Final Call! SUMA (IBI) Deadline Approaching: How to Pay and Avoid Fines

Rebecca Serwotka
Oct 7
2 min read

Why This Date Matters: The IBI Payment Window

This is a quick, critical reminder for all property owners in the Costa Blanca area (Alicante province): the voluntary deadline to pay your annual property-related taxes through the SUMA office is fast approaching.

The final day to pay without incurring an automatic penalty is typically 10th October.

The IBI (Impuesto Sobre Bienes Inmuebles), more commonly known as “SUMA” or Council Tax, covers the yearly charge from January through December. As the property owner on 1st January of the tax year, you are liable for the full bill.

Automatic Payments

If you have a direct debit in place, the payment will usually be taken automatically from your bank account between late September and early October. We strongly recommend checking your bank statements now to ensure this payment has been processed successfully.

What Happens If I'm Selling This Year?

This bill is normally divided between the buyer and the seller, based on the agreed completion date.

For example, if you complete the sale in June, your lawyer will ensure the buyer reimburses you for the remaining six months of the bill. It is therefore crucial that you have the latest SUMA receipt ready for your lawyer to manage this apportioning during the completion process.

💳 How to Pay & Avoid Penalties

If you haven’t arranged a direct debit, or if you need to pay a late bill from a previous year, you must act before the 10th October deadline.

Pay Online: This is the easiest way for most non-residents. You can still pay voluntarily online using a credit card via the official SUMA website: suma.es. The good news is their site is available in English, making the process simple and straightforward.
In-Person: You can take your payment slip to your local SUMA office or any of the collaborating banks listed on the invoice.
Set Up Direct Debit: If you pay this bill annually, it is highly recommended to set up a direct debit to avoid ever missing the deadline again.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t Risk the Penalties

Be absolutely sure to act before the 10th October deadline. If you miss the voluntary payment period, SUMA immediately moves the debt into the enforcement phase, which adds unnecessary surcharges:

Immediate 5% Surcharge is added the moment the deadline passes.
This penalty can quickly rise to 10% or even 20% plus interest, depending on how long the debt remains unpaid.

Paying on time saves you money and ensures your property’s tax status is clean, which is essential if you plan to sell now or in the near future.