Guide · VAT
Modelo 303, explained
Modelo 303 is Spain's quarterly VAT return. Here's what it is, how it's calculated, each quarter's deadlines, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost the most.
Modelo 303 is Spain's quarterly VAT (IVA) self-assessment: the form you use to settle with the tax agency the difference between the VAT you charged your clients (output VAT) and the VAT you paid on your expenses (input VAT). Autónomos and companies with VAT-taxable activity file it four times a year. Here's how it works and how to file it without surprises.
What it is and how it's calculated
Modelo 303 works out your VAT for the quarter with a simple subtraction: output VAT (the VAT you add to your sales invoices) minus deductible input VAT (the VAT on your business-related expenses). The result is what you pay the tax agency, or what stays in your favour.
- Output VAT (IVA repercutido): the VAT you charge on your issued invoices.
- Input VAT (IVA soportado): the deductible VAT on your business purchases and expenses.
- Result = output − input.
- Current rates: 21% standard, 10% reduced and 4% super-reduced.
Filing deadlines
Modelo 303 is filed within the month after each quarter closes. The dates are fixed and it's best not to cut them fine, especially if you direct-debit the payment (the window closes a few days earlier).
- Q1 (Jan-Mar): 1 to 20 April.
- Q2 (Apr-Jun): 1 to 20 July.
- Q3 (Jul-Sep): 1 to 20 October.
- Q4 (Oct-Dec): 1 to 30 January.
Payable, carried forward or refundable
Depending on the subtraction, Modelo 303 has three possible outcomes. Knowing what to do with each avoids losing money or dragging errors from one quarter to the next.
- Payable: output exceeds input; you pay the difference.
- Carried forward: input is higher; the balance in your favour rolls over to the next quarter.
- Refundable: you can only request a refund in Q4 (or under the monthly REDEME regime).
How it relates to Modelo 130 and 390
Modelo 303 doesn't stand alone. VAT (303) and income tax (130) are both quarterly but different, and at year-end there's an annual VAT summary. It's worth not mixing them up.
- Modelo 130: the quarterly income-tax (IRPF) prepayment, 20% of your net profit, unless 70% of your invoices carry withholding.
- Modelo 390: the annual informational VAT summary, filed in January.
- Modelo 303 is VAT only; it doesn't include your income tax or social security.
How to file it without errors
Most Modelo 303 errors come from not having your VAT properly classified during the quarter: expenses without a receipt, non-deductible VAT treated as deductible, or sales recorded in the wrong quarter. If your bookkeeping is up to date, the 303 almost fills itself in.
- Record each invoice with its base and VAT in the quarter it accrues.
- Keep the receipt for every expense whose VAT you want to deduct.
- With Aikount, the 303 is generated using the AEAT's official boxes from your data.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to file Modelo 303?
Any autónomo or company with VAT-taxable activity, even in a quarter with no income: in that case you file a 'no activity' return.
What happens if mine is negative?
If input VAT exceeds output VAT, the balance stays in your favour and is carried forward to the next quarters. You can only request a refund in the fourth quarter (or if you're on the REDEME regime).
Are Modelo 303 and 130 the same?
No. The 303 is VAT; the 130 is the income-tax (IRPF) prepayment. Both are quarterly but tax different things and are filed separately.
Does Aikount generate Modelo 303 for me?
Yes. From your invoices and expenses, Aikount works out the quarter's VAT and fills the 303 with the AEAT's official boxes, ready to review and file.