A Spanish high court has ruled that the tax authority must return €55 million (approximately £48 million) to singer Shakira, finding that the funds were improperly collected. The judgment clears the Colombian star of tax‑fraud charges for the 2011 fiscal year and mandates repayment of both the income tax and associated fines, plus interest.

The court concluded that the tax agency failed to demonstrate that Shakira spent the required 183 days in Spain during 2011, the threshold for residency and full personal income tax liability. Evidence showed she was present in the country for only 163 days, falling short of the residency requirement. Consequently, the fines—about €24 million in income tax and nearly €25 million in penalties—were deemed unlawful.

Shakira welcomed the decision, stating that the ruling finally corrects a decade‑long narrative that painted her as guilty. She described the prolonged legal battle as a source of personal and familial strain, noting that the case’s outcome restores her reputation. The tax agency signaled its intention to appeal to the Supreme Court and indicated that no repayment will be made until the appeal process concludes.

The verdict follows previous tax disputes involving the singer. In 2023, Shakira settled a separate case covering 2012‑2014 with a €7.5 million fine, and a 2024 investigation into her 2018 taxes was dropped for lack of evidence. As the legal saga winds down, Shakira is set to conclude her “Women Don’t Cry Anymore” tour with a Madrid residency and will appear at the FIFA World Cup final halftime show alongside Madonna and BTS.