Pantoja and Bertín join the list of tax delinquents: what are they hiding about their debts

Tax Agency published its twelfth list of major tax debtors this Friday. This year, the list reaches €16.138 billion ($16.138 billion) in outstanding debts and includes some prominent names that had not previously appeared in the register.

Among them are singer Isabel Pantoja, TV host and businessman Bertín Osborne, and former footballer Arda Turan. All of them have tax obligations exceeding the €600,000 ($600,000) threshold required to appear on the list.

Isabel Pantoja's inclusion in the official list of tax defaulters represents a new setback for the artist, whose history with the justice system and tax debts has been the subject of public attention in recent years.

This time, the Tax Agency estimates her debt at around €1 million ($1 million), after settling the rest of her debt. It is important to note that any debtor who settles their debt with the tax authorities will not see the agreed amount reflected in the list of defaulters, as is the case with Pantoja.

This €1 million ($1 million) that has not been settled places her among the most prominent new debtors on the list. The singer reportedly postponed her payments, and after one of her legal disputes with the tax authorities, she was forced to sell some of her assets, as previously reported by elcierredigital.com. It is also due to this tax situation that Isabel Pantoja has not been able to sign the contract with the producer of her series.

Reportedly, as revealed on the TardeAr program, Isabel is planning to leave Spain for Portugal or Mexico, where she would pay less in taxes. Other figures such as Carmen Martínez Bordiú and José María Cano have already moved to Portugal in the past.

Meanwhile, Bertín Osborne—whose real name is Norberto Juan Ortiz Osborne—appears for the first time in the register with a liability amounting to €865,000 ($865,000). It should be recalled that Osborne "escaped" being convicted of an alleged tax offense by the National Court, as his debt was at a borderline amount. In fact, the host established his official residence in Luxembourg and invoiced through Panama for several years to avoid seizure.

The singer and host, who in recent months has been involved in various personal and professional controversies, now faces yet another problem in his situation.

Another surprising name is the former Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona footballer, Arda Turan. The Turkish national, who left Spanish soccer years ago, appears with a debt of approximately €1.3 million ($1.3 million).

Significant Continuities and Departures

Alongside the new additions, the list keeps individuals who are already regulars in this register. Former banker Mario Conde continues to appear among the major defaulters, although he has managed to significantly reduce his debt to the tax authorities.

In the last fiscal year, the outstanding amount dropped from €6.4 million ($6.4 million) to just under €3.8 million ($3.8 million). This is the result of payments and possible compensations made over the past year.

Actress Paz Vega also remains on the list, with her debt increasing compared to the previous year. According to data provided by the Tax Agency, the actress currently owes €2.3 million ($2.3 million), up from the €1.7 million ($1.7 million) attributed to her in the previous list.

Other recurring names such as historian César Vidal and producer José Luis Moreno are also included. Both still have not regularized their tax obligations.

On the other hand, there are significant departures such as Afinsa. The company linked to the philatelic scandal had until now maintained a debt close to €1.5 million ($1.5 million). It has finally been excluded after having canceled or restructured its commitments to the tax authorities.

The disappearance of Real Murcia from the list is also notable, as it has settled a debt of more than €6 million ($6 million).

More Debt, Fewer Debtors

The report published by the Tax Agency reveals that the total number of defaulters has decreased—from 6,081 to 5,997 taxpayers, a 1.4% drop—. Although the total amount of debts has increased by 5.9%, reaching €16.138 billion ($16.138 billion).

This increase is partly due to the inclusion of particularly large debts from companies in the energy and hydrocarbon sectors, such as Metaway Combustibles, Vertix Petroleum, or Bio-Zenite Energy, whose individual defaults in some cases exceed €150 million ($150 million).

If we eliminate duplications—for example, debts declared by both debtors and jointly liable parties—the effective net debt is €13.697 billion ($13.697 billion). This represents an 8.5% increase compared to the previous year.

Of this figure, individuals represent a relatively small portion: 1,077 taxpayers who accumulate €1.579 billion ($1.579 billion) in debts.

A Reputational Pressure Tool

The list of major defaulters was created in 2015 as a mechanism for transparency and social pressure. It is intended to promote compliance with tax obligations.

The publication of the list doesn't necessarily imply the existence of tax crimes. The names included correspond to debtors who have not paid their debts within the voluntary period and who do not have ongoing payment extensions.

This system has proven to have a certain deterrent effect. According to official data, in the days leading up to the end of the fiscal year, nearly €100 million ($100 million) was paid by debtors seeking to avoid inclusion in the list. Another €56 million ($56 million) corresponds to payments made by taxpayers who already appeared in previous editions and who have partially regularized their situation.

The publication of the list has reignited media interest and controversy over the impact of these debts on the economy and the role of celebrities in fulfilling their tax obligations.

The presence of public figures such as Pantoja, Osborne, or Turan once again highlights the relationship between fame and tax responsibility, while the departure of companies such as Afinsa shows that the list can also be an effective incentive for regularization.

The Tax Agency insists that the goal is not to stigmatize, but to encourage the payment of outstanding debts.

For now, the 2025 list confirms a worrying trend. Major debtors are fewer, but the amount they owe continues to grow year after year.