Colombian star Shakira has secured a major legal victory against Spain's Tax Authority (Hacienda).

The National Court of Spain has cleared her of tax fraud charges from 2011, reversing the previous decision made by the Central Economic and Administrative Court in 2021.

Court Orders Return of Over 60 Million Euros

This ruling states that the previous decision was not in line with the law, which means all previously paid amounts, increased by statutory interest, must be refunded. The total amount the state must now return to the singer exceeds 60 million euros.

Why Was Shakira Not a Tax Resident of Spain?

The key point in the court’s decision is that Shakira was not a tax resident of Spain in 2011. That year, she was on a major world tour, performing 120 concerts in 37 different countries. Her legal team proved that during this period, she did not have a home, children, or a company headquarters in Spain.

The court highlighted the following key facts:

  • Residency in the Country: The administration failed to prove that the singer spent the legal minimum of 183 days in Spain; it was established that she spent a maximum of 163 days.
  • Economic Interests: It was proven that the business network and most of the artist's income were outside Spanish territory.
  • Family Ties: The court dismissed arguments about her relationship with footballer Gerard Piqué, stating that emotional ties cannot legally be equated with the marital bond required by law to establish residency.

"Treated as a Criminal and Destroying My Health"

Following the verdict, Shakira directed sharp criticism at the Spanish system. She stated that she had endured "brutal public finger-pointing" and campaigns orchestrated to destroy her reputation for over eight years, which affected her health and family's well-being.

"Today this narrative is falling under the weight of the verdict. My biggest goal is for this outcome to set a precedent and serve thousands of anonymous citizens who the system wrongfully targets and pressures daily, forcing them to prove their innocence from economic and emotional ruin," the singer declared.

In addition to the refund, the National Court has ordered the Tax Authority (AEAT) to pay the court costs, which is a decision made only in the clearest cases when the state's arguments are completely rejected. At the beginning of 2023, Shakira relocated to Miami, which is now her official tax residency.

(Elmundo)