News published in INFORMA 2018

News published in INFORMA in January

As regards transferral of subscription rights, the amount obtained, which is considered to be a capital gain as from January 1, 2017, is subject to retention and must be withheld or paid by the depositary entity, or, failing that, by the financial intermediary or notary public involved in the transfer. As an exception, the transfer of previously acquired subscription rights to a third party shall not entail any retention or payment obligation.

As from 1 January 2018, exempt scholarship amounts will be increased: as a general rule - 6,000 euros per year. When financial endowment is intended to cover transport and accommodation costs for official studies within the education system, up to and including the master's level or equivalent - 18,000 euros per year. In the case of studies abroad - 21,000 euros per year. If the scholarship is for doctoral studies, up to 21,000 euros per year if they are taken in Spain and up to 24,600 euros per year if they are taken abroad.

As from 1 January 2018, the exempt amount for indirect canteen service benefit schemes, i.e. meal vouchers or similar documents, cards or any other electronic means of payment given to the worker to meet this need, shall be €11.

As from 1 January 2017, to apply the tax-free family threshold per descendant, in addition to those the taxpayer has guardianship over or is fostering under the terms established by civil law, descendants also include those whose custody or guardianship is given following a court ruling.

In the event of considering payment of expenses by health professional attendees at conferences organised by pharmaceutical companies to be earned income, they should not be taxed for such expenses, since, as from 1 January 2017, the expenses will be regarded as indirectly financed by the employer and will therefore not be considered as earned income in kind.