Doing business in Marbella and Spain is difficult these days due to the world wide financial crises. It does not help much that the local tax offices or Hacienda de Marbella have policies and procedures that really belong to the dark ages.

Some people in Marbella file tax returns, not all mind you. Those who do, do this to be good citizens. What happens then if you file a tax return and do not have the funds to pay the taxes there and then. Well the Hacienda “increases” your chances of survival by CALLING all your business associates and tell them not to pay you, but pay the Hacienda instead.

There is no intelligent answer to this practice and as far as known the only place in Europe where they do this.

When all these rules and procedures from the stone ages are left behind, business in Marbella might have a chance of survival. Until then have a look around in the streets and see if there are any left……………………
Good luck Marbella Mayoress Ángeles Muñoz