Bilbao Zerbitzuak, the municipal company managing the market, is examining whether the fees it collects should be subject to Value Added Tax (VAT), particularly concerning the storage space used by traders within the municipal building. An arbitration body under the Provincial Council's Department of Finance and Treasury has ruled in favor of the traders, stating that VAT collection is not applicable due to the entity's public administration status and the fact that the fees are VAT-exempt.

The traders believe this case, related to storage space, is applicable to the fees they pay for their stalls. They estimate that the Bilbao City Council has overcharged them nearly two million euros in VAT over more than 15 years. Adriana Soga, legal representative of Bilbao Zerbitzuak, argued that there is an "open interpretative framework" regarding the municipal company's procedures and the nature of the charges, despite the provincial court's firm ruling. She indicated that the resolution pertains to a specific invoice and that extending the non-applicability of VAT to other fees would be "irresponsible," although she admitted that "there may be similar situations."

Esther Martínez of the PP questioned who benefits from the irregular VAT application and criticized the market's management, which she believes is in decline due to "institutional neglect," citing a reduction in stalls and a high proportion of tourists. She also highlighted security concerns, with only one guard for 10,000 square meters. Álvaro Pérez, the councilor for Health and Consumption, stated that VAT has been applied since previous administrations and that they are "mere collectors." Other political groups acknowledged the complexity of the issue, while the traders' association warned they will "go all the way" to reverse what they consider a "textbook management error."