Corporate Income Tax in Spain: A Good Time for Tax Deductions for Research and Innovation

Published on 21 November 2024

In today’s business environment marked by mounting tax pressure, companies are increasingly seeking strategies for optimising their tax burden without compromising their competitiveness. One of the options for optimisation is investing in research and development (R&D) which does not only boost innovation but also offers significant tax incentives.

These tax incentives come in the form of deductions in the Spanish Corporate Income Tax (Impuesto de Sociedades), applicable to expenses incurred in R&D activities. They are designed to stimulate investment in projects that generate new scientific or technological knowledge and significantly improve existing products, processes, or services.

Companies can deduct between 25% and 42% of the expenses incurred in R&D activities, depending on the nature and scope of the project. Furthermore, there is a 12% deduction for technological innovation activities. These tax incentives can be combined with other public aids and grants, thus maximising financial support for innovative companies.

In the context of innovation and technological development, the Canary Islands stand out for offering one of the most attractive tax regimes in Spain. Companies on these islands investing in R&D can benefit from tax deductions of up to 75.6% of the expenses incurred, significantly surpassing the incentives available in other regions. This policy not only encourages investment in innovative projects but also establishes the Canary Islands as a national reference for R&D investment, attracting talent and capital that drive economic growth and global competitiveness.

In Spain, R&D tax incentives for R&D in Spain offer a valuable opportunity for companies aiming for innovation and enhanced competitiveness. Using these tax incentives not only enables businesses to reduces their tax burden, it also promotes the development of new technologies and knowledge, thereby contributing to Spain’s economic growth and technological progress.

In the current context of economic recovery and given the constant need for innovation, taking advantage of these deductions becomes especially relevant.