Adjustment of Social Security Contributions in the New Self-Employed Scheme

Spain’s new contribution system based on actual income requires self-employed workers to adjust their payments according to net earnings. An annual adjustment process corrects any mismatch between what was paid and what should have been paid.

Contributions based on real income
Now, self-employed individuals must choose their contribution base within the range that matches their average monthly net income. This base is provisional and subject to revision at the end of the tax year.

How does the adjustment work?
Once the Tax Agency shares your real income with Social Security:
If you overpaid → you’ll be refunded the difference.
If you underpaid → you’ll need to settle the outstanding amount.
This system ensures that contributions match actual earnings.

Bonuses and adjustments
If your final base is below €950.98/month, some bonuses may be reduced. However, others remain intact:
Work-life balance support
Leave for birth or adoption
Return after maternity leave
Caring for a seriously ill child
These benefits are maintained even if your income turns out to be lower than expected.

When can you adjust your base?
You can change your contribution base up to 6 times per year. Changes take effect according to this schedule:
Jan–Feb → March
Mar–Apr → May
May–Jun → July
Jul–Aug → September
Sep–Oct → November
Nov–Dec → January (next year)

This system brings more fairness to the self-employed sector, but it requires good financial planning. Understanding the adjustment process is key to avoiding surprises. At Valero Tax Legal, we help you adjust your base, forecast your income, and make the most of your eligible bonuses.