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Que Salario Se Usa Para Calculo De Indemnizacion

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

When calculating severance pay in Spain, determining which salary to use is crucial. The Spanish Labor Code establishes specific rules for this calculation, and understanding these requirements can help employees and employers avoid disputes.

Which salary is used for severance pay calculation?

The Spanish Labor Code (Article 111) specifies that severance pay should be calculated based on the employee's average monthly salary during the last 12 months of employment. This is known as the "base salary" for severance purposes.

However, there are exceptions to this rule:

  • If the employee has worked for less than 12 months, the severance pay is calculated based on the average salary during the entire period of employment.
  • If the employee has worked for more than 12 months but less than 24 months, the severance pay is calculated based on the average salary during the last 12 months of employment.
  • If the employee has worked for 24 or more months, the severance pay is calculated based on the average salary during the last 12 months of employment.

It's important to note that the salary used for severance pay calculation should be the gross salary, before any deductions such as taxes or social security contributions.

Calculation methods

There are two main methods for calculating severance pay in Spain:

Method 1: Average salary during the last 12 months

This is the most common method and is used when the employee has worked for 12 or more months. The formula for calculating severance pay using this method is:

Formula

Severance Pay = (Average Monthly Salary × Number of Years of Service) × Severance Pay Coefficient

The severance pay coefficient is determined by the number of years of service:

  • Less than 1 year: 14 days of salary
  • 1 to 4 years: 14 days of salary plus 1 day for each year of service
  • 5 to 9 years: 18 days of salary plus 1 day for each year of service
  • 10 to 14 years: 22 days of salary plus 1 day for each year of service
  • 15 to 19 years: 26 days of salary plus 1 day for each year of service
  • 20 or more years: 30 days of salary plus 1 day for each year of service

Method 2: Average salary during the entire period of employment

This method is used when the employee has worked for less than 12 months. The formula for calculating severance pay using this method is:

Formula

Severance Pay = (Average Monthly Salary × Number of Months of Service) × Severance Pay Coefficient

The severance pay coefficient for this method is 14 days of salary.

Examples of severance pay calculations

Let's look at two examples to illustrate how severance pay is calculated in Spain.

Example 1: Employee with 5 years of service

An employee has worked for 5 years and has an average monthly salary of €2,000. Using Method 1, the severance pay would be calculated as follows:

Calculation

Severance Pay = (€2,000 × 5) × 18 days Severance Pay = €10,000 × 18 Severance Pay = €180,000

In this case, the employee would receive €180,000 in severance pay.

Example 2: Employee with 6 months of service

An employee has worked for 6 months and has an average monthly salary of €1,500. Using Method 2, the severance pay would be calculated as follows:

Calculation

Severance Pay = (€1,500 × 6) × 14 days Severance Pay = €9,000 × 14 Severance Pay = €126,000

In this case, the employee would receive €126,000 in severance pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum amount of severance pay required by law in Spain?

The minimum amount of severance pay required by law in Spain is 14 days of the employee's average monthly salary. This applies to employees who have worked for less than 12 months.

Can an employer refuse to pay severance pay to an employee?

No, an employer cannot refuse to pay severance pay to an employee. The Spanish Labor Code requires that severance pay be paid to eligible employees.

Is severance pay taxable in Spain?

Yes, severance pay is taxable in Spain. The employee must declare the severance pay as income on their tax return and pay the corresponding taxes.

Can an employee negotiate the amount of severance pay?

Yes, an employee can negotiate the amount of severance pay with the employer. However, the negotiated amount cannot be less than the minimum amount required by law.