“Dear David, I am aware that you make use of the UK's tax free treatment on spread betting profits (as I do). As your service reaches a number of nations and jurisdictions I was wondering if you or anyone is clear on the tax rules across the EU regarding financial spread trading? I plan to retire to Spain soon but can’t find any information on this regarding Spain, Portugal, France, etc.”  

David Fuller's view

The UK has this benefit because the Royal family loves horse racing and the occasional small wager on a race, so the public should have the same right.  From a practical standpoint, the tax ruling is symmetrical – no tax on spread-bet gains and no write-off of losses against more traditional investments.  Also, since more people lose money on horse racing wagers and financial spread-bets than profit from it, the Chancellor of the Exchequer probably feels that he and the country are better off leaving it alone.  I would be very surprised if Spain had a similar arrangement but do not take my word for it.  I am sure someone within your dealing firm will know the answer.  Eoin points out that Ireland has the same policy as the UK on spread-bets, but little sunshine.

Enjoy your no doubt well deserved retirement in sunny Spain, and if the spirit moves you, I think many of us would welcome the occasional cultural or economic note, based on your insights from Spain.