On Monday, May 18, 2026, it was announced that a Spanish court has ordered the refund of more than 55 million euros (approximately 64 million dollars) to Colombian singer Shakira, following an improper tax assessment regarding the 2011 tax year.
The ruling stated that authorities failed to prove Shakira was a tax resident of Spain during 2011, meaning the additional taxes and penalties were unjustified. The total refund includes roughly 24 million euros in income tax and nearly 25 million euros in fines, with the addition of interest bringing the final amount to over 60 million euros.
The singer, who previously resided in Barcelona, had faced tax evasion allegations that drew significant international media coverage over several years. Her representatives emphasized that she has always maintained her commitment to tax compliance and welcomes this fair judicial outcome.
This outcome underscores the growing importance of legal and financial transparency for public figures and may influence the handling of similar cases in the future, demonstrating that even in long-standing disputes, the state can be compelled to return significant sums if the claims are found to be legally unfounded.
