Television Licences in Italy: Italian Tax Law

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.

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