Expat Words · Practical guide
Retención: An amount withheld
Understand retención, what to check and the practical steps to take.
What does it mean?
Retención means an amount withheld. In tax contexts, it often describes tax deducted by a payer and paid on account of the recipient’s tax.
The word can have other meanings outside tax. Check the context before assuming a deduction is an income-tax payment.
An everyday example
A payment arriving net of tax should be matched to the gross amount and the withholding record.
What to do next
- Identify who withheld the amount and from which payment.
- Keep the payslip, invoice or certificate showing it.
- Check that the figures match your own records.
- Ask an adviser how the withholding should be reflected in your return.
A useful question to ask
What is this deduction for, and where is it recorded for tax purposes?
Check the official guidance
Agencia Tributaria: withholding payments
Sources checked on 8 September 2026. These explanations and preparation prompts are introductory, not complete procedural instructions or individual legal, tax or medical advice. Confirm current requirements with the responsible authority or qualified professional before acting.