Road Tax - When, Where and How to Pay

31 May 2019

Confused by Mallorca’s Road Tax? Get back on track with this simple guide.

With so many things to consider when moving or living abroad, it’s the little and unfamiliar things that often slip through the cracks. So far having lived in countries where road tax was included as part of yearly registration fees, this one caught us a little off guard. Happily, the rules on this are clear, and much information exists to help.

Here is a condensed version so you can avoid making a potentially costly legal misstep without sifting through mountains of research!

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What is Road Tax? #

Road tax, officially called IVTM (Impuesto Sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica), is a yearly local tax assessed by each municipality, not the state government. This means that depending on where you live, type of vehicle and horsepower, you will pay more, or less, in tax. Emissions and age of the vehicle are not taken into account for this particular tax.

The registered owner of the vehicle as of 1 January of each calendar year is the person responsible for payment. Road tax must be paid for every single vehicle that you own and is compulsory. This means it is applicable for ANY motorised vehicle that potentially uses the roads. Motorbikes, caravans, scooters, and vans are all subject.

Proof of payment should be kept in the vehicle at all times, as the police will ask to see a receipt of payment if you are stopped or are in an accident. If you cannot produce proof, the police have the right to impound your vehicle, and in rare cases, they have been known to embargo bank accounts. They’re serious about collecting, so just stay in compliance to avoid a nightmare scenario!

One final thing is that road tax does not eliminate the need to pay tolls on certain motorways. On Mallorca, this is not an issue, but if you are thinking of driving on the mainland, know that you may be required to pay. Toll roads are usually distinguished by the prefix “AP”, as in AP-12, similar to “Ma” on Mallorca.

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When Is It to Be Paid? #

As it is municipality specific, each town is on a different schedule. Below is the most recent information available, though it is always a good idea to check at your local town hall (Ajuntament) to be sure.

Road tax payment dates by Municipality:

If you are late in paying, you can easily pay a small fine and get your IVTM renewed but remember that the police won’t care if you have good intentions. They can tow your car if you are not up to date and in accordance. A thing best to be avoided, no?

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How To Pay? #

Payment is simple. All you have to do is go to your local Ajuntament and pay during the dates listed above depending on where you reside, or even better, set up a direct debit to ensure payment is made without you having to think about it.

Exemptions and Other Things to Know #

As ever, there are exceptions to the rules. There are certain instances where you are eligible for discounts or not required to pay anything. Cars over 25 years old need not pay at all. Vehicles used for public service, such as taxis, receive discounts, and eco-friendly, electric or hybrid vehicles can get up to 75% off.

Affordable Mallorca Tip: If you can show that you will not be using Spanish roads on a temporary basis, you are not responsible for paying road tax, but you must apply for a Baja Temporal in orderBy to be exempt.

And that's all there is to it. Happy motoring!

31 May, 2019

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