nokfiHow much to set aside for taxes
Not all the money that lands in your account is yours. If you set aside the tax office’s share every month, the quarter will not catch you short.
Updated October 2026
All of the VAT
The VAT you charge belongs to the tax office. Set aside the VAT you charged minus the VAT on your expenses: that is what you will pay on form 303.
Income tax: about 20 % of profit
If you file form 130, set aside 20 % of income minus expenses. If your invoices carry withholding, your client is already paying it for you. Depending on your annual income, the annual return may ask for more: with a high profit, set aside 25-30 %.
Example
You invoice €3,000 + €630 VAT a month and have €800 of expenses with €168 VAT. Set aside €462 of VAT (630 − 168) and €440 of income tax (20 % of €2,200): €902 a month, not counting your autónomo quota, which is charged monthly.
A trick that works
Open a separate account just for taxes and move the money there every time you are paid. What is left in your main account is what you can spend.
Estimate for the general regime (mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands). It does not replace professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of my invoices should I set aside?
All the VAT charged minus the VAT paid, plus 20-30 % of profit for income tax, depending on what you earn.
What about the autónomo quota?
It is charged monthly by direct debit, so you do not need to save it up for the quarter, but count it as an expense.
What if I set nothing aside?
In April, July, October and January you will have to pay the quarter’s VAT and income tax in one go. You can ask the tax office for a deferral, but with interest.