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Is it normal for shops in Spain to add tax charges when paying by card and no invoice if someone wants to pay by cash?

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

I am new in Malaga and I want to buy a second hand motorbike. I saw a nice bike which I wanted to buy in a motorcycle shop. Me and the shop agreed upon a price but now they are telling me I can only pay in cash without invoice. If I want to pay by card they charge me +5% bank charges and +21% IVA. Is this something normal in here, or is this shop just very unreliable?

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

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“Shops must always show the price including VAT, so 21% must be included.”

“So I’ve had this issue before (motorcyle owner myself), if you transfer them the money they won’t incur any of the charges, this is true, it has to be cash without an invoice. Normal thing. I had a chat with the guy I’m buying a car from (toyota) and they don’t want to eat the charge….if it’s a legit shop on google go for it. Motorista.es is a good one also. I’ve also bought and sold vespas on wallapop.”

“It is normal. If the shops sell you with an invoice he has to pay taxes. He is telling you that you pay the taxes. That’s all.”

“it’s very simple, want 21% discount? Pay cash but no rights/guarantee (if it’s a ducati don’t do it! If it’s a Honda you are safer hahah). Do you want it to be official then pay 21% extra”

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“The shop is not unreliable. Just simply corrupt.. report to the police. Cash or by credit card is always obligated to include 21% Vat”


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📖 Related Reading: For a complete overview of tax residency, income tax brackets, Beckham Law, Modelo 720, and more, see our Taxes for Expats in Spain: The Complete Guide.

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author avatar
Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert
Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.