Does anyone know how to check if a company really is fully legal?
Lots of ads for builders in the papers, saying that they are "fully legal"
I've been told that just because "SL" is added after the company name, it doesn't actually mean a hell of a lot
Lenox will probably know the answer to this :wave
Blimey, over 150 viewings and no replies as yet
Seems we're all in the dark.
Lenox, where are you? :wave
Define "legal".
Probably best if a builder isn't a sl, as you can then go after his assets if he rips you off.
Fully leagal tradespeople have obtained their social security numbers, have their books audited and pay their taxes and social security each month, ask for their social security number Scotty, if they are registered they should be happy to show you the paperwork.
rozzieb
But I would guess that you are working and paying your taxes & Social Security, therefore that would make you legal, the same applies with a builder, electrician etc..etc.. I was just trying to answer Scotty's question, not start a debate :)
Rozzieb
Ask if they can issue you an IVA factura (which you will need anyway for guarantees, etc). If they can't or look purplexed at the request, walk away.
Ask if they have insurance (responsabilidad civil) otherwise you aren't covered if anything goes wrong.
If autonomo (self employed) ask to see if they are registered as such with the tax office (autonomo and declaracion de IAE. The IAE states that they are paying tax for the work and have registered as carrying out that work).
If they are autonomo, ensure that they are licensed to carry out the work. If they are not, and have not given you an invoice, you could be liable for illegally employing staff without a contract.
Scotty .. tread forward with caution .. and a good solicitor with you !
We are probably tainted by our own experience (buying off plan) - but believe that the life in Spain is probably far better than in"blighty" ... it is difficult to know whether you are "with" a good company - ask around
Quote from: andie on September 08, 2009, 22:03:17 PM
Quote from: Scotty on September 08, 2009, 18:25:03 PM
Blimey, over 150 viewings and no replies as yet
Seems we're all in the dark.
if its a co, thay will have a CIF number :tiphat: S
Helpful replies, thanks
Andie, if a company has SL, is that merely the same as Ltd in the UK? Are they not necessarily legal?
Some of the 'SL' companies are set up to defraud the unwary. An SL (Sociedad Limitada) has 3000 euros (minimum) capital and often the presidente is the wife's mad old granny who lives in the nut-house and owns nothing. You get all sorts here.
Quote from: lenox on September 09, 2009, 11:52:34 AM
Some of the 'SL' companies are set up to defraud the unwary. An SL (Sociedad Limitada) has 3000 euros (minimum) capital and often the presidente is the wife's mad old granny who lives in the nut-house and owns nothing. You get all sorts here.
;D So in theory, anyone can call themselves an SL company? I thought you had to be employing (legally) at least one person apart from yourself......
You - or rather 'the company' - has to employ one person at least.
Guess where that 3,000 set-up goes if things go wrong? Eyap. The govt.
(Don't worry, the banks will have their pound of flesh well staked and marinated).
Thanks Lenox :wave
Scotty, have sent you a PM
Rozzieb
Quote from: rozzieb on September 11, 2009, 17:30:47 PM
Scotty, have sent you a PM
Rozzieb
Thanks Rozzieb.....personal recs are always useful :tiphat: :wave