Flat Tax Scheme in Italy

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The Italian Budget Law for 2019 introduced a flat tax regime

Set at 7%, the flat tax scheme in Italy aims to attract foreign and Italian nationals living abroad.

Individuals with an income from a foreign pension, or other source from abroad, can benefit from the scheme. In order to take advantage of the flat tax rate, individuals must transfer their tax residence to certain  municipalities. The municipalities have fewer than 20, 000 inhabitants. They are located in the Italian regions of Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily.

In addition, certain municipalities with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants are part of the scheme. These municipalities are in Italian regions impacted by the earthquakes in 2016.

Individuals who opt for the flat tax regime will be exempt from tax on the value of both financial assets (Imposta sul valore delle attività finanziarie detenute all’estero (Ivafe)) and real estate property (Imposta sul valore degli immobili situati all’estero (Ivie)) which they own abroad.

They will also be exempt from completing annual, “Quadro RW” filings. The Italian tax authority uses Quadro RW filings to monitor individuals resident in Italy with foreign investments and financial assets abroad.

Who can benefit from flat tax rate scheme?

Individuals from countries that have tax cooperation arrangements with Italy. Namely, Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIES), Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Agreements (FATCA).

Individuals who have not been an Italian tax resident for 5 years prior to the period for which their option is valid.

Do you have to apply to be part of the flat tax regime?

If you meet the criteria outlined above, you can adopt the new flat tax regime when you file your tax return related to the fiscal period in which you moved your tax residency to Italy.

You will need to indicate the jurisdiction/s in which you had your previous tax residence. The Italian tax authority will then forward this information, through the appropriate administrative cooperation instruments, to the tax authorities of the indicated jurisdiction/s.

It is possible to carve out income produced in one or more foreign countries or territories. You may, for example, decide that for income in a certain country or territory, the ordinary Italian tax rules should be applied. In principle, this allows you to benefit from foreign tax credits based on applicable tax treaty protections and relief on taxes you have paid abroad. You must specifically indicate this intention when you exercise your option to take up the flat tax regime.

How long is the option valid?

The flat tax regime is effective for nine years from exercising your option to adopt it. You may withdraw from the regime at any time. This will not prejudice the effect of previous fiscal years. However, withdrawal from the regime precludes you from exercising a new option to join the flat-rate tax regime.

The Italian tax authority may revoke your rights to the flat-rate regime by challenging your legal entitlement to it.

You must pay your 7% tax as a lump sum each year. The Italian tax authority sets the payment deadline for payments. Failure to pay in full ends your right to the flat tax regime.

Finally …

For more information, or to discuss what would best suit your personal situation, feel free to contact us.

Alternatively, seek advice from a qualified accountant registered with the ODCEC, the Italian professional accounting association of certified public accountants, auditors and advisors.

 

You may also be interested in The Principle of Tax Residence under Italian Law.

You may also like to watch our info videos.

Italian Estate Tax

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Italian estate tax (imposta di successione)

Although the government abolished Italian estate tax in 2001, it subsequently reintroduced it in 2006.

Italian estate tax is therefore applicable to succession cases prior to October 25, 2001 and those from October 3, 2006 onwards.

In order to comply with the fiscal rules of inheritance law, heirs need, in the first instance, to file a statement of succession with the Italian tax authorities.

Get Your FREE Guide to Planning Your Inheritance in Italy

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Who is liable for Italian estate tax?

If the deceased was resident in Italy at the time of death, Italian Inheritance Tax applies to the deceased’s worldwide assets. However, if the deceased lived outside Italy, Italian estate tax is only payable on assets located in Italy.

Of course, in order to prevent issues with double taxation, Italy has a number of cross border taxation arrangements in place, including with the UK and the USA.

Unity of inheritance

Italian inheritance law is based on the principle of ‘unity of inheritance’. To clarify this, the law of the country of last domicile deals with any movable assets. Movable assets could, for instance be furniture, cars, jewellery, works of art, bank and post office current accounts, money, investments such as shares, bonds, trust and managed funds. For immovable assets the law of the country where they are located is applicable. Examples of immovable assets include houses, shops, buildings, agricultural or building land.

How does Italian estate tax work?

In terms of payments, Italian estate tax appears less onerous compared to some other EU Member States. It is nevertheless complex.

In effect, Italian estate tax applies to the net value of the deceased’s estate. This therefore, includes not only movable but also immovable assets.

In addition, equity in non-family businesses and shareholdings in companies are taxable. However, there are exceptions to this.

Indeed, because the range of taxable assets is so broad, it is important to review the balance of ownership of your assets in the above mentioned categories. Above all, if you have children or you stand to inherit assets from an Italian estate.

It may moreover, also be worthwhile considering property ownership changes to protect your assets. In addition, some careful estate planning for the transfer of assets within the family is crucial.

Italian estate Tax on property

As far as a property is concerned, it is important to bear in mind the income value of Italian real estate property. This is calculated on the capitalised cadastral annuity.

In order to ascertain the cadastral value of a property, re-evaluation coefficients are as follows.

– Agricultural land: €112,50

– Buildings – Cat. C/1 and E: € 42,84

– Buildings – Cat. A/10 and D: €63,00

– Buildings – Cat. B: €147,00

– Other buildings: €126,00

– Habitable buildings, primary residences and relative appurtenances: €115,50

Depending on the relationship to the deceased and the category of assets, tax is applied proportionally to individual heirs or legatees.

The table below summarises quotas and exemptions from inheritance tax relating to Italian real estate property.

BENEFICIARY INHERITANCE TAX ASSET CATEGORY REGISTRATION TAX CADASTRAL TAX
Spouse, civil partner and/or Children Value of assets & rights: 4%

Below €1 million value, tax-exempt.

 Primary Residence

Other property

Other assets

 €200

2%

–

 € 168

1%

–
Siblings Value of assets & rights: 6%

Below €1 million value, tax-exempt.

 Primary Residence

Other property

Other assets

 €200

2%

–

 € 168

1%

–
4th Degree Relative Value of assets & rights: 6% Primary Residence

Other property

Other assets

 €200

2%

–

 € 168

1%

–
Other Value of assets & rights: 8% Primary Residence

Other property

Other assets

 €200

2%

–

 € 168

1%

–

Furthermore, in accordance with the Italian Disabilities Act, the threshold from which disabled beneficiaries are liable for inheritance tax is €1.5 million.

Furthermore, quotas mentioned in the table above also apply to lifetime use (usufruct) of a property title deed.

Are there any exclusions from Italian inheritance tax?

As previously mentioned, according to Italian inheritance tax law, certain categories of assets are exempt from Italian inheritance tax. These include government bonds and unit linked whole of life insurance policies. Additionally, shareholdings in family businesses and certain charitable donations are exempt.

EU regulations 

Choice of law

In addition to Italian inheritance law, it is also worth mentioning EU succession regulations introduced in 2015.  In brief, these regulations provide testators with an opportunity to mitigate the Italian principle of unity of inheritance.

As a result of EU succession regulations, non-Italians who are resident in Italy can make a choice of law in their will. In other words, a testator can stipulate that they want the law of their own country, or nationality, to govern their Italian-based assets.

Furthermore, EU regulations do not restrict the choice of law to EU nationals resident in Italy. For example, a US national could nominate US law to apply to the succession of their property in Italy.

It should however be mentioned, that nominating a country law needs careful consideration. It would be prudent to seek advice before taking action. A testator needs to take in to account certain matters. These include foreign matrimonial regimes, usufruct, tax consequences, joint ownership structures and other foreign proprietary rights with respect to an estate.

European Certificate of Succession

In order to facilitate cross border successions, an additional benefit of the EU succession regulations is the European Certificate of Succession. While this document is issued by the relevant authority dealing with the succession, heirs, legatees, executors and administrators of an estate can use it to prove their status and thereby exercise their rights or powers in other EU Member States.

Finally …

As can be seen, Italian inheritance is a complex matter. While there are actions that you can take to mitigate the impact of Italian inheritance tax law on estates, because each case is different, you should seek professional support and advice.

At De Tullio Law Firm, we have over 55 years of expertise managing cross border succession and estate planning matters throughout Italy. Our firm is also a full member of STEP, the world’s leading association for trust and estate practitioners.

Please contact us if you have any estate tax questions or if would like to discuss your situation.

You may also be interested in Inheritance Law and Taxes

 

 

Italian Tax. Buying A House in Italy

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Local property and service taxes


This article aims to provide an overview of rules pertaining to Italian property tax and legislation. We outline aspects of legislation and certain taxes which are part of the Italian Stability Law. These measures aim to lower tax burdens and bolster the Italian property market. 

While the government has announced the elimination of the local property and service taxes on principal residences in Italy and added the elimination of property and regional taxes on production and fixed machinery in the agricultural sector, those who own second and or holiday homes and real estate in Italy, will still pay local property and service taxes.

We recommend that you check your Italian property tax liabilities. If you need any assistance with your particular case, our legal and tax team are here to help. 

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Italian Tax on Property

Currently, cadastral values of Italian properties are still much lower than market values; appraisals in use date back some years. The declared cadastral value of a property on the deed of sale (Rogito) determines the calculation (base imponibile) of Stamp Duty, Land Registry and Cadastral taxes. VAT will apply to the property purchase price if you buy a property from a developer or a renovation company within 4 years following the end of building or renovation work.

Principal residences

Other than a luxury home or castle, if you purchase an Italian property to use as your principal residence:

– from a private seller or an entity that is not VAT registered and,

– you obtain Italian residency at the property within 18 months of signing the deed of sale and,

– you subsequently spend more than 6 months a year at that address,

stamp duty is 2% of the value of the property with € 1,000 as the minimum payment due. Land registry and Cadastral Taxes are €50 each.

If you buy your Italian property from a VAT Registered company, VAT is 4% of the declared property price. Stamp Duty, Land Registry and Cadastral Taxes are €200 each.

Second homes

If you buy a second home from a private owner or a company that is not VAT registered, Stamp duty will amount to 9% of the property purchase price, with €1,000 as a minimum payment. Land Registry and Cadastral taxes are €50 each.

If you purchase a second home from a VAT registered entity, VAT is set at a standard rate of 10% (22% for properties classed as luxury homes or castles) of the purchase price, and you will pay €200 each for Stamp Duty, Land Registry and Cadastral taxes.

To summarise Italian property taxes:

Italian Capital Gains Tax

There is no Capital Gains Tax liability if you purchased the property more than 5 years prior to resale.

Finally …

Italian property and related tax is quite complex. For over 55 years, De Tullio Law Firm has been providing international clients with independent legal advice. We offer services in all the major fields of Italian law with particular expertise in real estate, inheritance and family law matters. If you would like further clarifications regarding your situation, please contact us for a free consultation. We are here to help.

You may also like to watch our info videos about Italian property law.

Estate Planning And Tax. Buying An Italian Property

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Tax and estate planning matters. Think long term when buying property in Italy


Owning a second home in your home country presents administrative and logistical challenges. However, at least that second home is within linguistic, tax and legal frameworks that are familiar to you. The challenges escalate with a foreign property. Italy is a popular choice for second home ownership. In recent years foreign ownership of Italian property has increased as people take advantage of favourable property prices.  If you are considering buying a property in Italy, you should carefully think through Italian estate planning aspects. In particular tax and succession matters.

You should always seek independent tax and estate planning advice, from experts in Italy as well and at home.

There are a number of tax issues to consider in Italy and in your home country. Any of the following may trigger a tax event in either or both your home country and Italy:

– Disposal of property or investments to fund the purchase of an Italian property.

– Transferring money to Italy.

– Associated property purchase tax (local equivalent of closing costs / stamp duty).

– Local service taxes on the running of the property.

– Income tax from letting the property.

– Estate and transfer taxes on the death of an owner.

– Capital Gains Tax on the transfer or sale of the property.

Income Tax

If you are resident outside of Italy, you may be liable to pay income tax on all income, regardless of where this arises.  For example, UK residents who generate an income by letting an Italian property will be subject to UK income tax on the rental income. There will also be a liability to pay tax in Italy. There may be some double taxation relief available. However, it is essential that prior to purchasing a second home and commencing any rental activity that you seek advice both at home and in Italy.

Capital Gains Tax

Foreign nationals who own a property in Italy may be subject to Capital Gains Tax at home. If the Italian property is not the owner’s main residence, when the owner sells or transfers the property title, there may be a tax payment on any profit. There will also be a liability in Italy.

Get Your FREE Guide to Planning Your Inheritance in Italy

Our PDF guide explains the ins and outs of preparing your inheritance under Italian law

Download now

Inheritance Tax

Individuals who are domiciled, for example, in the UK are subject to UK Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) on their worldwide assets in the event of their death. UK IHT does not therefore just apply in respect of assets physically located in the UK if an individual is domiciled in the UK. In addition, Italian Estate Tax will apply to the entire net value of the decedent’s estate, including movable and immovable assets in Italy.

Italian estate tax rates depend on the relationship of the beneficiary with the deceased. Spouse and children: 4% of the estate value, with an exemption of EUR 1 million for each beneficiary. Siblings and close relatives (up to fourth degree of kinship): 6%. Each sibling is entitled to an allowance of EUR 100,000. Any other beneficiary: 8%, with no allowances.

There may be some double taxation relief available. Because each case is different, it is crucial to take advice before purchasing a property in Italy.

Estate planning. Make an Italian will

It is essential to take advice on the succession implications of owning a property in Italy at an early stage. Buyers should consult an Italian solicitor and a solicitor in their home country. A specialist estate planning lawyer will have experience of managing all aspects which arise with cross-border assets or estates.

Generally, succession to a property is subject to the law of the country where that property is physically situated. However, a 2015 EU Regulation known as, “Brussels IV”, makes it possible to nominate a jurisdiction to rule your succession. Even if your home country is not part of the EU, Brussels IV is still applicable to non-EU nationals who own assets in Italy.

It is wise to make a separate will in Italian, to ensure that your property passes to your chosen beneficiaries after your death in the most tax efficient way.

Based on Roman law, Italy has, “Forced Heirship” rules. These govern what portion close family members must receive from an Italian estate. Seeking professional advice is therefore essential to understand how these rules apply to your specific circumstances.

Even though having an Italian will is not a legal requirement, it can save costs, time and misunderstandings for those you leave behind. In addition, your local solicitor will wish to confirm that your home country will takes precedence in Italy. 

Finally …

People put off estate planning because they think they do not own enough, they are not old enough, it will be costly or confusing, they will have plenty of time to do it later, they do not know where to begin or who can help them, or they just do not want to think about it.

Estate planning should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event. You should review and update your plan as your family and circumstances change. This would include when you make an international investment.

At De Tullio Law Firm, we have over 55 years of expertise managing cross border succession and estate planning matters. We operate throughout Italy. Our firm is a full member of STEP, the world’s leading association for trust and estate practitioners.

Please contact us if you are buying or already own an Italian property and have any questions about your estate planning.

 

For more in depth information about Italian succession, you might find our Succession Guide useful.

 

High Net Worth Individual Tax Regime in Italy

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What is Italy’s high net worth individual tax regime? 


On 9th March, 2017, Italy introduced a high net worth individual tax system. 

Pursuant to article 24 bis of Italy’s Budget Bill, a codicil introduced an annual fixed €100 thousand forfeiture substitutive tax rate for foreigners. The tax regime also applies to EU citizens, who decide to move their residence to Italy.

There is no fixed level of income attached to this tax regime. Individuals must be resident in Italy and tax is payable on worldwide income. However, tax will not be due on the value of real estate and financial investments located outside of Italy.

Individuals need to apply for the high net worth individual tax regime

According to the bill, uptake of the high net worth individual tax regime is neither an automatic right nor an obligation – it is a choice.

Individuals electing to take advantage of this fixed tax rate option, will have to file an advance application with the Italian tax authorities. The Agenzia delle Entrate then decides whether or not to grant the forfeiture substitutive tax rate to individuals. The Italian tax authorities will base their decisions on investigations with tax authorities in the individual’s country of origin. They will also check that an individual has not previously been tax resident in Italy.

The option extends to the individual’s family members provided they also meet the conditions of no previous tax residency in Italy. Each family member included in the option is also subject to an annual forfeiture substitutive tax on non-Italian sourced income. This is a lower fixed amount of 25,000 Euros.

If the Agenzia delle Entrate accepts an individual’s application, the option expires after 15 years. It is revocable at any time but in revoking the option, an individual loses the right to restore it.

After the 15 year residence period, the fixed tax rate will no longer be applicable. The individual will thereafter need to decide whether to continue to be resident in Italy. Should an individual continue to reside in Italy, standard tax rates apply.

Italian visa for investors

The Budget Bill also introduces a “visa for investors”. This means that any foreign national bringing a capital of at least €1 billion into Italy, and investing it within three months of arrival, automatically gains entitlement to a two-year residence permit.

Finally …

Should you need help to understand your personal tax situation, please get in touch or seek advice from a qualified accountant registered with the ODCEC, the Italian professional accounting association of certified public accountants, auditors and advisors.

For more comprehensive information about the Italian property purchasing process, you might like to read our guide. You may also like to watch our info videos about Italian property law.

Resident or Domiciled in Italy for tax purposes?

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Are you resident or domiciled in Italy?

In this article, we compare being resident or domiciled in Italy and explore the tax implications.

According to Italian tax law, individual tax residency is pursuant to tests. An individual may find themselves tax resident although they only have relatively minor contacts with Italy. This might be property ownership, frequent visits to the country, or business interests in Italy.

If the Italian tax authorities determine that an individual is tax resident in Italy, the taxpayer is subject to worldwide taxation in Italy.

Tax would therefore be applicable for both income and estate tax purposes. It would include an obligation to report all assets wherever they are in the world. In addition to financial assets and accounts, it requires an individual to report all non-financial assets such as, cars, houses, planes, artworks.

Non-Italian nationals with interests in Italy should pay particular attention to these matters to avoid becoming an unintended Italian tax resident. Because this is a complex topic and, each case is different, we recommend that you seek advice and guidance from your lawyer and accountant.

Applicable tax laws determine whether an individual is resident or domiciled in Italy

Domicile

Domicile is generally determined by an individual’s intention to permanently or indefinitely reside in Italy. Often, an individual will physically have a presence in the country. Domicile is a legal concept. Its rules have been established by way of case law rather than a statutory definition. There are three types of domicile.

Domicile of Origin

This is usually acquired from an individual’s parents.

Elected Domicile

By actually residing in Italy, the individual demonstrates the intention of remaining permanently or indefinitely in Italy. In this way, an individual may acquire an elected domicile – also known as a domicile of choice. Where an individual later gives up elected domicile, domicile of origin is automatically re-acquired.

Domicile of Dependency

This is the domicile a minor holds. When the minor reaches 18 they then acquire elected domicile.

Residence

Domicile takes into account subjective elements of an individual’s intentions. The country where an individual habitually lives determines residence.

The EU test for habitual residence is based on an individual’s interests rather than by a particular duration of residence. In 2014, the European Commission published a practical guide on the Habitual Residence Test.

Fiscal implications

Under Italian tax law, three alternative tests determine an individual’s tax liability in Italy. The tests are registration, residence and domicile. If an individual meets one of the three tests for more than 183 calendar days per annum, this triggers an Italian tax liability.

Registration test

This is a straightforward test. If an individual has registered as a resident with their local municipal office – in the comune where the individual’s residential address is located, they are liable to pay tax in Italy.

Residence test

The residence test comprises two components.

The first component looks at whether physical presence in Italy is regular and continuous, as opposed to sporadic and occasional. If an individual spends time both in Italy and another country, periods of presence outside of Italy are compared with the periods of presence in Italy. This ascertains where presence is prevalent for tax purposes.

The second component of the residence test is more subjective. It is based on an individual’s intention to stay and live in Italy for the foreseeable future. A variety of aspects will determine an individual’s intention to live in Italy on a regular basis. In order to determine intentions, authorities will look at an individual’s conduct, social and personal habits. Authorities will also consider working relationships, family relationships, business and personal activities.

Italian tax liabilities arise if an individual’s physical presence in Italy is prevalent compared to an individual’s presence outside of Italy. For example, a regular and continuous presence in Italy is deemed to exist even if an individual travels abroad on a frequent basis. In other words, if an individual is away from Italy for extended periods of time but then returns as soon as possible. This would denote that an individual maintains Italy as the principal centre of their social and family relations.

Domicile Test

This third test aims to define the place where an individual has their principal centre of interests for business and or social reasons. In this context, ‘interests’ include personal, social, moral, familiar, economic, professional and business interests and relationships.

The domicile test revolves around an individual’s intention to establish and maintain their main centre of relations and interests in Italy.

There are tax implications based on the nature, extent and quality of the connections between an individual and Italy, compared with an individual’s connections with any other country.  As a result, an individual who primarily lives abroad but, maintains their principal centre of interests in Italy satisfies the domicile test.

The domicile test therefore requires careful and comparative evaluation to balance all the facts related to business or personal relationships and connections with Italy.

Case Law regarding the legal concept of domicile

In 2011, the Italian Supreme Court referred to a 1991 decision of the European Court of Justice relating to a non-tax matter. The Italian Supreme Court concluded that, in the case of multiple relations and ties with different countries, where the location of the principal centre of an individual’s interest cannot easily be determined, a prevalent consideration should be given to the relations of a personal nature.

However, more recent decisions suggest that extensive economic interest may outweigh personal connections in establishing an individual’s domicile. Thus, an individual may still be liable to pay tax in Italy.

In a ruling in April 2012, the Italian Supreme Court held that a tennis player living in Monaco qualified for tax residency in Italy. This, despite the family proving that they lived in Monaco. They provided proof through children’s school attendance records, household utility bills, membership of local clubs. The ruling took into consideration the fact that the tennis player maintained significant interests and management positions at several family-owned Italian companies. The individual mainly managed these matters from Italy.

In this case, residence identified the taxpayer’s habitual and regular place of living, while domicile identified the taxpayer’s main center of personal, financial and business interests.

Resident or domiciled. Tax guidance

The Italian tax authorities have issued specific guidance on determining whether individuals are resident or domiciled in Italy. Circular n. 304/E of December 2, 1997. Circular 304 provides instructions for the tax agency’s control and audit activities, which should include the collection and review of the following.

– All information contained in the tax agency data base system.

– Copies of all public documents relating to purchases. This includes real estate, gifts, formation of companies and entities, capital contributions to companies and entities.

– All information on transfers of money from or to foreign countries.

– Information regarding the taxpayer’s family relations in Italy.

– The taxpayer’s economic interests in Italy.

– Information about taxpayer’s intention to remain and live permanently in Italy.

Finally …

De Tullio Law Firm specialises in Italian and international property law. We have over 55 years of helping overseas nationals obtain Italian residence. If you need help or would like to discuss your situation, please get in touch with us.

 

You may like to read How to get a mortgage in Italy

Television Licences in Italy: Italian Tax Law

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Television licences in Italy

Following a review in 2016, the Italian Council of State approved the move to add the television licences in Italy fee, for State broadcaster RAI, to household electricity bills.

The new legislation introduces the presumption of ownership of a television wherever a property has an electricity connection.

Non-resident property owners also need a television licence in Italy

You may own a property in Italy but you are a resident overseas. In this case, you will still be liable to pay the tv licence fee.

If you own more than one property in Italy, you will however only need to buy one tv licence. This is for your main residence. If your second home is let to tenants, the tenants will be liable for paying for the tv licence.

Exemptions

In the event that you do not own a television, you can claim an exemption. Also, if you are over 75 years of age or if your annual income is less than €8000, exemptions are available.

Depending on your situation you will either need to request a refund or fill in a self-declaration form and send it to the Italian Inland Revenue office. Download the relevant form and instructions here.

Sanctions for anyone filing a false self-declaration of any type in Italy can be upto two years of imprisonment. Penalties for failing to have a television in Italy are up to €500.

Finally …

De Tullio Law Firm specialises in Italian and international property law throughout Italy. If you need advice or help with Italian property and tax-related  matters, please contact us for a free consultation.

You may also be interested in Resident in Italy for tax purposes?

Italy’s 2019 Stability Law – Flat-Rate Tax Scheme

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Italy’s 2019 Stability Law – Flat-Rate Tax Scheme

By introducing the flat-rate tax scheme in 2018, the Italian government’s objective was to boost employment. In addition, the government aimed to reduce undeclared taxable income and employment irregularities. In the 2019 stability law, the government broadened the flat-rate tax scheme.

The scheme therefore now extends to individuals operating in, ‘the arts and independent professional activities’ sector. This includes individuals generating income from investment property rentals and second homes.

As well as replacing Irpef, Irap and additional taxes, the scheme establishes a tax rate of 5% for the first 5 years. This subsequently rises to 15% from the sixth year onwards. Neither VAT nor other taxes are payable.

The flat-rate tax scheme also provides an opportunity to regularise previously undeclared activities to the Italian tax authorities.

Foreign property owners may not realize that they need to declare income from rental or investment properties, even if it is seasonal and infrequent. However,  property owners may be subject to heavy penalties in case of an audit by the Italian tax authority.

Flat-rate tax calculations in the 2019 Stability Law

Taxable income in the flat-rate scheme is determined by applying profitability coefficients. These coefficients vary according to business activity. A profitability coefficient of 40% on revenues is applicable to accommodation, lodging, lettings and B&B activities.

To illustrate this:

Mr. Hunt owns a property in Tuscany, which he starts using as a seasonal holiday letting business. Mr. Hunt opts to apply for the flat-rate tax scheme.

Revenues from Mr. Hunt’s first year of lettings are € 40.000.

Based on a 40% profitability coefficient, taxable revenues would therefore amount to €16.000. At a 5% tax rate, Mr. Hunt would be liable for a tax payment of €800.

Had Mr. Hunt opted to use the personal income tax scheme, he would have paid tax of approximately € 4.300.

As you can see from the example above, for the purposes of calculating income tax, expenses are not included – income tax calculation is exclusively on revenues. Only social security contributions (INPS) are deductible from revenues.

The flat-rate tax scheme requires social security cover

It is worth bearing in mind that anyone wishing to take advantage of the flat-rate scheme, must have social security cover. Contributions are a percentage of revenues. However, a reduction of up to 35% of contributions is available and in certain cases an exemption is possible.

Any individual planning to start-up a business activity in Italy qualifies for the flat-tax scheme, provided that the individual has not carried out the same activity in the past three years and that revenues do not exceed €40.000 per annum.

Foreign residents and non-residents, who generate an income from letting their property in Italy, wishing to benefit from the flat-tax scheme, must notify the Italian tax authorities through a Notice of Business Start-Up.

Finally …

If you need help to understand your personal situation, please get in touch with us or seek advice from a qualified accountant registered with the ODCEC, the Italian professional accounting association of certified public accountants, auditors and advisors.