Accepting the draft of the Income Tax return in seconds is tempting. The Tax Agency makes it easy, especially with tools like Renta Directa, designed for those who want to close the process as soon as possible.
But that automatic gesture can become a costly mistake. Many taxpayers accept a draft that does not include all possible deductions or that contains incomplete data. And that is where money is lost without realizing it.
Why the draft is not always correct
The draft is not a definitive declaration, but a proposal based on the information that the Treasury has. And it is not always complete. It may be missing:
- Information on deductible expenses
- Regional data
- Adjustments for housing or family
- Misattributed income
Therefore, reviewing it is not optional if you want to optimize the result.
The deductions that most taxpayers forget
One of the points where the most money is lost is in deductions, especially regional ones. Depending on the community, benefits can be applied for:
- Housing rental
- Educational expenses (books, languages, materials)
- Health or sports activities
- Energy consumption or home improvements
The problem is that many of these deductions are not applied automatically.
Housing, children, and donations: keys to paying less
There are three blocks that usually make the difference in the declaration:
- Housing: expenses such as insurance, maintenance, or rent can be deducted in certain cases
- Family: deductions for maternity or childcare that can reach significant amounts
- Donations: with tax benefits that reach up to 80% in the first brackets
Not reviewing them can mean losing hundreds or even thousands of euros.
The error with income and investments
Another common mistake is thinking that certain income is not taxed. Public aid, subsidies, or investment profits must be correctly included. Not doing so can lead to later problems with the Tax Agency. Even operations with foreign platforms or dividends must be declared.
What experts recommend
Tax advisors are clear about it: the taxpayer must dedicate time to reviewing their tax return.
The basic keys are:
- Check income and expenses
- Review all possible deductions
- Keep receipts
- Simulate the result before filing
If there are doubts, consulting a professional can avoid important mistakes.
A key detail that many overlook
Even those who are not obliged to file a return can benefit. If they have had withholdings during the year, filing the Income Tax Return may result in a refund. Not doing so is, in many cases, leaving money on the table.