Categories
GRANTS
GENERAL
SELF-EMPLOYED
Categories
GRANTS
GENERAL
SELF-EMPLOYED
What is a digital certificate and where can I get one?
The digital certificate, also known as an electronic certificate, represents a digital identifier granted by a Certification Authority, being the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) one of the most recognised institutions in this field.
This digital file is used to facilitate telematic procedures, guaranteeing a link between the identity of an individual or entity and their public key or signature, allowing them to sign documents electronically.
This identifier has the same validity as a DNI and any procedure carried out with the use of this certificate has the same legal effectiveness as if it had been carried out in person.
What is the use of having a digital certificate?
If one still prefers to carry out one's formalities in person, one might wonder about the usefulness of this digital certificate. However, for those who want to avoid waiting for appointments and unnecessary queues, the digital certificate is an ideal tool. This identification instrument allows you to carry out online procedures securely with both the Public Administration and Private Entities, while jealously guarding the privacy of your personal data. The most common procedures involving the use of these certificates include:
Who can apply for it?
This accreditation can be requested by any Spanish or foreign citizen, of legal age or emancipated minor in possession of their DNI or NIE. Similarly, legal entities, including public limited companies (S.A.) and limited liability companies (S.L.), may do so if the company's representative is a sole or joint administrator duly registered in the Mercantile Register.
How and where can I get it?
If you are an individual who has not yet obtained a digital certificate, don't worry, you can easily apply for one online. The easiest way to acquire it is through the FNMT website, where you can apply for a natural person's certificate by following the instructions provided. This process can be done online, but will require you to prove your identity in one of the following ways:
Additionally, you can also carry out the procedure in person by requesting an appointment at the offices of the State Tax Administration Agency (AEAT) and/or the Social Security. Once you have your certificate, you can install it both on your computer and on a mobile device, and use it easily whenever you need to make a secure signature. In each procedure you are going to carry out, you will be presented with an option to select this identification method and proceed to sign securely.
What does the term ‘de minimis aid’ mean?
When it comes to grants, it is common to think of them as an umbrella concept for any type of funding received. However, as we go through the process of applying for a grant, we can look at the different types of grants we can obtain and we often come across clauses linked to a crucial requirement that could put our application in jeopardy: the question of whether we have exceeded the limit set for de minimis grants.
For companies and freelancers venturing into the world of grants for the first time, this requirement does not represent any obstacle. But what if we have already applied for financial support in the past, and how can we determine whether this support qualifies as de minimis aid?
First of all, it is important to highlight that this requirement does not apply to all subsidies equally, being more frequent in those related to European Funds. This is because Spain, as a member of the European Union, is subject to regulations that guarantee the correct functioning of the common market.
What is de minimis aid?
The term de minimis aid, which comes from the Latin for ‘small things’, refers to cumulative subsidies whose amounts do not exceed limits that the European Commission considers capable of disrupting trade in the European market. In short, this means that the amount of subsidies received is not subject to a specific limit, unless they exceed a revenue threshold that could confer a competitive advantage over other companies. This includes direct subsidies, loans and interest deductions on bank loans.
According to the European Regulation it is stipulated that over a period of three years (the current tax year and the previous two years), the total amount of such aid must not exceed 200,000 euros. This applies to self-employed persons and companies, including SMEs, but the limits vary according to the sector in which they operate:
How can I calculate the amount of aid received?
As mentioned above, these subsidies are cumulative, so it is necessary to calculate the total amount of subsidies received directly. In the case of grants in the form of loans, the purpose of which is to finance a business or project and which are expected to be repaid within a specific period of time, the calculation is made on the basis of the gross grant equivalent, usually provided by the granting entity.
To avoid these calculations, the National Grants Database can be accessed to obtain a detailed report of all grants received.
With this we can understand what these types of grants are and how they work, although in order to know the conditions and their compatibility, it is advisable to consult experts in order to be well informed and to have financial solutions that are customised to the context of the entity.
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