Spanish tax authorities will be scrutinising Bizum payments with a fine-tooth comb from next year, businesses have been warned.
From January 1, every card payment, regardless of value, must be communicated by banks to the tax agency (aka the Hacienda).
The previous threshold, which said lenders must only report payments of more than €3,000, will disappear entirely.
These tighter rules will apply equally to self-employed workers (autonomo), companies and online/mobile payments.
They will also extend to Bizum, the mobile payment system that has transformed everyday transactions in Spain since its arrival nine years ago.
Sending money via Bizum remains simple, but its built-in limits for private users will stay in place:
- Minimum per transaction: €0.50
- Maximum per transaction: €1,000
- Daily limit: €2,000
- Monthly limit: €5,000
- Maximum operations per month: 60
These caps are designed to protect users, although for some self-employed workers it works differently, as professional Bizum accounts do not have a strict monthly limit.
How Bizum is taxed for freelancers
For tax purposes, a Bizum payment counts exactly the same as a card payment. Freelancers must declare these earnings in IRPF and IVA where applicable, and provide an invoice if the client requests one.
From 2026, banks will report all Bizum and card payments received by self-employed workers to the Hacienda every single month, with no minimum threshold.
According to the authorities, the goal is greater transparency and full traceability of income.
It means the tax office will now be able to cross-check Bizum transactions against declared earnings. If the numbers don’t match, an inspection or audit is highly likely.
Experts recommend tightening bookkeeping habits now, such as:
- Use clear, accurate descriptions for each transaction
- Keep bank statements, payment receipts and invoices
- Ensure accounts are organised and consistent
This will particularly affect micro-businesses and small traders, who will be under renewed pressure to keep flawless records.
What about private individuals?
Some private users will also fall under the new rules, as those who spend more than €25,000 per year will see their movements scrutinised by Hacienda.
However, everyday informal Bizum transfers, such as reimbursing a friend for a gift or sending a couple of euros for some food, will not be reported.
Read more Spain news at the Spanish Eye.
