On January 1st, the so-called additional solidarity contribution came into effect, as established by Royal Decree-Law 2/2023 and Royal Decree 322/2024, which respectively amend the General Social Security Law and the General Regulation on Contributions and Settlement of Other Social Security Rights. It is a revenue-generating measure that directly affects employees’ payslips.
What is the solidarity contribution?
It is an additional contribution to be borne by the highest salaries, in solidarity with the rest of the contributors. The aim of this levy is to ensure the sustainability of retirement pensions. However, it is not a contributory measure, but a redistributive one: the increase in contributions does not lead to improved benefits, but rather to a rise in overall revenue allocated to the Social Security Reserve Fund, with the goal of redistributing the financial burden of pension funding.
Who is affected?
The measure only affects salaried employees whose income exceeds the maximum contribution base set in the annual General State Budget, which currently stands at €4,909.50 per month.
What is the amount?
The amount of the contribution is determined based on the portion of income exceeding the maximum contribution base: three different brackets will be applied, each with its corresponding percentage, as established in the 42nd transitional provision of Royal Legislative Decree 8/2015.. Thus, in 2025, the contribution will be applied as follows:
- 0.92% on the portion of income between the maximum contribution base and an excess of 10% over that amount.
- 1% on income between the additional 10% and up to 50% over the maximum contribution base.
- 1.17% on the portion exceeding 50% over the maximum contribution base.
Additionally, the contribution will be applied progressively and will increase annually until reaching rates of 5.5%, 6%, and 7% respectively by the year 2045.
How to apply the solidarity contribution to the company
The contribution is split between employers and employees following the same proportion as the distribution of the contribution rate for common contingencies. Therefore, it amounts to: 83.39% of the contribution is paid by the employer and 16.51% by the employee.
Companies are also required to electronically report to the General Treasury of the Social Security the details of those affected. relation to this additional contribution. To apply the contribution, the corresponding amounts must be included in the contribution file submitted to the Treasury under: three new economic concepts, each corresponding to the previously mentioned income brackets.: concept 497 for the first bracket, 498 for the second, and 499 for the third. The Treasury will be responsible for calculating the contributions, and the amounts will appear on the Contribution Settlement Receipt (although they will not be shown in the Nominal List of Workers).
With Grupo SPEC’s HR management solutions and their integration, with your payroll applications, it will be easier for you to make the necessary adjustments for the solidarity contribution. If you need more information, get in touch with our customer service team.
