File your income tax return online It has become the most common way to comply with the tax authorities, but that doesn't mean it's intuitive or quick the first time you log in. Website rentalBetween certificates, Cl@ve, reference numbers, drafts, notices and different payment methods, it's normal to have doubts and, if you don't take it easy, to miss some important information.
In this guide you will find a complete, step-by-step tour of the entire processFrom how to identify yourself on the Tax Agency's website to what to do if you make a mistake or need to file tax returns for previous years. We'll also review who is required to file, what documents you should have on hand, and what options you have if you prefer to file by phone, in person at an office, or even with the help of specialized platforms.
Who has to file an income tax return
Before getting into Renta WEB, the first thing is to be clear if you are actually required to file the returnNot everyone has to do it. The obligation depends on your income, the number of employers, and your personal circumstances.
As a general rule, you must file your tax return if Does any of these circumstances apply to your work earnings?
- More than 22.000 euros gross per year when you've only had one payer.
- More than 15.876 euros gross per year if you have had two or more payers and from the second and subsequent payers you have received a total of more than 2.500 euros.
There are important nuances, for example in the case of unemployment benefitsIf you have received unemployment benefits, you are generally not required to file a tax return solely for that reason, unless certain circumstances apply, such as alternating periods of work and unemployment, or having had several employers including the SEPE (Spanish Public Employment Service), reaching the limits mentioned.
Just because you're not required to file doesn't mean you can't. Often, Even if you're not obligated, it's in your best interest to file a tax return. because you may be able to get a refund thanks to high withholdings or deductions in your favor.
In addition to employment income, there are other situations (rentals, capital gains, investments, etc.) that may require you to declare them; therefore, it is advisable that, before anything else, you review your tax data on the Tax Agency's website to see what information they have about you.
Ways to identify yourself to file your taxes online
To access Renta WEB you need to identify yourself electronically in a safe wayThe tax authorities offer several systems, each with its own advantages. The choice you make doesn't affect the content of your tax return, only how you access it.
In the current campaign you can use electronic certificate or DNIe, the system Cl@ve (Cl@ve Móvil / Cl@ve PIN / Cl@ve permanente), reference number income, or even the system of EU citizen identification (eIDAS) for people from other European Union countries who want to access using their national credentials.
Furthermore, if you're not comfortable with the internet, you have the option of "We'll Call You" telephone service, especially useful for older people, and in-person service by appointment at AEAT offices, although in this guide we focus on the online procedure and we will tell you about those other ways as an alternative.
Access with electronic certificate or electronic ID card
If you already have digital certificate or electronic IDThis is usually the easiest and fastest way to access your tax return, as it avoids temporary passwords and references. It's the preferred option for those who frequently complete various online procedures.
To use it, go to the Income Tax portal on the Tax Agency website and access "Income Tax 2025". In the block of "Notable achievements", select the link "Draft/Tax Return Processing Service (DIRECT Income Tax and WEB Income Tax)".
On the login screen, choose "Electronic certificate or ID card"The browser will ask you to select the certificate you want to use; once you do, your identity will be validated and you will proceed to the next screen where you must choose whether to proceed. in your own name or as a representative of another person.
After making this selection, you will access your tax return file. From there, in the section "Available services", select the option "Draft/Tax Return Processing Service (DIRECT Income Tax and WEB Income Tax)" to move on to the actual Renta WEB program.
If you have previously accessed Renta WEB, a pop-up window will appear notifying you that there is a previously saved statement. You can choose to "Continue session" (you get back what you had) or by "New statement" to start from scratch by re-entering your tax information. You will also be able to choose the language in which you wish to file your return.
If you have already filed your tax return, the system will detect the existence of a declaration filed for that fiscal year and it will offer you the button "Modify submitted declaration" to initiate a rectification if necessary.
Access with Cl@ve Móvil (APP or SMS)
Another very common option is Cl@ve MobileThis allows access via the official Cl@ve app or with a PIN sent by SMS. It's especially useful if you don't want to install certificates on your computer or if you work from multiple devices.
Within "Income 2025", it also includes "Draft/Tax Return Processing Service (DIRECT Income Tax and WEB Income Tax)" and, on the login screen, press «Cl@ve Móvil»The authentication window will open with a Verification code, a timer and a QR code.
You have three ways to identify yourself with Cl@ve:
- Scan the QR code Using the Cl@ve app: In the app, select "Scan QR code" and focus on the QR code displayed in your browser. Verify that the verification code and the issuing organization match what you see on the screen and tap "Confirm" in the app. You will see the message "Authentication successful," and you will be logged in to your browser.
- Continue without scanning the QR codeIf you don't want to use the scanner, tap the option to continue without scanning the QR code. Enter your ID card or Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE) and the corresponding verification information (expiration date, issue date if the ID card is permanent, or support number in the case of the NIE). Then, open the app and confirm the authentication request that appears, using two-factor authentication for added security.
- Access with PIN via SMSIf you don't have the app activated, wait until the "Access with a PIN via SMS" button appears. You will receive a 6-digit code that you must enter in the "Access PIN" field to complete the authentication.
Once validated with Cl@ve, as with the certificate, you must indicate whether you are acting by yourself or as a representativeThen you will be able to access "Draft/Return Processing Service (Direct Income Tax and WEB Income Tax)" within "Available Services".
If you have already entered before, you will be able to choose "Continue session" o "New statement"including your tax information again. And, if the return has already been filed, the option will reappear. "Modify submitted declaration" to rectify it, following the same procedure as with a certificate.
Access with Income Tax Reference Number
El reference number It's another widely used access system. It's a 6-character code that allows you to manage almost all the campaign services: consult tax data, view the draft, and fully process your tax return.
To achieve this, the Tax Agency usually asks for the amount in box 505 from the previous year's tax return. However, You can also obtain it if you log in with a certificate, electronic ID card (DNIe) or Cl@ve., and then you generate the reference from the portal itself.
If it's you first time filing taxes If you don't have box 505, the process is slightly different. You'll need to access "Tax return processing service / draft (Income Tax WEB)" and, within the "With reference number" option, enter your ID or NIE number and select "I don't have any reference number".
On the next screen you will have to repeat your identification, select the option "Non-declarant" and enter the last 5 digits of a bank account that you ownWith this information, the system will generate a reference number associated with your NIF (Spanish tax identification number) that you can use to access the draft tax return through "Draft / Declaration (Income Tax WEB)".
The reference serves both access the draft in order to carry out further procedures throughout the entire campaign, so it's a good idea to keep it in a safe place or generate it again if you lose it.
Other means of identification: EU Citizen (eIDAS) and telephone
In addition to the methods above, there is the possibility of using credentials from another European Union country through the eIDAS system. Thanks to this mechanism, an EU citizen can authenticate themselves to the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) using their recognized national electronic identification system, without needing to obtain Spanish certificates.
The goal of eIDAS is facilitating access to public services in other Member States With security guarantees and without duplicating identification procedures. If you live outside of Spain but need to file your income tax return here, this option can get you out of more than one tight spot.
On the other hand, if you don't want to file the return yourself, you have the alternative of "We'll Call You" telephone serviceYou will need to make an appointment from the date enabled by the AEAT (usually at the beginning of May) through the website, the Tax Agency app or by calling the official telephone numbers indicated (including 901223344 or 915530071).
On the assigned day and time, a tax technician will contact you by phone to prepare your tax return. It is vital that you have Have all your documentation and tax information on hand. at that moment, because they will ask you for them during the call.
Initial access to Renta WEB and session selection
Once you have passed the identification step (by whatever method), you enter your Income tax file and from there to the Renta WEB program. The first key screen is the one that asks you what you want to do with your tax return.
If the system detects that you have previously entered the campaign, it will display a pop-up window informing you of the existence of a saved statementAt that point you can choose between:
- "Continue session"to pick up right where you left off.
- "New statement"to start a new file incorporating the tax data again.
In this same phase you are allowed choose the language where you'll be working, which is useful if you prefer to complete the process in a co-official language. If you've already submitted this tax return, the corresponding notification and button will appear. rectify the declaration submitted if you need to make changes that have tax implications.
If you press "Continue session", you will directly access the "Summary of statements"From there you can continue filling out sections, review results or go directly to submitting the declaration in the modality that suits you.
Identifying data and family unit configuration
If you choose "New return", Renta WEB will first display the window of "Identifying data" of the declarant and, if applicable, of the other members of the family unit. This is where you should scrutinize your personal situation.
At the top you will see an optional box that indicates something similar to "If you want the program to only calculate the individual taxpayer's return, check here."If you select this option, Renta WEB will not calculate joint tax return simulations with a spouse or children; it will only process your individual tax return.
If you don't check that box and you're part of a family unit with spouse and/or childrenThe program will attempt to calculate both individual and joint tax returns. To do this, it will need authorization to transfer the tax data of your spouse and any children who have earned income.
This authorization can be given by Income tax reference or Cl@veIn the "Spouse Authorization" box, you'll find the "Reference/Cl@ve" button. Clicking it will open a pop-up window where you must enter your spouse's ID or NIE number, plus the verification data, and, if applicable, confirm in the Cl@ve app or enter the PIN sent by SMS.
When the data is correct and authentication is confirmed, the status of that authorization will change to "Authorized" and the system will automatically incorporate the tax data of the spouse or children into the declaration in order to simulate both joint and individual taxation.
There is also the figure of the seizure (code 100P)This feature allows a taxpayer to authorize another person (for example, a spouse) to act on their behalf with the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT). If a power of attorney is already in effect, it will not be necessary to enter the reference or Cl@ve code of the spouse or children on this screen: simply click "Accept" and Renta WEB will automatically import their tax information.
Keep in mind that, from this window you can modify or add information Regarding the members of the family unit. By using the pencil icon or double-clicking on the boxes, you can change information such as address, marital status, or add/remove members of the family unit (to remove, there is an X or delete icon).
Transfer of tax data and additional information
Once the identification details have been confirmed, Renta WEB will attempt enter your tax information to the declaration. Depending on the type of information the Tax Office has, an intermediate screen may appear asking you for additional data to complete the transfer.
On this screen you will see different concepts with an "Incorporate" column. For each row you can select the "Yes" box If you want that information to be automatically included in the tax return, the system will then ask you a series of questions or request that you complete amounts that are not yet finalized in your tax data.
Once you have completed this information, you can move on to results table or statement summaryFrom there, you will continue reviewing or submitting. If no further assistance is required, the program will proceed directly to the summary.
In cases where there is some data not included For each taxpayer whose information has not been entered (for example, because it requires more detailed analysis or because it affects someone not required to file), an information window will appear explaining what data has not been entered. You will be responsible for transferring this information to the corresponding section if it is relevant.
You can always check the details of your tax information via the button "View tax information" Located at the top of the program. There you will see each entry with its description and, if something is missing from the draft, you can go to the corresponding section of the declaration to add it manually.
Summary of tax returns and navigation through Renta WEB
The screen of "Summary of statements" It is one of the most important in the entire process. It shows the result for each type of declaration that could have been calculated: individual declaration of the declarant, individual declaration of the spouse, joint declaration, and, where applicable, declarations of children.
This summary usually includes a indicative note of which option is most favorable For you, comparing the results of the different options. However, you decide which one to submit: sometimes a specific option may interest you for reasons other than the mere financial outcome.
From each modality you can download a PDF with preview of the declaration (not suitable for submission), useful for reviewing it carefully. To view PDFs on your device, you need to have a PDF document viewer installed, either on your computer or mobile device.
At the top of the screen you will find a menu from which you can:
- Access to "Declaration sections" to go box by box completing or reviewing all the blocks (income from work, real estate, deductions, etc.).
- Enquire the transferred tax data to each declarant.
- use option «Show options» to enable additional buttons such as "Save declaration" on the AEAT server or "Search specific box" within the form.
- Open the button "Notes" to write reminders or comments that help you not to forget pending adjustments.
This summary also shows you the options for "Submit statement" in each option. Before clicking the button, it is highly recommended to review the main sections to ensure that no relevant income or deductions are missing.
Error validation and warnings before submitting
Before signing and submitting, Renta WEB offers you the button "Validate"This feature automatically reviews the declaration for completion errors or basic inconsistencies. This step is crucial to avoid surprises later.
The announcements Any notifications that may appear during validation do not prevent you from filing your tax return; they are recommendations to help you review certain sections (for example, if optional information is missing or if there is anything unusual). However, the errors Yes, they block the presentation until you correct them.
When you click "Validate", if the system finds warnings or errors, you will see a list where each line includes a button of the type "Go to Warning" or "Go to Error"From there you will jump directly to the affected box or section to correct or check the information.
If a appears when validating "Warning"In addition to reviewing it, you will need to check the "Read/Hide" box. This checkmark serves as proof that you have seen the warning before submitting. If you don't check it, Renta WEB will not allow you to continue and will display a message such as "Review the warnings before submitting your return."
Once there are no more blocking errors and you have addressed the notices and warnings, the declaration will be ready to be submitted. Now you just need to define the modality (individual, joint, declarant, spouse, children) where you will sign and the method of payment or refund.
Payment methods if the tax return shows a payment due
If the result of your tax return is a payment due, Renta WEB will ask you to indicate first If you wish to split the payment into two installments (usual) or pay it all at once. The installment plan is usually 60% upon presentation and 40% at a later date, without interest, except for specific regulatory changes.
Then you can choose from several payment methods:
- Direct debit of the amount to be paidYou can file your tax return by setting up a direct debit from an IBAN account (in Spain or within the EU/SEPA area), provided the filing is made within the period set by the Spanish Tax Agency (for example, from April 8th to June 25th). Simply provide your IBAN, and the Tax Agency will debit the amount on the scheduled dates.
- electronic payment: here three sub-options open:
- Payment by debit from account through the AEAT payment gateway, which generates a NRC (Complete Reference Number) at that time. Once the payment has been processed, the NRC will be automatically transferred to Renta WEB to complete the filing.
- Payment by card or BizumConnecting to the online payment platform: enter the card details or the phone number associated with Bizum and confirm in the banking app.
- Recover a previous payment (NRC)If you have already made the payment to your bank (in person or online) and obtained the NRC, you only need to enter it in the "NRC reference number" box to link that payment to your tax return.
- "To be deposited" with document for Bank/Cash RegisterThe system generates a payment document (usually a form 002) for you to take to the bank and make the payment there. The tax return is submitted but pending payment at your bank.
- Other payment methods, such as the acknowledgment of debt with impossibility of payment, requests for deferral or payment by transfer to accounts of non-collaborating entities, when the regulations allow it.
Options when the tax return results in a refund
In the event that your income turns out to returnYou'll have to choose what to do with that refund. The most common way is to request it through [unclear - possibly "online" or "online"]. wire transfer to an account that you own, but there are other possibilities.
You can request that the refund be made in a IBAN of an account in Spain or in an EU/SEPA institutionRenta WEB will display the account you used in the previous tax year by default, although you can change it now. It's important to check that the IBAN is correct to avoid delaying payment.
There is also the option of requesting a refund through a account with a financial institution in a country outside the EU/SEPA areaIn this case, you must fill in all the required fields (account number, bank, city, address, and country), while the SWIFT-BIC code may be optional depending on the settings. The country indicated cannot be one belonging to the EU/SEPA.
If you prefer, you can waive the refund in favor of the Public TreasuryIt's less common, but it's there as an option when you don't want the amount deposited into your account.
Signature, submission and proof of declaration
Once you have chosen the payment or refund method, by pressing "To accept" You will reach the signature and submission screen. If it is a joint return, the system may also ask you for the reference code or Cl@ve of the spouse or children included in the return, unless there is a valid power of attorney or this validation has already been done in the session.
If at this point there is pending noticesRenta WEB will show them to you before continuing, with the option to go back to review them or continue if they are merely recommendations. To continue, check the box. "According" and press the button "Sign and Send".
After successful submission, you will see a message like this: "Your presentation was a success.", along with the Secure Verification Code (CSV) and other registration data such as the receipt number, date and time, and presenter details.
Along with that message, a PDF of the submitted declarationThe first page includes the submission information (CSV, entry number, etc.), and subsequent pages contain the complete details of the declaration. It's advisable to download and save it; you can also print it directly from your browser using the printer icon or the "Print" option in the context menu.
When the declaration entails recognition of debt (For example, if you have opted for deferral or offsetting), a "Process Debt" link will appear on the submission response sheet. From there, you can view the settlement details with the debtor's information and choose between deferring, offsetting, or paying.
Documentation and data required to file your tax return online
To make the Renta WEB process faster, it's a good idea to have the following prepared in advance all relevant documentationMany details are already in the tax records, but you will have to complete others yourself.
In general, you'll want to have the following on hand:
- Identification and access systems: ID/NIE, digital certificate, Cl@ve or box 505 from the previous year to obtain a reference.
- Tax data downloaded or consulted on the AEAT website.
- Payroll and proof of income of work, pensions, benefits or scholarships.
- Bank account information, deposits, dividends and other income from movable capital.
- Rental data (income and deductible expenses if you are a landlord, rental agreements if you are a tenant entitled to a deduction).
- Mortgage receipts and deeds if you are entitled to a deduction for main residence from acquisitions prior to 2013.
- Pension plan certificatesdonations to NGOs, membership fees to unions or professional associations, etc.
- Any other documentation related to investments, real estate sales, stocks, cryptocurrencies or inheritancesIf that's your case.
The more information you have prepared, the less likely you are to forget something when reviewing the draft, especially regarding deductions and reductionswhich is where most money is usually lost due to lack of knowledge.
How to file your taxes by phone or in person
Although this guide focuses on the online process, it is important to remember that the Tax Agency offers two other presentation methods for those who are not comfortable using the internet or prefer direct help.
On the one hand, there is the "We'll Call You" PlanThis service operates by appointment. You can schedule an appointment through the AEAT website, the "Agencia Tributaria" app, or by calling the designated phone numbers, within the deadlines announced for each tax season. On the agreed-upon day, a technician will call you, and together you will complete the tax return over the phone.
However, you can only use this service if you meet certain requirements. requirements: not exceeding a certain level of income from work (for example, 65.000 euros), not having more than 15.000 euros of income from movable capital, not having more than one rented property, not having sold your house or having income from economic activities outside the module regime, among other limits.
On the other hand, you can opt for the in-person service at Tax Agency officesAlso by appointment. The appointment booking period and the start of this service are usually somewhat later than the start of the online campaign. For in-person assistance, a tax technician will prepare your tax return with you at the office.
In both cases, it is essential to attend or be available with all the necessary documentation and your tax information reviewedbecause the ultimate responsibility for the veracity of the declaration always lies with the taxpayer, even if it is prepared by a third party.
Filing your taxes for the first time: key steps
If this is your first time filing, it's understandable that you might feel a bit apprehensive. The procedure is broadly the same, but there's one important initial detail: You don't have box 505 from the previous year.Therefore, access by reference is handled differently.
The first will be get your reference number From the Tax Agency's website or app. On the "Income Tax 2025" portal, look for the "Get your reference number" icon and follow the instructions. Since you didn't file a tax return last year, you'll need to indicate that you didn't file and provide the last five digits of a bank account in your name.
With that reference in hand, he enters "Draft/Declaration (Income Tax WEB)"The program will load your initial tax information: address, marital status, housing information, income registered with the Tax Agency, and Social Security contributions. Compare this information with your payslips and supporting documents to ensure that Nothing is missing and there are no incorrect amounts.
The next step is to review the state and regional tax deductions that could apply to you: contributions to pension plans, deduction for main residence (in old acquisitions), possible deductions for rent, donations, investment in newly created companies, expenses to improve energy efficiency, purchase of an electric vehicle, etc.
You should also check if there are any in your autonomous community specific deductions Due to family circumstances, rent, studies, disability, the birth of children, and other reasons, these regional tax deductions don't always appear by default in the draft tax return, and if you don't claim them, you could be missing out on significant savings.
Once your income, expenses, and deductions have been verified, you'll receive an estimate of your first tax return. If everything is correct, simply choose your payment or refund method, sign, and submit, just like with any other tax return.
Corrections, income from previous years, and support platforms
It may happen that, after filing your return, you realize you have made a mistake errorDepending on who is affected by the ruling, you have to act in one way or another from the AEAT website itself.
- If the error It harms the Treasury (for example, because you failed to declare income or claimed an improper deduction that reduces what you should pay), you must file a supplementary declaration of the same tax year. In the online tax return form, the box corresponding to "supplementary" is checked to indicate that it corrects a previous return.
- If the error It harms you (because you forgot a deduction or overstated), you will need to request a rectification of self-assessment and refund of undue payments, explaining the reasons and providing, if necessary, supporting documentation. The procedure can also be initiated from the "Income Tax 2025" section of the online portal.
To income from previous yearsThe approach is similar: you can file supplementary returns or request corrections for past tax years, provided they have not expired. The general statute of limitations is four years, counted from the day after the deadline for filing the original return.
Ultimately, Filing your tax return online with Renta WEB allows you to have control of the processReview your tax data at your leisure and file your income tax return without leaving home or depending on office hours.
