Imponibles

Imponibles is a tax term used to describe the components of a tax base that are subject to taxation under a given legal regime. The plural imponibles refers to the items, incomes, transactions, or assets that a tax authority treats as taxable. The concept is tied to the base imponible, or tax base, which is the monetary amount on which a tax rate is applied. The base imponible is often adjusted by deductions, allowances, exemptions, or credits that reduce the tax payable.

In income tax, imponible income generally includes wages, self-employment profits, and capital gains, though some kinds of income may be exempt or non-imponible according to law. In value-added tax (VAT) or sales taxes, the imponible base is the value of the transaction on which the tax rate is applied; rules about what is included in the base (such as shipping or insurance) vary by jurisdiction. For property or asset taxes, the imponible base is typically the assessed or taxable value of the asset.

The precise scope of what is imponible varies by country and tax type. Some items may be fully imponible, partially imponible, or exempt from tax. Legal changes can redefine the base imponible, alter the applicable rates, or modify available deductions and credits. Understanding imponibles helps explain how tax liability is calculated and why different taxpayers may face different amounts of tax for similar activities.