Filing a return with a refund owed does not mean instant payment. The Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) has six months from the end of the filing window (30 June 2026) to issue the refund without paying interest. In practice, most taxpayers receive their money much earlier, but it pays to know that legal deadline and how to track the status.
How to check the status on the AEAT portal
- Log in to the AEAT e-Office using Cl@ve, a digital certificate or your reference number.
- Go to "Renta 2025" → "Available services".
- Select "Refund status inquiry".
- You'll see the current state and, where applicable, the payment issue date.
You can also check it from the AEAT mobile app (iOS and Android) without navigating the web portal.
What to do if it takes longer than six months
If six months pass from 30 June (i.e. 31 December 2026) and the refund has not been issued, AEAT must pay late-payment tax interest (interés de demora tributario), automatically calculated on the outstanding amount.
You don't need to request it: the Agency calculates and adds it to the payment. If the refund extends well beyond that threshold, consider filing a formal inquiry letter through the e-Office.
Common reasons for delays
- Data that doesn't match third-party reports: withholdings declared differ from those reported by employers or banks.
- Regional deductions without supporting documents: some Autonomous Communities require evidence AEAT may request before paying.
- First year as a self-employed professional: these are often subject to manual verification.
- Changes in bank account from the previous year: check the IBAN is correct — a mistake blocks the transfer.
- Supplementary or corrective returns from prior years still in progress: can delay the current year's refund.
If you owe money instead of getting a refund
The schedule is different: payment is due when filing (or in two instalments if split). See our 2025 tax campaign guide for instalment and direct-debit details.