Bizum, POS Terminals and Card Payments: How Tax Control Will Change for Businesses in 2026

Royal Decree 253/2025 introduces a new monthly reporting system for banks and payment service providers. Until now, a considerable portion of this information has been submitted annually or only when certain thresholds were exceeded. Under the new framework, the tax authorities will receive systematic, detailed information on virtually all relevant digital transactions.

The main changes include:

• Mandatory monthly reporting on payment accounts, card transactions, mobile payments and operations processed through digital platforms.

• Removal of minimum thresholds: transactions will be reported even if they do not exceed previous limits, such as €3,000.

• Enhanced traceability: the Tax Agency will receive detailed data on each transaction, including merchant information, payment terminal, linked account and transaction amount.

• Broader scope of entities: foreign institutions operating with Spanish residents will also be required to report.

Although the reporting obligation applies to banks and payment providers, its practical impact extends directly to the daily activity of small businesses and the self-employed. Total traceability will require firms to ensure that all digital payments are fully aligned with their tax declarations.

From 2026 onwards, any discrepancy between declared income and the information reported by financial institutions will be automatically detectable by the Tax Agency. This includes:

• Bizum payments associated with professional activity that are not correctly declared.

• Card or POS transactions that do not match the business’s invoicing records.

• The use of personal accounts for business activity is particularly problematic in small businesses.

• Recurrent or high-value digital transactions that the authorities may interpret as signs of economic activity.

For many SMEs, these changes highlight the importance of orderly, consistent financial reporting and accurate alignment between digital transactions and tax declarations.

Although the regulation takes effect on 1 January 2026, its tax implications require preparation. It is advisable for SMEs and self-employed professionals to:

1. Identify the payment methods they use.

To understand which information financial institutions will report to the Tax Agency and how this may affect their tax position.

2. Avoid mixing business income with personal accounts.

Especially in the case of Bizum or mobile app payments, full traceability will allow authorities to identify undeclared income more easily.

3. Ensure that all payments linked to their activity are declared.

The new monthly reporting system will enable the Tax Agency to cross-check data more effectively and detect inconsistencies.

4. Regularise any previous inconsistencies before 2026.

If there are past discrepancies between digital payments and declared income, it is preferable to address them before the new regime comes into full effect.

5. Seek tax advice regarding the use of foreign institutions or international payment platforms.

The new rules also apply to foreign entities providing services in Spain, which may affect businesses with cross-border activity.

This reform aims not only to tackle undeclared economic activity but also to standardise financial reporting in an environment where digital payments dominate business transactions.

For SMEs and the self-employed, it represents both a compliance challenge and an opportunity to strengthen internal control, reduce tax risks and ensure greater alignment between financial activity and tax obligations.