Quarterly Returns – Reminder of first quarter tax obligations
Patrick Gordinne Perez2025-02-13T04:24:05+00:00Attention, self-employed! The end of the first quarter is approaching and with it, one of the most important tasks of the year: filing quarterly returns.
If you have ever had doubts about the taxes you must file or the deadlines to meet, you are not alone.
Understanding concepts such as form 303, quarterly IRPF declaration or fractional payments can seem like a challenge, but with good planning and, if necessary, the support of a tax agency, we can avoid unforeseen events and meet our obligations without stress.
The first step is clear: review the tax calendar and make sure you have all the documentation in order.
Well-organized accounting for self-employed workers is key to making tax filing easier and avoiding costly errors.
In addition, knowing which forms we must file and how to fill them out correctly will save us problems and possible penalties.
In this article, we summarize the essential points so that you can face this first quarter with confidence and peace of mind.
Join us!
Mandatory quarterly declarations
Filing quarterly returns is a fundamental requirement for self-employed workers and companies.
It consists of informing the Treasury about the quarterly taxes generated by the economic activity, ensuring compliance with tax obligations.
The documentation that must be submitted varies depending on the type of business, but the most common is to include the VAT return, form 303 and the quarterly IRPF return.
To avoid penalties or errors when filing taxes, it is best to keep a detailed record of income and expenses.
Having good accounting for self-employed workers facilitates this process and allows you to anticipate deadlines.
If you do not have experience in the matter, a tax gestor can be key to ensuring that everything is done correctly.
The objective is to comply with each quarter without unforeseen events or problems with the Treasury.
Who must file quarterly returns?
Quarterly returns must be submitted by all self-employed , SMEs and companies that carry out an economic activity subject to tax.
This includes both those who are required to file VAT returns and those who pay taxes in installments using Form 303.
It does not matter if the income is high or low; if there is activity, it is mandatory to comply with the tax filing process.
A common mistake is to think that only businesses with large profits must file returns.
However, even those who have not invoiced must report their situation.
That is why it is essential to keep a well-structured accounting system for self-employed workers and review the tax calendar so as not to forget any deadlines.
If there are doubts about the process, a tax agency can help manage each procedure correctly.
Key dates for the first quarter

The tax calendar establishes that quarterly returns for the first quarter must be submitted in April.
Normally, the deadline ends on the 20th, although it may vary depending on whether the submission is electronic or on paper.
This period includes quarterly taxes such as Form 303 for VAT and the quarterly IRPF declaration.
To avoid setbacks, we recommend taking into account the following key points:
- Review the documentation in advance to avoid errors.
- Check Form 303 and other necessary forms depending on the activity.
- Consult a tax agency if you have questions about filing taxes.
- Set reminders so as not to leave filing until the last minute.
Complying with these recommendations makes the process easier and reduces the risk of penalties for filing late.
Deadlines for self-employed workers and companies
The deadline for filing quarterly returns for the first quarter usually ends on April 20, although if payment is made by direct debit, the deadline is usually April 15.
This applies to both self-employed workers and companies, who must file the quarterly taxes corresponding to their activity.
Among the most relevant forms are form 303 for VAT and the quarterly IRPF declaration for those who pay taxes in direct estimation or modules.
It is essential to review the tax calendar and prepare the documentation in advance.
Not waiting until the last minute allows you to avoid errors in filing taxes and possible penalties.
If you are not sure which forms to file, a tax agency can help you manage the paperwork and comply with tax obligations efficiently.
Consequences of filing late
Failure to file quarterly returns within the established deadline may result in financial penalties and surcharges.
Depending on the length of the delay, surcharges can range from 1% to 20% of the amount owed, in addition to possible late payment interest.
If the Treasury detects non-compliance before the taxpayer regularises the situation, the penalty may be even higher.
To avoid these problems, it is advisable to:
- Mark the filing dates for each quarter on the tax calendar.
- Consult a tax agency if there are any doubts about the necessary documentation.
- Review quarterly taxes in advance to correct possible errors.
- Pay the partial payments by direct debit, which makes it easier to comply with obligations.
If the deadline has passed, it is best to file the VAT or any other tax return as soon as possible to reduce the impact of surcharges and penalties.
Taxes to be declared in the first quarter

During the first quarter of the year, self-employed workers and companies must file several quarterly taxes.
These include Form 303 for declaring VAT and the quarterly IRPF declaration for those who pay taxes by direct estimation.
In addition, those who make fractional payments must file the corresponding forms according to their tax regime.
It is important to keep good control of accounting for self-employed workers to avoid errors when filing taxes.
The best way to ensure compliance with all tax obligations is to review each form in detail and, if necessary, seek advice from a specialized tax agency.
Most important tax forms in Spain
When filing quarterly returns, it is essential to know which tax forms must be submitted according to the economic activity.
The most common for self-employed workers and companies are:
- Form 303: Mandatory for the VAT declaration, whether or not it has been invoiced.
- Form 130: For the quarterly IRPF declaration, if tax is paid by direct estimation.
- Form 131: For self-employed workers in a modular regime, with fractional payments of IRPF.
- Form 115: If rent is paid for premises subject to withholding.
- Form 111: For those who withhold IRPF from workers or professionals.
Having these forms clear makes filing taxes easier and avoids errors.
If there are doubts about which model corresponds, it is best to consult with a tax agency.
Common mistakes when filing taxes
One of the most common problems when filing taxes is the lack of review of the data.
A simple error in a figure can generate sanctions or delays in the VAT refund.
It is also common to forget to file a mandatory form, such as form 303 or the quarterly IRPF declaration, which can lead to surcharges.
To avoid these errors, we recommend:
- Check each tax form carefully before sending it.
- Do not leave filing taxes until the last day.
- Keep your accounting for the self-employed up to date.
- Consult a tax agency if you have any doubts about tax obligations.
Avoiding these errors guarantees that the process is quick, simple and without problems with the Treasury.
Asesoria Orihuela Costa: Your comprehensive tax solution

If managing quarterly returns is complicated for you or you fear making mistakes when filing taxes, at Asesoría Orihuela Costa we offer you a complete solution.
Our team specialising in accounting for the self-employed, companies and SMEs takes care of everything so that you can focus only on your business.
We offer you:
- Comprehensive advice for the self-employed and companies.
- Tax management for quarterly tax returns.
- Tax optimisation and tax planning to pay only what is necessary.
- Management of split payments and filing of form 303, personal income tax and more.
Comply with your tax obligations without worries.
Contact us and leave your taxes in the hands of experts.