Spanish Compliant Bonds

What are Spanish compliant offshore Bonds?

Spanish compliant investment bonds are tax efficient, unit linked platforms for EU regulated funds such as collective investment schemes and unit trusts. Sometimes called the 'Spanish ISA', they are popular, in the main, due to the special tax treatment they attract (hence the common term `tax wrapper´). One has to be careful in Spain however as the authorities only give this preferential treatment to `Spanish Compliant Portfolio Bonds´. Why are they afforded these benefits? Well, the Spanish authorities like to encourage certain social behaviours. One of which is holding life assurance. The Spanish compliant bonds are provided by international insurance companies and written as unit linked, whole of life assurance contracts (similar to in the UK). Here is a list of the benefits:

• Capital gains tax deferral and planning. As your compliant investment bond grows in value no annual tax is taken - it is deferred to the time you start withdrawing. This results in gross roll up benefits in the early years, adding value to the portfolio and realising a higher rate of compounding.
• 'Proportional tax relief'. When you come to take withdrawals from your Spanish investment bond the tax authority in Spain will see part of your withdrawal as your original income. For example - You invest €500,000, after some years it grows to €750,000 (two thirds original capital, one third growth). You withdraw €100,000. Only one third of this taxable so only €33,333 subject to tax.
• Available in different currencies including GBP, Euro and USD.
• Can be written in joint names so that 100% of the policy passes, without tax liability (including IHT), immediately to the survivor therefore avoiding lengthy (and costly) Spanish probate.
• You can assign beneficiaries such as your children.
• If compliant, does not need reporting on the Modelo 720.
• All you investment in one place with ease of access to valuations online.
• Access to a wide range of EU regulated funds at institutional rates.