Reducing the tax burden legally is one of the main challenges facing many small businesses in Spain, especially during their first years of operation. To this end, having a professional tax and accounting advisory service specialising in SMEs makes the difference between success and uncertainty.
In this article, Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners, experts in comprehensive advice for SMEs and start-ups in Barcelona, share the most effective and completely legal strategies for optimising your company’s tax situation.
Why is good tax planning important for an SME?
Tax planning allows companies to:
- Reduce their tax bill legally.
- Comply with current regulations and avoid penalties.
- Free up resources to reinvest in the business.
- Make strategic decisions with a clear financial vision.
This is particularly important in Catalonia, where, in addition to national regulations, there are regional specificities that should be taken into account in order to optimise tax compliance.
1. Choose the most appropriate legal structure
One of the first steps in optimising a company’s tax situation is to choose the right legal form:
- Self-employed: taxed under personal income tax, with rates that can be high above a certain income level.
- Limited company (SL): taxed under corporate income tax, with a general rate of 25%. New companies can apply a reduced rate of 15% during the first two years of profitability.
At Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners, we analyse each case individually to recommend the most advantageous legal form for your business model.
2. Apply tax depreciation
The law allows SMEs to depreciate assets (such as machinery, computer equipment or furniture) on an accelerated basis, which reduces the corporate income tax base.
This translates into direct tax savings and is especially useful for companies that require high initial investments.
3. Specific tax deductions for SMEs
Many SMEs are unaware that they can benefit from significant deductions, including:
- Capitalisation reserve: 10% reduction in the tax base if equity increases.
- Levelling reserve: allows future losses to be offset, reducing the current tax base by up to 10%.
- R&D&I deductions: for technology companies or those that develop innovative solutions.
At Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners, we identify all the deductions applicable to your company and process them correctly.
4. Management of deductible expenses
Good accounting management ensures that all deductible expenses are correctly documented and justified:
- Salaries and wages.
- Office expenses.
- Training and consulting.
- Marketing and advertising.
- Professional services.
Clear accounting is also the best defence against possible tax inspections.
5. Tax advantages in Catalonia
Catalonia has some specific tax features that can be beneficial for companies based in the region, such as:
- Bonuses on property transfers.
- Income tax deductions for partners and entrepreneurs.
- Tax support for activities of economic or social interest.
At Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners, we are up to date with regional regulations and know how to make the most of them for our clients.
6. Planning the timing of invoicing and investment
Knowing when to make an investment or issue an invoice can make a key difference to the tax result for the year. For example:
- Delaying invoicing until January can ease the previous year’s closing.
- Bringing forward necessary purchases allows them to be deducted before the end of the year.
At Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners, we draw up tax calendars and plan strategically with our clients to maximise savings.
7. Outsourcing tax and accounting management
Outsourcing accounting and tax management to a specialised firm such as Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners offers multiple advantages:
- Saving time and internal resources.
- Access to experts in Spanish and Catalan tax regulations.
- Strict compliance with AEAT deadlines.
- Reduction of errors and risk of penalties.
It also allows business owners to focus on what really matters: growing their business.
8. Automation and management software
Using accounting and invoicing tools helps improve control over income and expenses. At Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners, we offer solutions tailored to each type of company, integrated with our systems to facilitate:
- Tax filing.
- Real-time financial analysis.
- Decision-making with up-to-date data.
Why trust Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners?
At Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners, we have been advising start-ups, freelancers and SMEs in Barcelona and the surrounding area for over 20 years. Our multidisciplinary team of lawyers, economists and accountants offers a comprehensive and personalised approach.
Whether you are setting up your business or looking to optimise its tax efficiency, we offer:
- Strategic tax planning.
- Up-to-date and analytical accounting.
- Tax management and filing with the tax authorities.
- Complementary legal advice on commercial and corporate law.
Do you want to pay less tax and comply with the law?
Contact Gutiérrez Pujadas & Partners today and discover how we can help you optimise your business’s tax situation from day one. We are located in Barcelona, in the business heart of the city. Write to us or request an appointment for a no-obligation initial consultation.