JUST SOME OF OUR INSURANCE PRODUCTS

• Insurance for Spanish and UK registered vehicles
 
• Young driver insurance (minimum age 20 years)
 
• Discounted premiums for the over 40s
 
• A range of home insurance products with Essential, Intermediate or Superior levels of cover to suit your needs
 
• Private medical, life and funeral insurance products
 

Who are Expat Insurance In Spain?

Expat Insurance is a division of the Solutions Support Services Group. Established in 2004, the Group specializes in insurance products and services for expatriates as well as for clients living in other parts of Europe who have property or assets in Spain.

With a client base well in excess of 3,300, Expat Insurance serves the entire Spanish mainland, Illes Balears and Gran Canarias and has become one of the most well known, trusted and respected insurance businesses within the expatriate market.

What can we do?

As one would expect, Expat Insurance is fully licensed, accredited and regulated in Spain and enjoys the full support of some Spain’s leading insurers. We offer an extensive portfolio of insurance products which include those listed to the right.

Are there any current offers?

Yes, for a limited period of time WE GUARANTEE to beat your motor insurance renewal premium*, why not give us call, send us an email or fill in the form on our website by clicking HERE and we will be in contact.

Are the policies available in English?

Yes, our insurance policies are available in English and can be downloaded from our websites before you commit yourself and, when you have made the right choice for your insurance by selecting Expat Insurance, all support and assistance will be available in English.

What are you waiting for, get in contact today!

• Telephone: 0034 966 740 188 or 0034 965 302 124
• email: enquiries@expatinsuranceinspain.com
• Visit the website: www.expatinsuranceinspain.com

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Tuesday May 21st 2013 from about 11am – Book your FREE place now by calling 96 548 07 37 – 606 056 282 or email info@pellicerheredia.com.

COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF FISCAL RESIDENCY IN SPAIN:

• INCLUDING NEW EUROPEAN LEGISLATION NO.650/2012 REGARDING THE RIGHTS OF BRITISH CITIZENS LIVING IN SPAIN TO CHALLENGE SPANISH WILLS
• TOGETHER WITH MANY OTHER TOPICS OF GENERAL INFORMATION & CONCLUDING WITH A QUESTION & ANSWER FORUM
• WE SHALL ALSO BE JOINED BY NICK VENN OF AES INTERNATIONAL, SPECIALISTS IN INVESTMENT ADVICE FOR EXPATS

Your attendance places you under no obligation and is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided.

Interactive map below:

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PELLICER & HEREDIA is one of Spain’s most dynamic law firms, consisting of a multi-skilled staff, fluent in English and with many years of experience in dealing with Spanish law. In addition, a substantial amount of our work has an international aspect. We regularly act for foreign companies and private individuals representing their interests in Spain on both transactional and litigation matters.

We have developed a reputation of being independent, reliable and committed to our clients, and would be more than happy to prove it to you. Our attorneys are nationally recognized leaders in their practice areas and carry on the tradition of experience and innovation. Our clients can feel confident about working with us and knowing that we understand their legal needs.

We are grateful to our clients and fellow lawyers for their confidence in our firm, and for allowing us to build our practice into one of the most successful law firms in the country.

Pellicer & Heredia Abogados www.pellicerheredia.com
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Here at TIM we have had a few emails from people asking about this new certificate that will be required by law from June 1st 2013. Below are some points that we feel are important to those either selling their properties or wish to rent their properties out.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) or as they are properly called, Certificado de Eficiencia Energética (CEE), are documents which will show how energy efficient your home is displayed as a rating from A to G. Much like the stickers you see on things such as fridge freezers, washing machines or air conditioning units, the energy performance certificate in Spain gives the property a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, where ‘A’ is the most efficient and ‘G’ is the least efficient.

Who Needs an Energy Performance Certificate in Spain?

After 1st June 2013 every domestic property for sale or long term rent needs to have an Energy Performance Certificate in Spain, This does not apply to properties that are currently rented out on a long term basis. These only require an Energy Performance Certificate when a new tenancy is agreed

Are there any exceptions?

If you have a long term tenant in place you do not need an Energy Performance certificate in Spain. If Your property was built after October 2007 you may find that you already have a Spanish Energy Performance Certificate. To check this look on your plans to find the architect and contact them. Likewise if you only rent your property out on a short term basis such as holiday rentals you may not need an EPC in Spain.

Will I be able to rent or sell my house without an EPC in Spain?

No after 1st June 2013 you will be required by law to present your Energy Performance Certificate in Spain when your property is for sale or long term rent. When you sell your house the Notary will need the original EPC and when you rent your house in Spain the tenant will have to be given a copy of your Energy Performance Certificate in Spain.

When will this come into effect?

The law was formalized on the 5th April 2013 and will take effect on the 1st June 2013. You will be expected to comply as soon as possible after this date. This applies to properties currently offered for sale or new rentals and for properties new to the market. Whether your property is for sale or rent you will have to have a Spanish Energy Performance Certificate in place before your property can be advertised. This does not apply to current long term rentals. If you already have a long term tenant in your property then you do not need the EPC in Spain until you have a new tenancy.

Who can issue the Energy certificate in Spain?

Only certified and registered assessors are able to issue the Energy Performance Certificate in Spain. This includes architects, technical architects and some engineers.

How can I get an Energy Performance Certificate for my property?

You will need to contact a registered assessor who will be able to assist you in getting your Energy Performance Certificate in Spain.

How much does an EPC cost in Spain?

The cost depends on the size of your property so you would need to contact a registered assessor for further information.

Who has to pay for the energy certificate?

Ultimately the owner of the property will have to pay for the Energy Certificate here in Spain

What if I get a low rating on my EPC?

Along with your Energy Performance Certificate in Spain,you will get a report giving advice about how to improve your properties energy rating. . The report will recommend cost effective measures which could be undertaken to improve the energy rating of the property. It will also contain information about the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.

Why have Energy Performance Certificates been introduced?

The EPC has its roots in the Kyoto Protocol which was a worldwide initiative started in 1997 to address the issue of Greenhouse gases. Since then the European Union have formulated the European Directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings, which applies to all member states with a clearly defined timetable of the measures we must introduce. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate which demonstrates the energy rating of a building. It forms part of the ‘Energy Performance of Buildings Directive’ (EPBD)

How is the rating on my EPC in Spain worked out?

A Registsred energy assessor will visit your property and take measurements and recordings from things such as your air conditioning, your hot water system, type of windows fitted, type of insulation, type of construction etc. The readings taken will then be entered on line into one of the Governments approved programmes which will generate the rating for your property giving it’s energy efficiency and environmental impact. The programmes used are the same for all properties so a potential buyer or tenant will be able see the projected energy costs for each property viewed. Your Energy Performance Certificate in Spain will be registered to the Catastro reference for your property.

Do I need an EPC if I only rent my property out for holiday lets?

Yes in general, you do still need an EPC in Spain even if you only rent your property out for holiday lets, although there are exceptions.

What if I rent my property out through an agent?

Either you or your agent will need to get a Spanish Energy Certificate for your property for long term rentals or sales. An agent will not be legally allowed to offer your property for long term rent or sale without a certificate.

Can I advertise my property without an Energy Certificate?

No as from 1st June 2013 you will need an Energy Performance Certificate in Spain to be able to advertise your property for sale or rent.

How Long Does The Energy Performance Certificate Last For in Spain?

The Energy Performance Certificate in Spain lasts for 10 years.

What if I make changes to my property in Spain?

You can have your property re assessed at any time during the period your EPC in Spain is in date

What if I have an existing tenant?

If you have an existing long term tenant you do not need an EPC in Spain. However when you issue a new tenancy agreement you need the EPC for the incoming tenant.

Can I get in Trouble If I do Not Get an EPC?

The government have said they will fine people that have a property for sale or rent that does not have an “EPC”. Fines of between 3000 and 600,000 euros can be given to anybody who needs an EPC (CEE) who does not have one. This includes agents as well as private individuals.
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With very few exceptions, everyone resident in Spain (more than 183 days) for tax purposes and with any income or capital gains anywhere in the world has to file a tax return. Non-resident property owners are also obliged to file tax returns, but must follow a different system to residents.

The cut-off point is 22.000€ in any one year which applies to income from employment and pensions, including those from overseas. This limit falls to 11.200€ under these circumstances:

- the income has not been taxed at source (ie UK state or prívate pensions)
- the income comes from more than one source (e.g. two jobs or two pensions or one of each) If the other sources add up to 1.500€ or less you can still use the 22.000€ exemption.
In any case a return becomes obligatory in certain circumstances however low your earnings:
- if you have a claim for double taxation
- if you are due a refund
- if you have made pension contributions
- if you are claiming deductions for cost of buying your main residence
- if you have capital gains or income above certain limits

Remember that it may be in your interest to make a tax return when your earnings are low, for example if you have worked for only part of the year and may therefore be due a rebate. Also there are advantages of being fiscally resident in Spain.

Non-residents income tax liability

Non-residents are liable for tax on any income arising in Spain, such as a money deposit with a Spanish bank, a property in Spain, or income derived of any business in Spain. Property owners are taxed on their property income. The tax base is the property cadastral value (valor catastral), which can be found on any IBI ( In Alicante province SUMA bill). Should you fail to pay this tax, you will be charged and penalised by the Spanish Tax Agency if you try to sell your property.

When do I become tax resident?

The short answer is that living longer than 183 days in Spain (including occasional trips out of the country) during any one calendar year makes you tax resident. Do not confuse obtaining a Spanish residency certificate with tax residency; this shows you are on the register of foreigners kept by the Police and does not equate to tax residency, although the tax authorities may see it as evidence that you are tax resident if it is ever a matter of dispute.

When is it due?

The declaration must be filed by the 30th June during the year following the relevant tax year. So in 2013 everyone will be filing their 2012 tax returns in May/June. The tax is payable by the 30th June also. Normally the taxpayer’s bank details are included on the declaration and the tax is automatically taken from their account.

What if I don’t pay?

Failure to pay tax can result in penalties of between 50% and 150% of the tax owed, plus interest. Late payment can result in penalties between 5% to 20% of the tax involved, plus interest.

If you are a resident in Spain you will be taxed for your worldwide income, and will be obliged to file income tax returns. You will need to provide the following information:

Income liable for tax:

- Earnings from work (wages, salaries, pensions, etc.)
- Earnings from liquid capital (share dividends, account interests, etc.) and from real estate capital (from leasing of real estate, etc.).
- Earnings from economic activities (employers,professionals, etc.)
- Net gains and capital gains loss (by transfer of goods, some prizes, etc.).
- Legally established imputations of income from ownership of some properties, other than the home, that are leased, etc.)
- Certificate of Unemployment (if unemployed during fiscal year).
- Government grants (if any).

What information I should provide available to include them as deductions?

Last Suma bills for personal residence or leased properties.
Proof of mortgage or loans (if any).
Date of purchase of actual residence.
Pension plan contributions.
Charitable contributions.
Other information needed for your income tax return:
Copy of residence and passport.
Name and date of birth of dependants.
Last year´s income tax return.
Certificate of Disability (if disabled).
Copy of Deed (Escritura).
Bank account number (to be used only in the event of tax refund).

These are only general guidelines. It is recommended that all technical and legal matters pertaining to taxes be referred to a lawyer for advice, guidance and execution. Pellicer&Heredia Lawyers & Tax Advisors will be pleased to help you.

For more information and free advice, call us on +34 965 480 737
or e-mail info@pellicerheredia.com

Written by Rob Innis with Ignacio Pellicer Mollá (Abogado- Solicitor – Barrister – Tax Advisor) of Pellicer & Heredia Abogados
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Today, it has over 220,000 inhabitants and has developed a tourism industry. Regularly attracting cruise ships to dock enabling passengers to enjoy the city’s historic attractions.

It has also been the base for the Spanish navy for hundreds of years and so has a long naval history akin to Portsmouth in the UK.

Last year the Naval Museum relocated to the CIM (Cuartel de Instruccion de Marineria) building that is located at the far end of the portside Muelle Alfonso – corner of Calle Real and Calle Pescaderia. A good landmark is the huge statue of a man sitting located just opposite to the entrance.

Constructed in the late 18th century it has served many purposes including a prison and a training school. Following a major refurbishment, it now accommodates a range of interesting naval exhibits that can be viewed for free.

The main displays are arranged by several main topics and themes. There is a good display of models showing naval ships through the ages. As man travelled more by ship, the need to develop navigation methods became essential and so the science of navigation has its own section.

Ships have been used for military purposes for hundreds of years as a vital part of warfare and the sophistication of naval artillery and weapons are major exhibits, including some items of British origin.

As the methods of causing death and injury increased the need for improved on- board medical facilities became important. So, in the 18th century, modern science developed on board surgical and treatment facilities enabling doctors to keep the crew fit and operational.

Probably the most important aspect of the museum is the history surrounding the development of the submarine.

Isaac Peral, born in Cartagena June 1851, became an officer in ‘Cuerpo General de la Armada’ and his engineering skills and ideas enabled him to develop designs for an underwater craft able to attack enemy craft. He was invited to Madrid to present his unique drawings and plans that gained acceptance along with funding enabling him to build the world’s first submarine.

His craft had its first successful trials in 1888 and although this early sub had its limitations, it was revolutionary and had amazing potential. However, for reasons unexplained, instead of the Spanish becoming world leaders in underwater technology Peral disillusioned and frustrated, retired from the navy in 1891. It is assumed there were political reasons for this and strangely, it is thought many of his ideas were shared with opposing countries including France who rapidly developed their own versions.

Peral moved into the private sector and founded an electric company. He had been suffering poor health for years and he contracted meningitis from which he died in Berlin in May 1895 at only 44 years old.

The Spanish navy had its first operational submarine 22 years later, following more research and development by the Irish engineer, John Holland. It was however, named after Peral. He would have been pleased that his first craft, having been written off by the navy in 1913, was salvaged and is now on display in Cartagena. Despite his apparent rejection, his pioneering work is recognised and a large area of the museum is given over to his work with exhibits and models.

Diving was also pioneered in Cartagena and an interesting section details the development of diving from 1787 leading to the first proper diving suits in 1846. The first diving school was based in the city from 1922.

The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday 10.00 – 13.30 and 17.00 – 20.30 and tours for groups can be arranged with English speaking guides by contacting Jose on 609 639 593.

There are underground car parks nearby and other museums and areas to explore for an interesting day out.

For more: www.murciatoday.com/museo-naval-cartagena_11716-a.html
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FREE FIRST CONSULTATION

• Stop Smoking
 
• Lose Weight
 
• Gain Confidence
 
• Improve Sleep
 
• Cure Phobias
 
• Remove Stress
 
• Remove Pain
 

Who Is Dr Paul Quinn?

Dr Paul Quinn has extensive experience using hypnotherapy within the UK, he also has a Diplmoa in complete mind therapy and is now bringing his expertise to Spain. For anyone who wants to use hypnotherapy, he will provide a low risk, low cost option to those problems highlighted within the box to the right.

What happens?

The initial consultation is FREE and will be used to establish the issue that Dr Quinn will work with you to remove and will allow you to set up a framework for the therapy session. The second session will take place wherever is suitable and probably take up to 90 minutes but this will be established during the initial consultation. Dr Quinn has an extremely high success rate and will offer FREE follow up if required.

Contact details

If you would like to contact Dr Quinn you can do so through the following methods:

• Telephone: 693 800 950
• Skype: drpaulquinn
• email: drpaulquinn@outlook.com
• Visit the website: www.drpaulquinn.eu

Client Feedback

Need a little more convincing? take a look at a few testimonials below from some of Paul´s very satisfied clients

Definition of hypnotherapy

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep. It does involve the induction of a trance-like condition, but when in it, the patient is actually in an enhanced state of awareness, concentrating entirely on the hypnotist’s voice. In this state, the conscious mind is suppressed and the subconscious mind is revealed.

The therapist is able to suggest ideas, concepts and lifestyle adaptations to the patient, the seeds of which become firmly planted. The practice of promoting healing or positive development in any way is known as hypnotherapy. As such, hypnotherapy is a kind of psychotherapy.

Hypnotherapy aims to re-programme patterns of behavior within the mind, enabling irrational fears, phobias, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be overcome. As the body is released from conscious control during the relaxed trance-like state of hypnosis, breathing becomes slower and deeper, the pulse rate drops and the metabolic rate falls. Similar changes along nervous pathways and hormonal channels enable the sensation of pain to become less acute, and the awareness of unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea or indigestion, to be alleviated.

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Natural disaster strikes

Natural disaster struck in 2002 when an oil tanker with 60,000 tonnes of crude oil began leaking along the Galician coastline. Government reaction was slow and inadequate. Therefore, in an unprecedented move, members of the public from all around Spain mobilised and organised their own cleanup operation following the government’s failure to react to the crisis.

The people felt the need to show the government that they wanted to be heard. The Iraq war issue also fuelled this. There was very little public support for Spanish involvement despite Aznar standing alongside Bush and Blair trying to manoeuvre Spain onto the global political scene.

People recalled how Franco had largely kept Spain out of world affairs and problems including WW2 and the Cold War. Therefore, they were very wary about America’s intentions even after Bush’s visit to Madrid, and managing to call Aznar ‘Anzar.’

Despite Aznar’s announcement to stand down at the next election, he pursued his support for the war. In local elections during the month after the fall of Baghdad the PP were successful. Possibly the general feeling the right action had been taken in Iraq led to the PP victory.

In 2004 with Rajoy at the PP’s helm, the country expected the socialists to be easily returned to power. However, an unexpected event changed that overnight.

Iraq backlash

Terror struck Madrid on March 11th 2004 when terrorist bombs planted on commuter trains exploded killing 191 people and injuring many others. The general reaction was that the bombs were in reprisal to Spain’s support of the Iraq war campaign, whilst the government tried to deflect the cause of the bombing onto ETA and away from the Iraq connection.

The media swung public opinion away from any ETA involvement and people reacted against the PP government feeling they been lied too and protests were held outside PP offices. When police arrested seven people, including three Moroccans it immediately became clear ETA was innocent and the government’s creditability was gone.

Three days later the scheduled national election took place, a huge turnout of 77% voted against Rajoy’s PP, and contrary to the odds of a few days earlier, Zapatero’s PSOE seized power in what was effectively a vote of no confidence in the government.

However, the crowds gathered at the celebrations chanted to Zapatero ‘Don’t let us down’ as if they had a premonition that the backlash vote might have been the wrong one.

Social evolution

Apart from the political changes in Spain following Franco’s death many other social and cultural values and issues changed to catch up with the rest of Europe.

The power of the church declined and attendances fell. With the influx of immigrants, other religions had to be recognised and tolerated. Social values relaxed and more tolerance was shown towards homosexuals as the issue of ‘Gay Marriages’ was openly discussed.

Women were increasingly coming to power both in politics with female ministers and positions of power within large organisations. Men recognised the need for women to play a greater role and not be restricted to the home. The phrase ‘Machismo Meltdown’ was coined to headline men’s changing role within Spanish society.

The Monarchy, having played such a vital part in evolving Spain from Franco’s dictatorship back to a democracy and constitution also had to adapt to the new era. Recent events have caused this issue to be revisited again by the Spanish press and public. Like the church, many now see the monarchy in decline forcing it to keep pace with modern social values.

Although ETA is now officially disbanded, the pressure for regional independence has once again surfaced. Whilst central government is trying to restrict their powers, blaming them for financial profligacy – wasting money on irrelevant public projects causing huge regional financial problems due to drastic overspending.

Finally

It has been impossible to cover the entire scope of the huge amount of changes that have happened in Spain since Franco’s death in this short series of articles.

So if you want a better insight into the path Spain has taken one of the many books worth reading is John Hooper’s ‘The New Spaniards’ which covers a vast range of interesting topics.
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The earliest existing fortifications, found in the hill where the castle is situated, come from the Bronze Age around 3,500 years ago. In the Iron Age, 500 B.C., the Iberians settled here, turning the castle into a huge fortified settlement. Later, around 190 B.C., the Romans took possession, constructing the first look-out tower and a part of the wall that still remains today.

It wasn’t until after the 7th century, when the troops of Abd el Aziz had conquered the small homestead and had begun building the Muslim fortress, that it was converted into a citadel above the ancient Roman and Visigothic ruins. The Arab settlement in Jumilla lasted for five centuries, until it was conquered in 1241 by the Spanish troops of Fernando III under the command of his son the Infante Don Alonso (the future king Alfonso X), becoming part of the Crown of Castile for the first time.

Over the next couple of centuries, Jumilla changed hands several times. In 1288 Blasco de Maza conquered Jumilla for the Kingdom of Aragon, and then in 1358 it returned to the Kingdom of Castile when it was conquered by the Infante Fadrique, after the local people appealed to King Pedro of Castile for help. In 1445 King Juan II gave Jumilla to the Marquis of Villena, and it remained part of their estate until the 19th century..

In 1461 the Marquis of Villena, Juan Pacheco, erected the fortress that we can see today. The impressive Torre del Homenaje consists of three floors, a dungeon and a terrace with great views of the town and surrounding countryside. In 1813 the French troops entered Jumilla, using the castle as their barracks, and setting fire to it when they left. The castle was neglected until 1971 when work was started to restore it, but it wasn’t until 2010 that the castle was re-opened for visitors and a minibus service was established to take visitors up there from the tourist office.

Entry to Jumilla Castle costs 1€, which I think is excellent value as the castle has been sympathetically restored and there is plenty to see – not forgetting those views from the terrace! There are plaques around the castle with information in English as well as in Spanish. You can see photos of the castle during different phases of its restoration in the Aljibe (cistern), which is to your right as you enter the castle gates. Within the main tower, there is usually an exhibition on the first floor (the supply room), and there are further displays on the second floor (the Mayor’s room) and the third floor (troops’ room).

You can’t take your car up to the castle, so your choices are either to park near the gates and walk up if you are fit and have plenty of time, or park near the tourist office and pay 1.10€ for a return trip on the minibus.

The current opening hours for the castle are Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10.00 to 14.00. The minibus leaves from the tourist office at 10.00, 11.00, 12.00 and 13.00, usually returning at quarter to each hour.

There will be a free guided visit to Jumilla Castle on Sunday 28 April as well as Sunday 26 May. The minibus will leave the tourist office at 10.00 and, after looking around the castle, you will walk down into the old town, finishing at Teatro Vico. The walk is scheduled to take 2½ hours so should be a leisurely pace, however I would advise you to wear walking shoes. I would also advise you to book in advance by contacting Jumilla Tourist Office on 968 78 02 37 or email Josefa: oficinaturismo@jumilla.org

Read my blog on www.spainuncovered.com for more information about Jumilla.

By Sue Walker
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