Many do not know that if you exceed 6,000 euros, your transaction may already be under the scrutiny of the Tax Agency, which monitors every movement. Therefore, it is crucial to know the limits imposed by law to avoid penalties.

What is the limit for giving money without declaring it to the Tax Agency?

What amount does the Tax Agency set for giving money without taxes?

The mandatory limit to declare a bank transfer is 10,000 euros. Any donation exceeding this amount must be reported through the Inheritance and Donations Tax (ISD).

Why does the Tax Agency monitor transfers starting at 6,000 euros?

Transfers over 6,000 euros are analyzed under law 10/2010 to prevent money laundering and tax fraud. Thus, the Tax Agency can identify suspicious movements before they reach 10,000 euros.

What penalties are involved for not declaring a donation?

What fines can the Tax Agency impose for not declaring?

The minimum fine starts at 600 euros but can reach up to 50% of the undeclared donation value, a considerable amount when dealing with large sums.

How to avoid penalties with donations to family members?

It is only necessary to comply with the obligation to declare and submit form 651 if the donation exceeds 3,000 euros. This avoids problems and ensures the transaction is legal and transparent.

Additional obligations with the Tax Agency regarding money movements

What declarations are made for international transfers?

Transfers exceeding 10,000 euros to or from abroad must also be declared, as must travelers carrying this amount or more at the border.

What other movements require declaration?

Cash deposits and withdrawals exceeding 100,000 euros within Spain are also subject to notification to the Tax Agency, which controls these flows to avoid tax evasion.

Considering the tax rates in Aragon, the donation tax percentage can range from 7.65% to 34%, depending on the amount and degree of kinship. This means giving money without preparing the declaration is a risk that can be very costly.

In summary, transfers to family members exceeding 10,000 euros without declaration can end with fines and legal problems. Knowing the limits set by the Tax Agency and complying with them is not only a matter of law but also saves avoidable headaches.

Therefore, when you think about helping a family member with a significant amount of money, remember that the Tax Agency is watching and that not doing it properly can cost more than the help itself.

If you have home insurance associated with an active mortgage, it is likely that you can save more than 1,000 euros on your Income Tax Return. But not everyone qualifies: there are conditions that must be met.

Requirements to qualify for the home insurance deduction

What are the essential criteria to claim the deduction?

The deduction only applies to homes acquired before January 2013, with an active mortgage and insurance contracted with the same financial institution from the beginning of the loan. Without these points, no discount applies.

Why is this deduction of interest to homeowners with a mortgage?

Because the maximum deductible base for investment in primary residence is 9,040 euros annually. With a rate of 15%, the deduction reaches 1,356 euros. A figure that can make a difference in the final amount to pay or receive back.

Deductible coverage of the home insurance

What part of the insurance can really be deducted?

Only the part of the insurance linked to the mortgage can be deducted, usually the coverage of serious damage to the home. Coverage for minor damages or supplements do not count for the deduction.

Why can't the entire home insurance be deducted?

Because the Tax Agency limits the deduction to the actual investment in primary residence. This excludes services or coverages that do not directly affect the guarantee of the mortgage loan.

Other current deductions related to housing

What other deductions can benefit families?

Deductions remain active for caring for elderly ascendants over 75 years old, with a limit of up to 2,500 euros, as well as incentives for acquisition or improvement of housing under special regimes or for people with disabilities.

How does all this affect the 2026 Income Tax Return?

These deductions create a scenario where the tax burden can be greatly eased if the requirements are met, making the return not just an obligation, but a saving opportunity.

The deadline to file the 2025 Personal Income Tax Return has been open since April 8 and affects all people with income over 22,000 euros a year from a single payer, or more than 15,876 euros if they have several. But this home insurance deduction could be the best news you get if you have a mortgage and active insurance.

The reality is that not everything is as simple as it seemed when you signed the mortgage. This deduction is only for a minority with old contracts and active mortgages, a detail that excludes many current homeowners. And, no matter how expensive the insurance is, only a part can be deducted—the part related to the mortgage.

So, before filing your return, carefully check if you meet the requirements so you don’t miss this saving opportunity that not everyone knows about.

Many employees find themselves trapped between tougher retirement requirements and the deterioration of their occupational health, highlighting the need to adjust current retirement and support models. The question is: how does this affect the region and what can be done to alleviate this issue?

The difficulty of maintaining full work capacity until 67 years old in Tarragona

Why is this relevant for workers in the Camp de Tarragona?

The extension of the retirement age to 67 directly impacts the lives of workers in the capital of Camp de Tarragona, especially in physically demanding sectors such as construction, healthcare, or commerce.

The accumulated wear, often invisible in medical reports, creates a scenario where many professionals reach 60 with chronic fatigue and without full capacity to perform their tasks. This leads to an increase in sick leaves and a widespread feeling of overload.

Which sectors suffer this wear the most?

The most affected sectors in Tarragona and the surrounding area coincide with the national trend: healthcare, social services, construction, and physically intense jobs.

These fields report a high incidence of burnout and mental health problems, which, combined with job insecurity, make it even harder for workers to reach the legal retirement age in optimal conditions.

Requirements and realities of the pension system in the area

How do the years contributed affect retirement in Tarragona?

The current system requires a minimum of 38 years and 3 months contributed to retire at 65 years, a difficult barrier to reach for many workers with fragmented career paths or periods spent on family care.

In the region, many face this challenge after years of temporary contracts and instability, which prolongs their active period and increases physical and mental pressure.

What options exist for those who do not meet these requirements?

One notable alternative is partial retirement with a relief contract, which allows reducing working hours and starting to collect part of the pension before the ordinary age.

In Tarragona, this option is still little used due to lack of corporate adoption, but it represents a way to facilitate a smoother and healthier transition to definitive retirement.

Strategies to manage the end of working life in the Terres de l'Ebre

How can partial retirement help improve quality of work life?

Partial retirement provides a progressive "work deceleration," allowing workers to adapt their hours to their physical and mental capacity, avoiding extreme exhaustion and increased sick leaves.

But for this tool to work in the Terres de l'Ebre, a change in corporate mentality and institutional support facilitating this option is needed.

What role do mental health and burnout play in prolonging the working career?

The impact of burnout and job insecurity is especially visible in workers over 55 years old, with 43% more sick leaves recently registered.

In a territory like Terres de l'Ebre, where a mature active population is significant, policies of prevention and support addressing these problems comprehensively must be implemented.

The reality is that data and testimonies from experts like Alfonso Muñoz Cuenca highlight the growing difficulty for many workers to reach 67 years in optimal conditions. In Tarragona and Terres de l'Ebre, this reality demands practical solutions, from flexibilizing requirements to promoting partial retirement and attending to occupational mental health. Social Security and local businesses play a key role in ensuring that the extension of working life does not translate into irreversible deterioration of workers' quality of life.

Imagine an inheritance that should be divided, but one of the heirs disappears without having made any decision about their share. What happens to that share? This Supreme Court ruling responds to a real situation that could affect thousands of cases.

The Supreme Court’s change in inheritance distribution in the district

What does returning to the classical doctrine imply?

The new Supreme Court ruling, dated June 3, recovers the so-called "classical theory" or double transmission. This means that when an heir dies without accepting the inheritance, their part does not pass directly to their heirs but is first attributed to this heir and then, in a second step, to their successors, such as the widow.

This decision is relevant because it modifies the interpretation in force since 2013, when a more modern doctrine was established that allowed skipping this first heir if they did not accept. Now, the Supreme Court rectifies to avoid registry and notarial distortions and to guarantee greater legal certainty.

How does this affect families in Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre?

For residents of the Roman city or the capital of Camp de Tarragona, this change may alter the calculations of legitimate shares, especially when there are widows who could see their hereditary share increased. Juan Ignacio Navas, an expert in succession law, warns that many cases could be affected.

Thus, for example, a widow without children can claim the part of her husband’s inheritance that he would have rejected or not accepted from a previous inheritance, such as that of his mother.

The legal and practical repercussions of the change

Why is it relevant for the local legal field?

The Supreme Court has indicated that its new interpretation of the civil code must be maintained until the legislature makes a specific reform. Thus, while there are no legislative modifications, cases in Tarragona, Reus, or Tortosa will have to be resolved applying this classical doctrine.

This also creates a new framework for claims and reviews of pending cases, especially if there is no final ruling yet.

What tax consequences does this doctrinal change have?

The change also impacts the taxation of Inheritance Tax in the district. Before, there were two transmissions and therefore two taxes. Now, with the modern doctrine, there is only one. With the recovery of the classical doctrine, two transmissions are again considered, which may imply a higher tax burden for the heirs.

This situation may affect many taxpayers in Terres de l’Ebre, where inheritance tax has significant weight in estate planning.

Key questions about the Supreme Court’s change

What happens if an heir dies without accepting the inheritance?

In this case, according to the new doctrine, the hereditary share first passes to the heir who died and then to their successive heirs, such as the widow or children.

How can those affected in Tarragona or Reus make claims?

If there is no final ruling or no lawsuit has been initiated, a claim can be made applying the new doctrine. The term and conditions will depend on each specific situation.

When will this change come into effect?

The ruling is effective from June 2026 and applies immediately to non-final cases and future successions.

The change is especially significant for families and legal professionals in Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre managing successions.

According to local sources and legal experts, this decision represents a new challenge and opportunity to manage inheritances with more security and justice. The reality is that this change may affect thousands of cases in the district, and therefore, it is advisable to be well informed.

Many residents wonder if this new rule affects them and what requirements must be met to be exempt. Below we explain the details to keep in mind for the upcoming Income Tax Campaign.

The Income Tax return and the new regulation for retirees in Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre

What changes for pensioners with low income?

Pensioners earning less than 22,000 euros annually from their retirement pension and who do not have other income exceeding 1,500 euros are not required to file the Income Tax return. This measure eases fiscal management for many residents in the capital of Camp de Tarragona and nearby areas.

What limits apply in cases with other income?

If the retiree receives more than 1,500 euros in income from other payers, the threshold for being obliged to file falls to 15,876 euros. Thus, the combination of incomes may cause some people who previously did not have to file to now be required to do so.

The deduction for veterinary expenses affecting owners in the region

How does the deduction for pets work?

Some autonomous communities, such as the Region of Murcia, allow deductions of up to 100 euros for veterinary expenses, including vaccinations and emergencies. This can be relevant for many animal owners in the Tarragonès and Baix Camp areas.

What requirements must be met to apply this deduction?

The taxpayer’s taxable base cannot exceed 25,000 euros in individual returns or 40,000 in joint returns. Additionally, invoices justifying the veterinary services received during the fiscal year must be presented.

Key aspects about early retirement and reduction coefficients

What changes are there in early retirement?

The Social Security has established a new procedure to apply reduction coefficients to early retirement, which involves an increase in contributions. This update especially affects retirees from Camp de Tarragona seeking to advance their retirement without penalties.

Who can benefit from exceptions in this regulation?

Workers with a disability equal to or greater than 65% and some specific groups such as firefighters can advance retirement with special coefficients that reduce the economic penalty, provided they meet the contribution and service requirements.

The modification of the regulations reflects a balance between the sustainability of the system and contributive fairness, a matter that is especially relevant to citizens of the region with early retirement plans.

The reality is that these changes directly affect many taxpayers in the area, especially retirees and animal owners who need to know their fiscal rights and obligations. Therefore, it is advisable to stay informed and consult official sources such as the Tax Agency and Social Security.

Many workers in the district, especially those with long working careers, now face a complex decision: whether to retire early and accept a cut or wait and receive the full pension. Therefore, it is worth taking a close look at what this regulation implies and how it specifically affects the territory.

Pension cuts based on years contributed and anticipation

How is the penalty for early retirement calculated?

The penalty depends on the months the retirement is advanced and the years contributed. If retirement is advanced by 24 months, the cut can reach up to 21% for those who have contributed less than 38 years and 6 months.

However, even if more years have been contributed, the reduction does not disappear. For example, a worker with more than 44 years and 6 months contributed who retires 21 months early will see their pension reduced by 11%.

What differences are there based on years contributed?

As the years contributed increase, the reducing coefficient decreases, but it is not completely eliminated. With 44 or more years contributed, the minimum reduction is approximately 11% if retiring almost two years early.

Conversely, if the anticipation is only one year, the penalty drops to 4.75%, although there is always an impact on the final pension.

Political context and impact on the district

Why does this measure matter to workers in Tarragona and surrounding areas?

In a territory with a significant proportion of workers with long working careers, such as the capital of Camp de Tarragona and nearby regions, this cut directly impacts the income of many families.

The decision to maintain these reducing coefficients particularly affects people who want to retire early for personal or work reasons, generating concerns at the local level.

What has been the recent political response?

PSOE and PP have voted against eliminating these cuts, even though Podemos’ proposal sought to allow early retirement without penalties for those who have contributed 40 years or more.

This rejection has an economic cost of more than 3.3 billion euros and opens a debate on the sustainability of the system and the needs of pensioners in the district.

Options and recommendations for local contributors

How can the impact of the penalty be minimized?

The best option is not to advance beyond the legal retirement age to avoid significant cuts. Also, when more years have been contributed, the penalty is lower, so completing the career as much as possible helps.

It is advisable to consult local advisors to calculate exactly how the pension will be affected according to personal situations.

Are there alternatives to increase the pension despite the cut?

Some pensioners claim additional supplements to compensate for the loss of purchasing power, especially when the pension falls below the minimum wage.

The Generalitat and municipalities of Camp de Tarragona are studying complementary measures to guarantee a decent minimum for retirees, but there are no firm decisions yet.

Social Security has adjusted the conditions for early retirement, and the reality is that pension reductions will affect many workers in the district, with special incidence in the capital and surrounding areas.

The transformation of the payment method, increasingly digital and less dependent on cash or physical cards, takes a new step with the arrival of Bizum at in-person stores. Convenience and speed drive this trend, which will change the way retail shopping is done.

How does payment with Bizum work at physical stores?

What does the customer need to do to pay with Bizum?

The customer only needs to have their bank’s application or the Bizum Pay app, which acts as a digital card. To pay, the mobile is brought close to the card reader using NFC technology and the transfer is made directly between accounts using the phone number.

Which banking institutions allow payment with Bizum in stores?

Currently, the service is available for customers of CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, and Bankinter, with the progressive incorporation of other banks in the following months. This causes the use to spread quickly throughout Spain.

Why is this system interesting for stores and customers?

How does Bizum benefit physical stores?

The immediate transfer improves business liquidity, as the money moves directly from account to account, avoiding delays. Also, the commission is more competitive than that of traditional card payments, although it is not free.

What advantages does it have for end users?

Users do not need to carry cards or cash. Only the mobile phone and their banking app. This simplifies the shopping experience and enhances security, with fast transactions and without global intermediaries like Visa or Mastercard.

Impact and future of Bizum in face-to-face payment in Spain

How will Bizum’s use change local commerce?

Bizum can transform the usual way of paying, making fewer and fewer people use physical cards or cash. This forces establishments to adapt to offer this option, especially in municipalities where digitalization is advancing strongly.

When is it expected for other banks to incorporate the function?

Banks that are not part of the initial phase will join during the months following the launch. This gradual expansion will make the use of Bizum at physical stores a common practice in the short term.

Payment with Bizum at physical stores represents a notable change in the way consumers and establishments interact with financial technology. The possibility of instantly transferring money with the mobile and without a card is clear evidence that the digitalization of payments is already a tangible reality, not a distant expectation.

The freezing of the 8,000 euro annual threshold to access this deduction for ascendants makes its application practically non-existent and the number of beneficiaries has plummeted in recent years.

Why does it matter that no one can apply the minimum deduction for ascendants?

How does this situation affect families living with elders?

The freezing of the income limit progressively excludes taxpayers who care for parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents, because pensions exceed the set threshold. This means losing a tax relief at a time of rising cost of living and need for family support.

What is the evolution of the number of beneficiaries?

Data from the Tax Agency show that returns applying the minimum deduction for ascendants fell from more than 300,000 in 2008 to only 112,803 in 2023, evidencing that the measure has become outdated and almost useless.

What changes do tax experts propose to reverse the situation?

What formulas are proposed to update the minimum deduction for ascendants?

REAF-CGE professionals propose to annually adjust the income limit according to inflation, while Fettaf suggests fixing it at 80% of the interprofessional minimum wage, which for 2026 would be 13,675 euros, nearly double the current amount.

How could the deductible amounts be updated?

The current deductions of 1,150 euros for ascendants aged 65 or older and 2,550 euros for those over 75 have been frozen since 2007. Experts propose raising them to 1,497 euros and 3,320 euros respectively, taking into account the impact of rising living costs.

What consequences does the lack of updating have in the current social context?

Why does the freeze particularly harm caregiving families?

The lack of updating transfers a greater economic burden to families, who have to face rising expenses for utilities and professional caregiver salaries, at a time of progressive population aging.

What impact does it have on the social and fiscal function of the minimum deduction for ascendants?

The minimum deduction for ascendants ceases to fulfill its objective of supporting families who care for elderly people, losing effectiveness as a fiscal and social measure, which calls for an urgent review to prevent it from disappearing as a fiscal right.

The future of the minimum deduction for ascendants lies in its adaptation to economic and social reality, to prevent the disappearance of a necessary support for thousands of families living with elders.

Without this update, the deduction will become inoperative while the aging population grows and the need for family and social support increases. It remains to be seen if political and tax authorities take note in time.

Experts warn that very soon it will become public that Spain does not need the same amount of people as it does now. Technology, with its unstoppable invasion, is making human contribution obsolete in many sectors, directly affecting the viability of the pension system as we know it.

The reality of wages and pension sustainability

The most common wage: an invisible obstacle

Although the average gross annual wage in Spain is often cited as €26,900, the reality is much harsher: the most common wage is nearly half that, around €14,586 gross per year. This means that the contribution collection from most workers is very limited.

With such tight salaries, the system’s capacity to finance decent pensions drastically decreases. While current retirees receive pensions based on contributions from more prosperous times, younger generations contribute very little, fueling an imbalance that grows year after year.

Pension expenses devouring the economy

Monthly spending on contributory pensions already exceeds €12.7 billion, absorbing more than 12% of Spain’s GDP. This figure is not only alarming but also reveals a system consuming resources faster than it can generate them.

The combination of low wages and a non-growing population, coupled with the increasing number of retirees, makes this situation unsustainable. The system is at a critical point.

Technology that cuts workforce needs and contributions

Machines replacing workers

Productivity no longer depends on the number of people working but on technological capacity. Automation and artificial intelligence are taking on jobs that were once exclusively human.

When companies can produce more while spending less on staff, the demand for jobs falls and, therefore, Social Security contributions decrease as well. It is a vicious cycle that endangers the viability of the current pension system.

The pending debate: should technology contribute?

This issue has already reached European bodies, which have proposed the possibility of imposing a tax on machines or robots to compensate for the loss of revenue from contributions.

Ideally, this tax would serve to finance a universal basic income intended for those workers affected by technological substitution. However, pressure from industrial sectors has so far halted these measures due to fears that Spain might lose international competitiveness.

Toward a new social and economic model

Universal basic income as a solution?

Job losses due to technology make clear that the current model is not viable. Since robots neither consume nor contribute, profits concentrate in few hands, while the middle class weakens.

For this reason, many believe that the new path will be to guarantee a universal minimum income, financed by taxes on high technological productivity.

A future with fewer people and a smaller State

Studies point to a scenario with a smaller population, low wages, and a State that will have to cut its weight in the economy. This represents a radical change from what we have experienced so far and forces us to prepare for a very different society.

The pension system, as we know it today, seems doomed to profound reform or inevitable failure.

The reality is that Spain faces a dilemma no one wants to face: fewer people, less work, fewer contributions, and the need to rethink how we protect our retirees. And no magic or empty political speech will fix this.

In recent weeks, local authorities and experts have warned about a new way of physically tampering with ATMs to clone cards and steal money directly from your account.

The technique that cheats ATMs

How ATM scams work

The formula is simple but effective: thieves install devices on the slot where you insert the card or on the keypad where you enter the PIN. When you insert the card and enter the code, the system clones the information, making your original card a mere copy while they gain access to your account.

That’s why any suspicious detail at the ATM, such as poorly placed parts or keys that don’t respond well, should be an immediate warning. Residents must stay vigilant because the technique is no longer anecdotal but common at various points in Tarragona.

Tips to avoid becoming a victim

• Check the ATM before using it: if the slot or keypad looks forced or irregular, leave.
• Do not accept help from strangers or let others get close while you make the transaction.
• Cover the keypad with your hand when entering the PIN.
• Regularly check your account movements and alert the bank if you see anything suspicious.

The fraud that also repeats at home

The fake message and call trick

Besides ATMs, another scam present in Tarragona plays on fear and trust: the perpetrator sends an SMS that looks official from the bank, warning of a hack on your account.

When you call the number they indicate, the person who answers is a fake operator who asks for codes sent to your phone to make transfers without you realizing it. It’s a classic, but it still harms many people.

They convince you to leave your security at home

The most disturbing part is when they warn you that they might also rob your home that same night and ask you to put jewelry, money, and cards in a bag inside your own mailbox, where a fake messenger will come to collect it for safekeeping.

The result? You end up without money in the bank and without objects at home, while the scammers celebrate with a cigarette.

Fight against fraud: authorities and banks alert

What security forces say

The National Police and banking entities in Tarragona are on constant alert for this type of fraud. They regularly issue advice and recommendations to avoid these scams, but the reality is that the technique evolves and citizens must stay informed.

The key recommendation is to distrust any strange situations and act with caution in front of ATMs or suspicious communications.

Local initiatives to protect residents

Some banks in Tarragona have started to renew their ATMs with safer systems and visible alerts to warn of tampering. Awareness campaigns are also being organized in neighborhoods with higher incidence to prevent fear and confusion from playing into scammers’ hands.

However, technology doesn’t do it all: the best defense system is for each user to try not to be deceived.

If not, the ATM will not only be a money dispenser but a generator of headaches.

This measure is regulated by Royal Decree 1373/2009 and the Civil Code, which establish how to act in the event of the death of a person without legitimate heirs. The system not only seeks to avoid lost heritage but also focuses on alert citizens.

The State and the reward for reporting inheritances without heirs

What does the law say and who can report?

Royal Decree 1373/2009 establishes that any citizen who has knowledge of a deceased person without legitimate heirs can file a direct report to the Delegation of Economy and Finance where the deceased had their last residence.

This report must be in writing and provide all possible information to verify the case. But not everyone can play the reporting game: civil servants, public employees, workers of residences, or administrators who already have this information through their work cannot claim the reward.

The reward: what’s in the pocket?

If the report is accurate and the inheritance ends up passing to the State, the reporter receives 10% of the proportional part of the assets they provided, either in cash or in settled value.

It is a direct incentive to prevent valuable heritage from being abandoned or disappearing into the system without control. Thus, citizens play a key role in this process, beyond a simple passive function.

How the Civil Code supports the State’s claim to these inheritances

The legal framework of the Civil Code

Article 956 of the Civil Code makes it clear that when there are no persons entitled to inherit, the State keeps all the assets, which ultimately go to the Public Treasury.

The law also establishes that two-thirds of the inherited estate are allocated to social interest purposes, making these assets a source of resources for public projects.

Practical applications and exceptions

In some cases, the Council of Ministers may decide to give another use to the inherited assets, especially if they have a special nature. But, in general, the rule is clear: heritage without heirs, heritage for the State.

This regulation prevents valuable heritage from being lost or subject to opaque management.

Exclusions and obligations of legal representatives

Who does not receive payment and why?

Legal representatives, such as relatives or administrators of the deceased, cannot receive this 10% because they have the obligation to communicate the inheritance to possible legitimate heirs.

This also includes workers of residences or centers where the deceased lived; their proximity makes them part of the legal process, not rewarded reporters.

Obligation to communicate intestate inheritances

Legal representatives are not only excluded from the reward but also have an active duty: to inform the situation to the legitimate heirs or, in their absence, facilitate that the State can manage the inheritance.

Therefore, it is not only about protecting public heritage but also about avoiding abuses or negligence in the management of these inheritances.

The system puts money on the table to encourage ordinary citizens to be the eyes and ears that the administration does not always have. But, at the same time, it sets limits so that it does not become a business for those already involved.

It’s not a jackpot, but neither is staying empty-handed if you have to play detective a bad deal. And now that you know it exists, you might wonder how many inheritances are sleeping in the shadows, waiting for someone to make them ring.

The Congress has approved a law that opens a pathway for these mutualists to migrate to the self-employed regime, with a benefit that could exceed 1,200 euros per month, compared to the 300 to 700 euros they currently receive.

The keys to the new law for mutualists

What changes for professionals who contribute to mutual funds

The new regulation opens the door for professionals such as lawyers, doctors, engineers, or architects to transfer their contributions accumulated in alternative mutual funds to the special regime for self-employed workers (RETA) of Social Security.

This means they will be able to convert their accumulated funds in years contributed to Social Security, with the promise of a much higher pension — in some cases almost triple — compared to what they previously received.

The importance of 38 years contributed

One of the key points is that a minimum of 38 years must have been contributed — the same requirement as the general regime for the maximum pension — to opt for this improvement.

A socialist deputy gave a clear example: a mutualist with a current pension of 450 euros could go on to receive 1,200 euros per month thanks to the new regulation.

The limits and controversies of the reform

The reduction coefficient and the update of funds

Despite the good news, the law does not guarantee that all mutualists will reach the minimum pension of the public system. The transferred funds will be updated, although it is unknown if it will be according to the CPI or another system.

In addition, a reduction coefficient of 0.77% will be applied to achieve more years contributed, which limits the potential increase in the pension.

Why doesn’t the 1x1 system apply?

The mutualists’ associations demanded that one year contributed to the mutual fund be counted as one year contributed to Social Security (1x1 system), thus equalizing pensions with those of the self-employed.

But since contributions to mutual funds are usually lower, equalizing pensions would be too much of a blow to public finances, which is why the law does not allow this option.

Last-minute changes and the future of mutualist retirement

Including retirees and active workers

A last-minute amendment will allow anyone who has contributed to a mutual fund to transfer to Social Security, whether they are still working or already retired.

This opens the door for many retirees with low pensions to see their benefit improved, although nuances and clarifications are expected in the Senate.

The current pensions of mutualists

Many professionals who have minimally contributed to mutual funds currently receive pensions well below the minimum wage, between 300 and 700 euros per month.

The new law therefore presents itself as an attempt to correct this situation, although with limits and conditions that for now do not resolve all inequalities.

The reality is that, after decades of contributing, many mutualists still depend on aid to survive retirement.

Since May 18, 2026, customers of CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, and Bankinter can already use Bizum to pay in any physical establishment. But it doesn’t end there: the rest of the banking entities will progressively join in the coming months, opening the door to a new era in payments.

How Bizum works in physical stores

Payments without card or cash

With Bizum at the store, there’s no need to take out your wallet or touch the card reader. The user only needs to have their bank’s app or the specific Bizum Pay version, which acts as a digital card integrated into the mobile phone.

To complete the purchase, the device is brought close to the card reader and the transaction is done via NFC technology. The payment is direct and immediate, transferring money from one account to another through the associated phone number.

Advantages compared to traditional systems

Unlike credit or debit cards, the system avoids the need for intermediaries like Visa or Mastercard, which currently dominate the payment market. This means fewer hidden charges and more agility.

For merchants, the collection is instant, improving their liquidity. Nevertheless, it should be known that this service is not free for them; banks apply a commission per transaction, aiming to compete with the fees of traditional systems.

Who can pay with Bizum in stores and how it will spread

Pioneer banks and gradual incorporation

So far, only CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, and Bankinter allow physical payment with Bizum. This pilot phase serves to adjust details before the rest of the banking entities join.

In the coming months, we will see most Spanish banks offering this option, which will make Bizum an omnipresent system for making purchases both online and in person.

Impact on users’ daily lives

For consumers, this means they will be able to pay with their mobile phones in stores, markets, and neighborhood shops without needing to carry cash or cards.

The procedure is as simple as bringing the phone close to the card reader, as is already done with contactless cards, but with a system that reduces international dependence and frees transactions from high commissions.

Revolution in payments: what changes for the economy and commerce

Fewer intermediaries, more speed

The direct account-to-account transfer removes the role of large payment processors, making the operation almost instantaneous and with lower costs for merchants and clients.

This could translate into improved competitiveness for establishments and a more comfortable and agile shopping experience for the consumer.

Commissions and challenges for merchants

Despite the advantages, the commission per payment does not disappear. Merchants will have to evaluate whether this system is more economical than traditional ones, but banks assure it will be a more competitive option.

The big challenge will be convincing all users and establishments to take the digital leap and leave behind cash or conventional cards.

Bizum is no longer just a system to send money between friends; now it is the new way to pay in Spain. A revolution that will start to change the way we shop from this May 18, 2026, and promises to make daily life easier for millions of Spaniards.

Social Security offers this option with a little-known legal instrument, the special agreement, which allows the workers themselves to take charge of contributions in specific situations.

What is the special agreement and who is it aimed at

A mechanism to continue contributing

The special agreement is an accord that allows voluntary contributions to Social Security, without needing to be working or registered in any scheme. This serves to maintain or extend rights to benefits such as retirement, disability, or survivor’s pensions.

It is a legal instrument that, unlike other formulas, falls entirely under the worker’s responsibility, who must bear 100% of the monthly fee. The idea is to prevent periods without contributions from translating into lower pensions or loss of social rights.

Requirements to access it

• You must have contributed at least 1,080 days in the last 12 years.
• People who have stopped working and are neither registered nor receive a retirement or disability pension.
• Workers over 65 years old with a permanent contract or self-employed with more than 35 years of contributions.
• Those who have exhausted unemployment benefits or subsidies.
• Pensioners with a declared permanent disability who have stopped working or whose pension has been cancelled.

How the fee to be paid is calculated

Choosing a contribution base

The first step is to decide the base on which contributions will be made. There are four options depending on profile and work history:

• The maximum base of the professional group if it has been contributed at this base for 24 of the last 60 months.
• The average contribution base of the last 12 months, as long as it exceeds the minimum for self-employed.
• The minimum base of the special self-employed regime if it is higher than the one in effect until 2022.
• Any base between the above.

The final calculation of the fee

A 28.3% contribution for common contingencies is applied to the chosen base. This figure is then multiplied by a coefficient of 0.94 to obtain the monthly fee the worker must pay.

Additionally, the payment for the Intergenerational Equity Mechanism (MEI) must be added, which in 2026 represents an extra 0.90% of the contribution base.

The risks and the hidden reality behind the special agreement

A solution that leaves many out

Although it may seem like an alternative, the special agreement is not accessible to everyone. Many workers who have stopped contributing do not meet the required days of contributions or find themselves in situations that make access impossible.

Thus, a significant part of the population is left with no other option than to accept that their future pension will be lower. The special agreement, in reality, ends up being a luxury only for those who can afford the monthly fee.

The cost of protection that is not free

The monthly fee can be high, especially if a high contribution base is chosen. The increase of the MEI means the bill rises even more each year, without clear limits.

For this reason, many workers choose not to continue contributing, even if that means giving up a significant part of their foreseeable rights. Social Security offers the door, but the price makes few cross it.

The reality is that this system serves to sell continuity that only some can afford.

Let no one be fooled: contributing without working has a cost that no one gives away.

The law establishes that if an heir who should be taken into account is left out without the testator being aware, the testamentary provisions are considered non-existent. This creates a legal mess that conditions the entire succession process.

Preterition: ignoring those entitled to inherit

What is preterition and how is it detected?

Preterition is the involuntary or intentional omission of a forced heir in a will. This heir, by law, is entitled to receive a minimum portion of the inheritance, called the legitimate portion. When they do not appear in the will, they are considered to have been preterited.

This situation usually arises when the testator is unaware of the existence of an heir or forgets to include them, something that often happens in families with changes or pending legal recognition situations.

Differentiating preterition and disinheritance

Preterition is not the same as disinheritance. The latter implies that the testator expressly excludes an heir, while preterition is an omission that may be accidental or intentional but not explicit.

For example, when an unknown child appears after the will has been made, this child does not figure as an heir and their exclusion is not voluntary.

How does the law act regarding preterition?

When preterition is intentional

If the testator knew of the heir's existence and knowingly left them out, the law does not leave this heir unprotected. The portion of the inheritance that corresponds to them, the legitimate portion, must be respected.

This implies reducing the shares that had been granted to the other heirs or even modifying legacies to guarantee the minimum legal quota.

When preterition is unintentional

If the testator was unaware of the existence of one or more forced heirs, the will may be annulled in the patrimonial part. When all forced heirs are forgotten, the testamentary provisions are eliminated as if they never existed.

This means the succession will be governed as if there were no will, applying intestate succession according to the civil code.

Practical cases and recommendations to avoid conflicts

Omission of one heir among several

If only one heir is left out among several recognized, the will is not discarded but adjusted. The shares of the other heirs are reduced to respect the legitimate portion of the omitted one, and other provisions are modified if necessary.

This requires recalculating the inheritance and may generate disputes and significant delays.

Why review each will before distribution?

A poorly made will or one that does not consider all heirs can block the estate for years. Claims from preterited heirs questioning the validity of the will are common.

That is why it is key for specialized professionals to analyze each case before starting any procedure, avoiding surprises and lawsuits that can shake what seemed a clear distribution.

If the legitimate portion is ignored or an heir is left out due to ignorance, the will cannot be executed as planned, and the process will be much longer and more costly.

Wills serve to arrange the estate, but when rights protected by law are left out, the testator's will becomes secondary.

This measure changes the usual rules of the game, where the pension ended at 21 or 25 years old, and opens the door for some beneficiaries to receive this aid for life.

How the orphan's pension works and when it is extended

General limits for collection

The orphan's pension is granted to the biological or adopted children of the deceased parent. It normally ends at 21 years old, but it can be extended to 25 if the orphan does not work or their income is below the minimum interprofessional salary (SMI), which currently stands at 17,094 gross euros per year.

When the pension becomes lifelong

But the key lies in permanent absolute disability. If the orphan has been recognized with this condition that incapacitates them for any work activity, the pension has no expiration date. The same applies to Great Disability, which adds the need for help from another person for daily life.

This means the pension can last 20, 30 or even 40 years, as long as this disability lasts. A change that makes clear that social protection adapts to harsher realities than just the age limit.

Amount and calculation of the benefit

Applied percentage

The amount the orphan receives is calculated using 20% of the corresponding regulatory base. This base varies according to the labor status of the parent at the time of death and the cause of death.

Differences depending on the child's situation

If the child does not have a disability, the collection limit is clear and strictly linked to age and income. But when there is a disability, the amount is maintained as long as this situation lasts.

Application and retroactivity of the collection

Deadlines to apply for the pension

The application is key: it must be submitted within three months after the parent's death. If late, the pension can only be collected retroactively for up to three months.

Payment and start of the benefit

If the deadline is met, payment starts the day after the qualifying event if the parent was registered, assimilated or not registered. If the parent was a pensioner, the pension begins on the first day of the following month.

In the case that the orphan is over 21 years old with a disability or Great Disability, the pension ends if the disability that justifies lifelong collection disappears.

The rule, published on May 28 and applicable from August 28, shakes up the traditional relationship between work and pension. With part-time schedules and incentives, the Government aims to avoid retirees staying unemployed when they can still contribute to work.

The most notable changes in flexible retirement

New compatible working hours range

Pensioners who return to work as employees will be able to do so between 33% and 80% of the comparable full working day. The pension will be reduced proportionally to the hours worked, a formula that introduces more flexibility than before.

This means it will not be necessary to give up the entire pension to rejoin work, but neither will it be paid in full. A delicate but necessary balance.

Incentives for starting later

If the return to activity occurs more than six months after retirement, the compatible pension can increase by 25% if the working hours are between 55% and 80%. If the hours are lower, between 33% and less than 55%, the increase will be 15%.

This increase does not mean receiving 25% more of the total pension, but improves the amount compatible with work. A reward for waiting before returning to work.

Flexible retirement for self-employed and mandatory communications

Self-employed activities

Retirees who want to resume self-employment can do so provided they have not been self-employed in the three years prior to retirement. In this case, the compatible percentage will be 25% of the recognized pension.

This opens a door to late entrepreneurs or small businesses with the guarantee of a supplementary pension.

Obligation to communicate

To avoid undue payments, the pensioner must inform Social Security of the start, modification, or cessation of work activity. Transparency is key to avoid penalties or overpayments.

Flexible retirements initiated before the new rule will continue under the old regulation, maintaining a certain margin of legal certainty.

Impact and reactions

A response to demographic aging

With a life expectancy that keeps growing, flexible retirement is presented as a necessity to sustain the pension system and avoid unnecessary unemployment.

But it also raises challenges: how to manage part-time schedules and prevent abuses?

The debate on sustainability

Experts warn that despite incentives, the compatibility of work and pension could generate inequalities among retirees depending on the activity and hours they can assume.

For now, August 28 marks the beginning of a new stage that could change how retirement is understood in Spain.

A change that will leave no one indifferent.

It is easy to fall into the error of thinking that it only involves receiving assets or money, but the truth is that debts and tax liabilities are also inherited, which can leave heirs more affected than a bad experience. For this reason, talking about inheritances is not just talking about money, but about decisions that can avoid family conflicts and unexpected costs.

How succession opens and why it is a problem

The key moment: death

Paloma Abad Tejerina, president of the Association of Family, Childhood, and Succession Lawyers of Madrid, makes it clear: succession opens at the very instant death occurs, not when the documents are signed. This means that heirs already acquire ownership and responsibilities, even if they are not aware of it.

But here is the catch: this ownership is not only positive. It includes debts and encumbrances that can have a very serious economic impact if one is unprepared.

The most common mistakes that complicate inheritances

One of the biggest mistakes is accepting an inheritance without knowing exactly what it implies. Many think they only receive assets, but they also assume debts and tax obligations.

For this reason, lawyers recommend analyzing the patrimonial situation before accepting the inheritance. A common way to protect oneself is to accept it "benefit of inventory," which limits liability only to the inherited estate, avoiding the loss of one’s own assets.

Wills and conflicts: not everything is black or white

Generic wills, real problems

Wills with generic phrases like "I leave everything to my spouse" or "the children will sort it out" almost always end in long and costly judicial disputes. This is especially sensitive in blended families or with complex patrimonial situations.

The will is not just about distributing assets: it also serves to designate guardians of minor children, executors or estate administrators, and to establish mechanisms that avoid future conflicts.

Donations and collation: the most common misunderstanding

Many people are unaware that donations made during life, especially to children, are considered advances on the inheritance through "collation." This means that when dividing the inheritance, these donations can be deducted from the portion corresponding to each heir, unless otherwise specified.

Ignoring this detail can cause heirs to encounter unexpected disagreements when it comes time to distribute the estate.

Tax pressure and planning: the last puzzle

Inheritance tax and strict deadlines

Heirs have a six-month term from the death to file the inheritance tax, with the possibility of requesting a six-month extension if done within the first five months. Although it may seem only a formality, not doing it on time can be a serious problem.

The differences among autonomous communities make the tax burden vary greatly, and some deductions can ease the pressure for spouses and children, but not all families are aware of these.

Planning to avoid conflicts and unexpected expenses

Lola de Cárdenas, lawyer and legal communicator, insists that making a will not only simplifies procedures but also saves money and future headaches. Modifying the will is possible at any time, which makes it easier to adapt it to life changes.

Lawyers agree that most conflicts could be avoided with good planning and professional advice. Talking openly about inheritances is not taboo, but a way to protect the family.

Planning an inheritance is not just distributing belongings. It is to avoid death taking away more than it leaves behind. Those who ignore this may end up with a lottery of debt and disputes. Talking about it is the first step to not turning an inheritance into a family time bomb.

The reality is that the conditions for accessing pensions will become the real battleground. Not only for sustainability, but because how and when we can retire will be the key to understanding future cuts.

The hidden trap of the retirement age

Comparison between France and Spain

While in France any change to the legal retirement age sparks protests that resemble declarations of war, here it seems to hurt us less if the cuts do not affect the direct monthly payment. But don’t be fooled: raising the retirement age by 2 to 6 years is a double blow. You have to contribute for more time and, moreover, the final pension will be lower.

Experts already warn that future reforms will go in this direction. Minister José Luis Escrivá made it clear in 2023: higher taxes on labor and a higher effective retirement age. This is not theory, it is the reality we expect.

Planned reforms and their impact

The calculation period to determine the pension will increase, but the real and more visible objective will be the retirement age. More years of contributions with an expectation of receiving less: the perfect formula for cutting without it seeming a direct cut.

This will especially affect early retirements, increasingly penalized, and flexible retirement, which would allow receiving pension and salary but with stricter conditions.

Early and delayed retirements: what to expect?

Penalties and restrictions for retiring early

If retiring at 62-63 used to be common, now this will be almost a privilege for a few very specific groups. Economic penalties will make early retirement not worthwhile for most.

Pre-retirements will also be pursued and limited, as they represent a direct burden on public finances.

Incentives and obligations to extend working life

Delayed retirement will become the new norm. There will be incentives to extend working life beyond 67-69 years, even though the real savings will be limited. The idea is that those who work longer will receive a higher pension or, at least, will not see it reduced.

But this system creates a dilemma: many will choose to postpone retirement purely for economic reasons, not out of desire.

The future of the pension system: more flexibility with less generosity

Flexible retirement as a growing option

It is expected that more and more pensioners will be able to combine the pension with jobs, including self-employment. In the long run, this option could eliminate reduction coefficients, allowing pensioners to receive both pension and salary without restrictions.

This will not mean savings for Social Security, but it will represent a change in the labor and social market, with older people continuing to contribute actively.

A notional accounts system with visible traps

The model being outlined resembles a notional accounts system: the pension will depend on the contribution period and retirement age. Those who work longer will receive more; those who opt for early retirement, less.

All in all, this is a disguised cut, but necessary to balance public spending. That said, don’t let them tell us this is just an improvement or a simple technical reform.

What is coming is a scenario where flexibility in retirement age will be the key to balancing the books, but at the cost of cutting rights and expectations.

The major pension cuts will not come in the monthly paycheck, but at the moment of being able to access pensions. And for many people, that will be a hard blow to bear.

Social Security regulates this right and the conditions to be able to receive two different retirement pensions. Everyone talks about earning more, but here the law puts the brakes on the party.

Requirements to receive two retirement pensions

Being self-employed and contributing to two systems

The self-employed who contribute both to the special self-employed scheme (RETA) and the general scheme may be entitled to two retirement pensions, as long as they meet the requirements of each scheme separately.

The law establishes that a minimum contribution of 15 years must be accredited in each system. Of these, at least two must have been contributed in the last 15 years before retirement.

Cases of overlapping contributions

If the self-employed is not registered in both systems at the same time, the contributions must have been simultaneous for at least 15 years. This means that contributing 15 years to one scheme and 15 to the other at different times does not count; they must coincide temporally.

This prevents pensions from being accumulated for periods that have not overlapped, thus limiting double reception.

How the amount of each pension is calculated

Calculation methods of the regulatory base

The regulatory base, which determines the pension amount, is calculated with two possible formulas. The one most favorable to the pensioner must be chosen:

• Divide by 350 the sum of the last 300 contribution bases.
• Divide by 352.33 the sum of the 302 highest bases of the last 304.

This base is different for the self-employed, who only consider six months of fictitious bases for non-contributory periods, whereas those in the general scheme consider 48 months.

Percentages according to years contributed

The percentage of the regulatory base to which one is entitled depends on the years contributed:

• With 15 years contributed, 50% is paid.
• For each additional month up to 49 months, 0.21% more is added.
• For the following 209 months, 0.19% per month is added.

But the sum of the two pensions can never exceed 3,359.60 euros per month, which is the maximum limit in effect in 2026.

What happens if the requirements for two pensions are not met?

Sum of contributions to determine the regulatory base

If the worker is not entitled to two pensions, the contributions from the schemes in which the requirements are not met are accumulated to calculate the regulatory base in the scheme where they do have the right to retire.

This ensures that the contributed time is not lost, but rather serves to improve the pension of a single scheme.

Pension according to the registered scheme

The pensioner will receive the pension from the scheme in which they are registered or in an assimilated situation at the time of retirement entitlement.

Therefore, even if two separate pensions are not received, what has been contributed in other schemes is not lost.

The rules are not meant to give away, but to set limits for those who thought they could hoard pensions endlessly.