This refund was a Partido Popular election pledge. The option being studied would involve itemising any payment of tourist tax in annual income tax statements (presumably supported by receipts from accommodation providers). Deductions would be made for amounts declared. As the tax is specific to the Balearics, the Tax Agency in the Balearics has responsibility for its collection from hotels and other accommodation providers and would, in theory, be able to authorise personal deductions.
As such, there wouldn't be an exemption for residents. They would still have to pay the tax in the same way as non-residents have to, but they would be reimbursed, albeit several months later.
The PP hope that this formula may get round EU regulations. When the sustainable tourism tax was introduced by the PSOE-Més government in 2016, the intention had been for an exemption for residents. But EU rules made clear that this would be discriminatory and clash with the right to freedom of movement and capital on equal terms.
No data as to how much Balearic residents contribute to tourist tax revenue have been released. Whatever the amount, it will be minor for a tax which this year is expected to raise some 140 million euros.
The PP, who scrapped the ecotax (introduced in 2002) after their election win in 2003, have decided to maintain the sustainable tourism tax. It is possible that the low-season rates will be adjusted downwards (they are already a quarter of the rates from May to October) or be eliminated.
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James WalkerBefore criticising other people’s English you would do well to improve your own. Your comments are often full of spelling mistakes, an example in this comment being ‘inslaved’ instead of ‘enslaved’. Also ‘override’ is one word, not two (your first comment).
James WalkerThanks for your comment about my terrible English. I hope you are fluent in other languages too, as English is my second language, nor did I knew that this site was only for people who have English as their first language. Arrogant people like you, can always find a way to complain. That's fine if you believe I "bury my head in the sand". Have a nice evening.
Ain’t worth the bother. A few Euros. If you are resident use the padrón de viaje discount, as this is something to cheer about (rather than gripe) and travel dirt cheap to anywhere on the peninsula and enjoy a break away from Mallorca!
@Ulla Jackson your English is terrible. None of what I referred to is a conspiracy, it can all be found online EU and WHO's official websites. You keep your head buried in the sand, you deserve to be inslaved due to your ignorance.
James WalkerYou must a Brit as many loves releshing in conspiring theories of all sorts. The more the better it seems or "so you are told"?! How come you won't stand up to your views, if they weren't yours , you better not write this. And nothing force you to come to Mallorca or any other EU countries, as I guess the UK might suit you better.
Your not a resident or citizen your English so you have no say
A great idea. As residents and citizens are not tourists so a tourism tax should not apply. EU law over ride's national law and that's worrying. EU dictating again to a sovereign state. Just wait until they sign over our freedoms and human rights next year to the WHO. With the pandemic treaty. Oh and the CBDC coming in October. But it's just a conspiracy theory I'm told.