Corporate Income Tax is one of the most significant tax obligations for any SME in Spain. However, its settlement is not limited to the annual filing of Form 200. Throughout the year, companies must pay a portion of this tax in advance through instalment payments, formalized via Form 202. Understanding how it works is key for proper cash flow planning.
What is Form 202 and Who Must File It?
Form 202 is the declaration through which companies and other legal entities make advance payments on their Corporate Income Tax (CIT). These payments are essentially prepayments to the Tax Agency of the tax that will ultimately be settled in the annual return.
The obligation to file it applies to entities whose result in their last Corporate Income Tax return (Form 200) was positive (resulting in a payment due). Additionally, it is always mandatory for companies whose turnover exceeded €6,010,121.04 in the previous year, regardless of the result.
Key Deadlines for Form 202 in 2026
The tax calendar sets three periods for filing and paying Form 202. For the year 2026, the dates are:
- First payment: From April 1 to 20.
- Second payment: From October 1 to 20.
- Third payment: From December 1 to 20.
Since we are in July 2026, the next important date for obligated SMEs is in October. It is crucial to have these dates marked to avoid surcharges and penalties.
How to Calculate the Advance Payment: Methods
There are two systems for calculating the amount to be paid. The choice between them can have a significant impact on a company's liquidity.
1. General Method (Art. 40.2 LIS)
This is the default system and the one most used by SMEs. The calculation is simple: 18% is applied to the gross tax liability from the last filed CIT return (box 599 of Form 200). The result is divided by the number of payments to be made (if it's the first of the year) or maintained for subsequent payments.
2. Optional Method (Art. 40.3 LIS)
This option allows the payment to be calculated based on the current year's profit. A percentage is applied to the taxable base of the first 3, 9, or 11 months of the year. It is an interesting method for companies with declining or seasonal profits, but it must be requested from the AEAT during the month of February of the corresponding year.
Towards Digitalized Tax Management
Accurate and up-to-date accounting is not only vital for correctly calculating Form 202 but also for preparing for upcoming digital obligations. The VeriFactu regulation, which will come into effect on January 1, 2027, for all companies, and the electronic invoicing for freelancers and SMEs under the Crea y Crece Law, are clear indicators of the unstoppable digitalization of tax management. For freelancers and micro-enterprises, the deadline to adapt to VeriFactu will be extended to July 1, 2027.
Anticipating these changes and having the right tools will not only ensure compliance but will also optimize the administration of your business.