One objective set by Suma Gestión Tributaria for the closing year was to strengthen anti-evasion controls. The effort paid off. More than 2,000 deficiencies were identified, leading to a 20% rise in collections in this area, reaching 7.2 million euros. In parallel, the Alicante Provincial Council affiliate will export its operational model to Roquetas de Mar in Almería. The municipality of Suma and the Andalusian region signed an agreement that will take effect on January 1, with technical support provided by the Alicante unit of the municipal council.
The anti-fraud audit concentrates primarily on two taxes: the Economic Activities Tax and the rate commonly known as the 1.5% rate. The latter shows the highest rate of non-compliance. Companies are required to pay a 1.5% levy on turnover for the use or exploitation of land, subsoil, or access to municipal public roads. A clear example involves cables installed underground to support operations.
Settlement
It was observed that a large number of companies either pay all or none of the 1.5% rate, according to José Antonio Belso, director of Suma. Another tax under scrutiny is the Construction Tax, Instalations and Operations (ICIO). Inspectors verified that fees paid for building permits matched the work performed. All these audit tasks contributed to a 20% increase in collections.
Another milestone highlighting Suma’s performance in the past year is an agreement with the Municipality of Roquetas de Mar. The management unit will provide assistance starting January 1, ensuring inter-administration cooperation that generates additional income and enabling the business model to be replicated beyond the province. Belso noted that arrangements are underway with five other municipalities or councils to prevent future similar cases; several of these initiatives are already in advanced stages of maturity.
Suma uses drone technology to detect irregularities in tax payments
This latest agreement with the Andalusian municipality marks the first such collaboration of this caliber since 2015. Previously, cooperation accords were signed with Majadahonda City Council, Gran Canaria Council, and Albacete Provincial Council, all of which have been renewed for the next four years. Belso explained that the cost-efficiency of the management model is achieved when governments implement it rather than relying on private initiatives. Legal services have also reduced both cases and adverse decisions by a substantial margin, driven by improved placement and careful procedure application. This is viewed as another sign of effective management by the provincial authority.
Suma emphasizes irregularities
In cases of irregularities, investigators pursue tax evasion, and Suma has also turned to technology to capture aerial images with a drone. This enables the detection of potential fraud during housing expansions or pool construction without proper permits. The drone initiative is part of a broader plan to streamline collection processes and enhance services for citizens.
Another notable innovation of 2023 is the steady growth of tax payments via Bizum, maintaining a 38% adoption rate. The Metropolitan Council’s adoption of new technologies, including exploration of Metaverse and the opening of a virtual office to improve user communication, signals a broader digital shift that goes beyond drones, artificial intelligence, or Bizum payments.
A new service via WhatsApp is planned for spring
Suma Gestión Tributaria will launch a streamlined user service and distribution channel through the WhatsApp application. The feature is currently being tested within the organization, affiliated with the Alicante Provincial Council. The rollout to the public is planned for March or April, aligning with the first voluntary payment period. This channel represents a further step in advancing electronic governance at Suma.
These efforts are part of a broader package of strategic projects launched this year and scheduled to run for more than two weeks. Initiatives include digitizing service evaluation through QR codes or surveys conducted online or by phone, a single digital channel for managing claims or incidents, and a negligence-detection initiative funded with European funds.