German, French, Danish and Italian poker players who have in the past won rewards playing in Spanish-located tournaments have reportedly been receiving letters of demand from the Spanish tax authorities, who appear to be raking over wins as long ago as 2014 despite the players settling their reward taxes with their national tax offices.
Reporting on the issue, Poker News quoted German player and regular EPT competitor Hossein Ensan, who told the poker information site PokerFirma that he is among those who have received what is described as a “hefty” Spanish tax demand, years after he cashed for a large amount for a third placing at EPT Barcelona in 2014.
Ensan claims he declared and paid tax due to the German tax office after clarifying his position with the officials. The Spanish taxman, however, continues to insist on payment of Euro 235,000 plus interest and legal fees, and Ensan now has the worry and expense of having to hire tax lawyers to represent him.
Other German, French, Danish and Italian players have reported similar approaches from the Spanish authorities, triggering concerns in the international poker community.
PokerFirma has yet to receive a response from the Spanish authorities on the official rationale for what appears to be a retrospective tax drive against non-Spanish players who have competed and won rewards in Spanish-hosted tournaments.
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