So that we can file your Renta return on your behalf, we need your AEAT reference number. It is an online procedure that takes 2 minutes.
What is the reference number?
The reference number is a code generated by the Spanish tax agency to identify you. With it, your adviser can access your tax data and file your Renta return on your behalf.
Advantages:
- It takes under 2 minutes to obtain
- No power of attorney is required
- All you need is Cl@ve or a digital certificate
- It is valid for the whole Renta campaign
Before you start you need
- Cl@ve or a digital certificate / electronic ID card
- Your DNI/NIE (Spanish ID or foreigner’s ID number)
No Cl@ve yet? You can apply for it at clave.gob.es or in person at a Social Security or tax agency office.
Step 1: open the AEAT website
Go to the reference number page:
https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/numero-referencia.html
Step 2: click on “Obtén tu número de referencia”
Under the Gestiones section you will see a blue link reading “Obtén tu número de referencia” (get your reference number). Click it.
Step 3: identify yourself
Choose your identification method:
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Cl@ve PIN | Enter your NIF and the expiry date of your DNI/NIE. You receive a code on your mobile |
| Cl@ve Permanente | Enter your NIF and the password you set up |
| Digital certificate | Select the certificate installed in your browser |
| Electronic ID card | You need a card reader connected |
Step 4: copy your reference number
Once you are identified, your reference number appears on screen:
The message on screen reads, in Spanish:
Ya puede utilizar la referencia obtenida para acceder a los servicios de Renta. La referencia del NIF [tu NIF] para gestionar Renta es: [tu número de referencia] Por favor, anote esta referencia y consérvela para usos posteriores.
In other words: the reference number for your NIF is ready, and you should note it down and keep it for later use.
- Copy that reference number or take a screenshot
- Send it to us on WhatsApp together with your ID document
That’s it. With that we can access your tax data and prepare your return.
Common problems
I have neither Cl@ve nor a digital certificate
You can obtain Cl@ve in several ways:
- Online: if you have a digital certificate, at clave.gob.es
- By video call: from the Cl@ve website
- In person: at Social Security offices, tax agency offices or town halls
- The AEAT app: you can also use the Spanish tax agency’s app
I get an error when identifying myself
- Check that the expiry date of your ID document is correct
- If you are using a certificate, make sure it has not expired
- Try a different browser (Chrome or Edge usually work better)
The reference number does not appear
Make sure you completed the identification correctly. If the problem persists, try from another browser or device.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a power of attorney?
No. A power of attorney is a more complex formal authorisation that lets your adviser act on your behalf across many procedures. For the Renta return, the reference number is enough in most cases.
How long does the reference number last?
The reference number is valid for the current year’s Renta campaign.
Is it safe to share my reference number?
The reference number only gives access to your tax data for the Renta campaign. It gives no access to your bank account and does not allow any other operation.
Do I need to do anything else after sending it?
No. Once you have the reference number and send it to us with your ID document, we take care of the rest.
Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/numero-referencia.html |
| 2 | Click on “Obtén tu número de referencia” |
| 3 | Identify yourself with Cl@ve or a certificate |
| 4 | Copy the reference number that appears |
| 5 | Send it to us on WhatsApp together with your ID document |
What we need from you
| Item | What we use it for |
|---|---|
| Reference number | To access your tax data at the AEAT |
| ID document | To identify you and verify the information |
Need a hand?
If anything is unclear during the process, message us on WhatsApp and we will walk you through it step by step.
Víctor Lázaro
Tax adviser, colvence.com
