as in Bilbao and Pamplona.

In the case of the discount for installing solar energy, which can imply a 50% reduction in the IBI on the habitual residence for several years, there are also cities where it is not considered, such as Albacete, Burgos, León, Murcia and Valladolid.

Regarding the discount for direct debit, the OCU explains that in some cities it supposes a discount of up to 5% of the receipt, such as Granada, Guadalajara, Cuenca and Seville, but half does not contemplate any reduction.

For the organization, “the differences are excessive and increase fiscal inequalities” and they have asked the municipalities for exemption from paying the IBI for vulnerable groups with low incomes.