Politics · Spain · 17 hrs ago
Spanish tax inspectors call for reforms to protect agency independence
Spain’s tax inspectors are calling for a major overhaul of the Tax Agency to protect its independence and standing.
The inspectors’ association says political interference, leaks of confidential data and frequent leadership changes have weakened the agency.
It says the agency has had 15 directors general in nearly 35 years, and argues that a long-delayed statute is needed to set out how it should operate.
The proposed changes would give the agency more distance from political control, including removing the secretary of state for finance from its executive structure.
The association wants parliament to approve the director by a qualified majority for a fixed five-year term, with the director reporting to parliament each year.
The inspectors also propose a permanent plan to inspect public representatives’ assets as part of efforts to fight corruption.
The government has not said whether it will adopt the proposals.
The Association of State Tax Inspectors says Spain’s Tax Agency is facing the worst crisis in its history and calls for a major reform to protect its independence.
The association attributes the agency’s loss of prestige and independence to political interference, leaks of confidential data and defensive communications.
It wants the agency’s statute, pending development for more than three decades, approved urgently.
Its proposals include a fixed term for the director general and requiring parliamentary approval of the appointment.
The Finance Ministry has denied that the recent change in the agency’s leadership reflected an internal rupture.
- Who
- The Association of State Tax Inspectors (IHE) is calling for reform of Spain’s Tax Agency.
- What
- It proposes a comprehensive overhaul to protect the agency’s independence and reduce political influence over its leadership.
- When
- The association made its call at its 36th congress, held on Thursday and Friday. The article was published on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- The congress was held in Toledo, Spain.
- Why
- The association says political interference, leaks of confidential data and defensive communications have weakened the agency’s independence and standing.
Association of State Tax Inspectors
Finance Ministry
Agency leadership
Association of State Tax Inspectors
The association says political interference and leadership instability have weakened the agency’s independence.
Finance Ministry
The Finance Ministry denied that the departure of Soledad Fernández Doctor reflected an internal rupture and said it had been agreed months earlier.
The Government approved Antonio Ansón Latorre’s appointment as director general, replacing Soledad Fernández Doctor.
The Association of State Tax Inspectors held its 36th congress in Toledo and called for the agency to be overhauled.
El País published the association’s proposals for reforming the Tax Agency.
- Association
- Association of State Tax Inspectors (IHE)
- Congress
- 36th congress, held in Toledo
- Leadership turnover
- 15 directors general in almost 35 years, according to the association’s president
- Proposed director general’s term
- Five years, renewable once
- Inspector posts
- More than 50% are subject to discretionary appointment, according to the association
1 source
What people are saying
the agency has lost its independence from political power