Spanish Court Orders Tax Refund to Shakira in Major Legal Victory

(MENAFN) A Spanish court has sided with Colombian singer Shakira in a lengthy tax dispute, directing Spanish authorities to repay more than €60 million (around $67 million) tied to tax payments, fines, and interest connected to the 2011 fiscal year.

According to a ruling issued Monday, the National Court determined that the singer could not be considered a tax resident in Spain during 2011 because officials failed to provide sufficient evidence proving she met the legal requirements for fiscal residency that year.

The judgment cancels previous tax claims and financial penalties imposed over allegations involving unpaid income and wealth taxes.

Following the ruling, the artist released a statement criticizing Spain’s tax administration and accusing authorities of pursuing her through a prolonged public campaign.

“After more than eight years enduring brutal public scrutiny, orchestrated campaigns to destroy my reputation and countless sleepless nights that affected my health and my family’s wellbeing, the National Court has finally set things straight,” she said.

“There was never any fraud, and the administration itself was never able to prove otherwise, simply because it was not true,” she added.

As stated by reports, tax investigators had argued that Spain became the center of the singer’s personal and financial life during her relationship with former Gerard Pique, who played for FC Barcelona.

However, the court concluded there was not enough proof to establish that Spain was her main place of residence or economic activity in 2011. During that period, she was traveling extensively for a global tour that included 120 performances across 37 countries.

The ruling also noted that she did not own a home in Spain, had no children living there at the time, and did not spend enough days in the country to legally qualify as a tax resident.

According to reports, the decision may still be challenged before Spain’s Supreme Court.

The ruling is unrelated to another legal matter settled in 2023, when Shakira reached an agreement with prosecutors regarding unpaid taxes linked to the years between 2012 and 2014.

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