The fiscal pressure on the transport: what A burden for the sector?

The road transport is essential to the Spanish economy, but the sector’s professionals face a tax burden that complicated her stay on the roads. Among direct taxes such as income TAX, Tax on the Income of Individuals, or Corporations, taxes on fuel, tolls and social contributions, a carrier independent, can get to devote up to 40% of their earnings to these fees. This pressure, coupled with the high costs of operations, leads many to rethink continue in the office.

The price of diesel is one of the biggest problems, which, in spite of the bonuses for professionals, it is still high compared with other european countries. Add to this the tolls on motorways, which in some routes involve a payment almost impossible for small carriers. In such a situation, many choose to leave the activity or does not look attractive sector for their descendants.

Other problems that affect the be is given by the aging of the profession and the lack of respite.. young people are not attracted by a job with limitations , long hours of work and a high tax burden that stifles. If this is added to the unfair competition from companies that use bogus self-employment, or fees to be abusive, the picture becomes even more daunting.

The protests of the last few years reflect the discomfort accumulated. Many carriers have thrown in the towel, selling their vehicles, or looking for alternative employment less demanding. This has resulted in a shortage of professionals who are already affecting the supply chain, with delays and rising prices of basic products listed publications.

Some solutions pass by temporarily reduce taxes such as the hydrocarbons, reward the contributions of self-employed or is to oversee best practices to be unfair. It would also be key to modernize the fleet with public aid to reduce maintenance costs and fuel. Without urgent action, the sector could face a further collapse.

In short, the tax burden is not the only issue of the transport, but one of the most serious. If you do not ease these burdens, Spain you could be left without the professionals keep moving its economy. There is an urgent need for dialogue between management and sector to find realistic solutions before it’s too late.

I show you the average tax paid by a carrier in Spain and this may be of interest from some of the carriers enrolled in the cargo bag Powerload.is

Direct taxes (income tax and benefits)

• Income TAX (self-employed): Between 15% and 30% of your benefits, depending on income.
• Corporation tax (for companies): 25% on benefits (although smes can apply for reduced rates).

Indirect taxes (on consumption and activity)

• VAT (21% overall, 10% in some services): Affects fuel, repairs, and other expenses. Carriers may deduct the input VAT, but it is a cash flow is complicated.
• Tax on Hydrocarbons (fuel): Approximately 0,50 €/litre of diesel (although there is a small compensation for carriers).

 Taxes On Vehicle

• Road tax: Depends on the autonomous community and the type of vehicle (between 100 € and 1.500 € a year for trucks).
• Tolls on highways: variable Cost, but in frequent routes can exceed 1.000 €/month.

Social Security contributions                                        

• Self-employed: From 230 €/month (flat rate) up to 500 €/month in dues normal.
• Employees: Contributions to business of around 30% of the gross salary.

Total estimated Annual for a Carrier Autonomous

An independent transporter with a truck in the middle (e.g. 18 tonnes) and net income of €40 000 per year could pay approximately:

• Personal income TAX: ~6.000 € (15%-20%).
• VAT (non-recoverable in some expenses): ~2.000 €.
• Tax Hydrocarbons (diesel oil): ~3.000 €.
• Tax Movement + Tolls: ~2,500 Euros.
• Social Security: ~3.000 €.

Estimated Total: 16.500 €/year (40% of their income).