A viral tweet claims that the Treasury collected 53% more in the 2025 Income Tax campaign compared to 2024. This is false: the figure of 10.632 billion is the difference between declarations to be paid and those to be refunded, not the actual collection, which increased by 19.89%.
The 2025 Income Tax campaign has generated a hoax that is spreading like wildfire on social media: that the Treasury increased its collection by 53% compared to 2024. The statement, which originated from a tweet with over 10,000 shares, is incorrect. The actual data from the Tax Agency shows an increase of 19.89% in the total amount to be paid by taxpayers, far from that percentage.
The error arises from a misinterpretation of the figures published by the Treasury. Those spreading the hoax take the amount of 'to be paid' declarations (24.721 billion in 2025) and subtract the amount of 'to be refunded' declarations (14.089 billion). The difference is 10.632 billion. They then compare that result with the same calculation from 2024 and obtain a 53% increase.
But that operation does not measure the actual collection of Income Tax. Income Tax is a tax that is collected throughout the year through payroll withholdings, instalment payments from self-employed individuals, and other figures. The annual declaration adjusts what has already been paid with what each taxpayer actually owes. If too much has been paid during the year, the declaration results in a refund; if too little has been paid, it results in a payment due.
What the Tax Agency really says
According to the official data from the Treasury, the total amount to be paid by taxpayers in the 2025 campaign was 24.721 billion euros, an increase of 19.89% compared to 2024. That is the figure that reflects the actual increase in Income Tax collection in the annual declaration. The 53% hoax is based on a subtraction that makes no fiscal sense.
The Tax Agency itself published the data on July 3, highlighting that the collection from Income Tax in the campaign grew significantly, but did not reach the 53% that is circulating on social media. Furthermore, the same tweet mentions that the Wealth Tax collected 2.512 billion, an increase of 9%, without providing the 2024 figure. In 2025, Wealth Tax collected 2.133 billion, according to El País. The actual increase would be 17.76%, not 9%.
The hoax takes advantage of the general lack of understanding about how Income Tax works. Many taxpayers believe that the collection is what the Treasury receives during the campaign, when in reality, most of the tax is paid month by month. The declaration only adjusts the final balance.
How this error affects taxpayers
For the average citizen, this confusion can generate distrust in the tax system. If someone believes that the Treasury has increased its collection by 53% in Income Tax, they might think they will be asked for more money next year. But the reality is that the 19.89% increase is due to economic and salary growth, not a tax increase.
Self-employed individuals and employees need to know that their declaration depends on the withholdings applied throughout the year. If a worker has changed jobs or received extraordinary income, their declaration may result in a payment due, but that does not mean the Treasury is collecting disproportionately more.
To avoid confusion, it is best to refer to official sources. The Tax Agency publishes a detailed report each year with the actual figures. And if someone sees a striking headline like the one about the 53%, it is most likely a hoax.
The context of collection in 2025
The 2025 Income Tax campaign closed with a record number of declarations submitted, over 22 million. The increase in collection is explained by the rise in salaries and pensions, as well as the greater number of taxpayers who had to pay for capital gains or profits. Nothing to do with a hidden tax increase.
The 53% hoax has spread particularly in WhatsApp groups and social media, where tax misinformation runs rampant. The next time you see such a round figure, be suspicious: reality is usually more boring, but also more accurate.
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