Cold Water Shock from the Treasury to Thousands of Spaniards: Forced to Pay Without Fail

In 2023, the Government implemented a new contribution system for the self-employed, based on their actual income. This change aimed for the self-employed to contribute to Social Security according to their net earnings rather than choosing their contribution base, as before.

After analyzing the 2023 data, the General Treasury of Social Security (TGSS) has determined that approximately 880,000 self-employed individuals will have to pay up. That is, 23.85% of the 3.7 million self-employed workers contributed below the bracket corresponding to their income.

Blow from the Tax Office to These Self-Employed: They Will Have to Pay an Extra 450 Euros

As a result, these self-employed individuals are required to regularize their situation and will have to pay an average of 450 euros extra to compensate for the difference. Meanwhile, 26.85% of the self-employed contributed above their corresponding bracket.

These professionals have the right to request a refund, averaging 600 euros. Alternatively, they can choose to maintain their current contribution base, which would provide them with better benefits and pensions in the future. In fact, around 429,000 self-employed individuals have decided to maintain their higher contribution base, thus seeking long-term benefits.

Government Reactions After Criticism

The Secretary of State for Social Security and Pensions, Borja Suárez, has emphasized that those who have to pay more are not losing that money but are investing in their future. According to him, "those who have contributed less will have to correct that difference, but it is not a lost cause."

However, this measure has caused outrage among many self-employed individuals, who consider it unfair to have to pay additional amounts due to a lack of information or understanding of the new contribution system. Some argue that the transition to the new model was not clear, leading to errors in choosing their contribution bases.

In reply to the complaints, Suárez has defended the reform, emphasizing that it was agreed upon at the social dialogue table and its implementation will be gradual until 2032. Suárez has also highlighted the importance of this change to align the contributions of the self-employed with those of other workers and improve their future benefits.

Those Who Need to Regularize Their Situation Will Receive a Notification

Refunds and contribution adjustments will take place between March and April 2025. Self-employed individuals who need to regularize their situation will receive a notification and will have until the last day of the month following receipt to make the corresponding payment.

This regularization process is the first under the new contribution system based on actual income. Both the Government and the TGSS have noted that despite the complexity of the change, the transition is proceeding without significant incidents. However, the reaction of the affected self-employed indicates that there are still challenges in communicating and understanding the new regulations.