Málaga Extends Inheritance Tax Breaks and Expedites New Waste Fee Collection
The city of Málaga is set to implement several changes regarding inheritance taxes and municipal fees, aimed at reducing the financial burden on its residents. These initiatives involve progressive tax breaks and modifications to existing fees.
Málaga Inheritance Tax Adjustments
Starting in 2026, Málaga will offer a significant reduction in inheritance tax for non-residents. This reduction will reach 37.5% for properties valued at up to €150,000. In contrast, residents may enjoy reductions of up to 95%, based on property value.
This marks an additional increase of 12.5% compared to the previous year’s bonuses for non-residents. An estimated 5,000 individuals in Málaga will benefit from these inheritance tax measures.
Property and Tax Contribution Rates
- The municipal tax rate for residents (IBI) stands at €226 per inhabitant annually, significantly lower than other major Spanish cities:
- Madrid: €428
- Barcelona: €439
- Valencia: €238
- Zaragoza: €233
- Sevilla: €246
- The property tax rate remains unchanged at 0.4510%, a figure that has not altered since 2014.
However, recent state regulations related to property tax have resulted in a loss of approximately €20 million per year in municipal revenues. Over the past years, this total loss has reached €100 million, prompting calls for compensation from the national government.
Changes in Municipal Services and Fees
In addition to tax adjustments, Málaga’s municipal fees will see some modifications. The city has announced that fees for urban bus services (EMT), parking (Smassa), and water (Emasa) will remain stable for the time being. However, increases have already been implemented in the past few years, with charges related to waste management anticipated to see new adjustments.
New Waste Fee Collection
Málaga officials have indicated that the new waste fee ordinance will soon be published. This initiative is aimed at streamlining collection and minimizing legal challenges that have plagued other municipalities.
Furthermore, municipal officials emphasized the need to avoid shifting the entire cost of these services onto residents, citing concerns over excessive governmental demands.
Additional Community Support Initiatives
Amid these changes, Málaga is also continuing its support for community members in need. A new round of funding for municipal supermarkets is set to assist approximately 2,600 individuals. The program, now in its tenth year, has a budget of €2.4 million for 2026, with the municipality covering 75% of basic product costs.
Municipal representatives reiterated their commitment to maintaining affordable services for vulnerable populations while navigating the pressures of rising operational costs.
As Málaga implements these changes, it positions itself as a city focused on reducing fiscal pressure and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
