For expats in Spain · English-speaking gestoría
Spanish Road Tax
(IVTM) Explained
Everything expats need to know about Spain's annual vehicle tax: how much you pay, when it's due, discounts for EVs, and how to check it online.
How much is Spanish road tax? Typical rates by city
IVTM is set by each town hall within national legal brackets. A car of ~10 fiscal horsepower typically pays:
| City | Annual IVTM (car ~10 CV) |
|---|---|
| Madrid | €90 |
| Barcelona | €126 |
| Valencia | €85 |
| Seville | €82 |
| Málaga | €78 |
| Small villages (<5,000 inhab.) | €30 – €50 |
Get the exact figure for your town hall and vehicle with our free calculator.
How we help expats with Spanish road tax
Free calculator
Enter your plate or fiscal power and municipality — get the exact IVTM in seconds.
Direct-debit setup
We register your car for automatic yearly payment so you never miss a deadline.
EV discount claim
If you drive an electric or hybrid, we file the 75% reduction request with your town hall.
Debt check
Buying a used car? We check for unpaid IVTM before you complete the transfer.
Pro-rated refunds
Selling or scrapping a car mid-year? We claim the unused quarters back for you.
English support
All communication with town halls handled by us — in Spanish, on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Spanish road tax (IVTM)?
IVTM (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) is the annual municipal road tax every vehicle owner in Spain must pay. It is collected by the town hall (Ayuntamiento) where the vehicle is registered and the amount depends on the vehicle's fiscal power (CV fiscales) and the municipality.
How much is road tax in Spain?
For a standard car (8–12 fiscal CV) the IVTM ranges from around €30 in small villages to €130 in cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Motorbikes pay between €5 and €90 depending on cc. There is no single national rate — each town hall sets its own within legal brackets.
When do I have to pay Spanish road tax?
Most municipalities send the IVTM bill between March and May, with a payment window of roughly 2 months. If you have direct debit set up, it is charged automatically. If you don't pay on time, surcharges of 5%–20% apply and the town hall can eventually seize your bank account.
Do I pay road tax the year I buy the car?
Yes, but pro-rated. If you register or buy a used car mid-year, IVTM is calculated per quarter from the date of purchase. If you sell or scrap the car, you can request a refund for the unused quarters.
Are electric cars exempt from Spanish road tax?
Not exempt, but heavily discounted. Most Spanish municipalities apply a 50%–75% reduction on IVTM for 100% electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Zaragoza all offer 75% off for at least the first 4 years.
What happens if I don't pay Spanish road tax?
The debt accumulates interest and surcharges. The town hall can freeze your Spanish bank account, block the transfer of the vehicle at the DGT, and even seize the car. Unpaid IVTM also blocks the sale of the vehicle — the buyer can refuse to complete the transfer.
Can I pay Spanish road tax online?
Yes. Most Spanish town halls allow online payment with card via their website or the app 'CL@VE'. You can also domicile it (direct debit) so it is charged automatically each year — this is the recommended option for expats.
Need help with Spanish road tax?
Use our free calculator or let our English-speaking gestoría handle it for you.
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