This is my life at the moment! Lots of paperwork to take care of this month. First of all there were year-end taxes to sort out, with a visit to my accountant earlier in the week. That’s almost done, other than still trying to work out how to access notifications on my “digital signature” thingy issued by the government. Not responding to notifications – actually not knowing I had to – cost me 380 euros in fines last summer. So gotta figure that one out.

Next I have to go down to the Social Security office with the appropriate papers to opt out of payments for the next two months. As a self-employed person (autónima) I have to pay a flat-rate of 275 euros a month whether I make a bean or not, unless I sign off during times when I’m not making any money. Last winter I didn’t realise it would be so slow and ended up paying out this money, plus paying my accountant, which I avoided during the next slow season (July-August) by simply doing the “baja” and not working. Not really worth doing two tours and paying out three times more than I’ve earned! Crazy system they have here.

Then I have to organise whatever papers I’ll need to renew my residency permit. I have an appointment set up for early February but in the meantime I have to get copies of this and that, plus maybe re-take the hideous ID photos I had done earlier. Well, at least it’s nice and sunny.

So how’s your week going?