Government provides free service to help taxpayers

THE period for filing Spanish income tax returns is approaching fast (May 7 to June 30) and anyone needing help can now book an appointment with the free service set up by the Balearic government. The finance ministry said that appointments can now be made via telephone, at 900 700 012, from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. This year, the service, known as Renda Agil has a specific plan for home help for people confined to their homes, or who have llimited mobility. This is the first time that this service has been provided in Spain. It can be obtained by ringing tel. 900 700 012, to request a home visit from the tax official, who will provide advice on filling in the IRPF (income tax) form and offer the possibility of presenting it via Internet. The Renda Agil service is provided by tax officials who have to take a twoweek specific training course. Eight of them will be assigned to help the disabled, who are entitled to special exemptions. Income tax returns can also be filed via Internet (http://rendagil.caib.es).
The Renda Agil service, which also provides advice in English and German, was first introduced in 1998, when it was used by 28'000 tax payers. Last year, the number rose to 56'000. An estimated 260'000 people are expected to file income tax returns and 150'000 of these will be entitled to a rebate.
In Majorca, the Renda Agil offices will be in the fairs precinct in the Polígono de Levante, while in Minorca and Ibiza they will be installed in the Island Council headquarters and in Formentera in the town hall. The service is promoted by the Balearic government, in collaboration with the tax office and six banks.