Shakira Wins Tax Case and Gets 55 Million Euro Refund
A Spanish court cleared singer Shakira of tax fraud. The court told Spain's tax authority to return over 55 million euros in fines.
With interest added the total refund is about 60 million euros or $70 million. The court found the tax authority made mistakes about Shakira's tax status.
The ruling was about the 2011 tax year. That year Shakira spent only 163 days in Spain.
Spanish law requires 183 days to count as a tax resident. Shakira had appealed a fine given to her five years ago.
That appeal led to the court review and her being cleared. Shakira said she faced "years of public shaming" over the case.
This case is separate from a 2023 deal Shakira made over income from 2012 to 2014. She pleaded guilty in that earlier case.
Klear Note — Spain requires people to pay taxes if they live there 183+ days per year. Tax residents must report all income to Spanish authorities.
Key Terms 3
- acquitted Found not guilty by a court of law
- tax residency Living in a country long enough to owe taxes there
- refund Money paid back after being wrongly charged