Italian Inheritance Law. A Short Guide
Italian Inheritance law can be labyrinthine. At a very difficult time, those left behind find they need to navigate their way through a maze of bureaucratic procedures, red tape and paperwork. It is easy to get lost in Italian inheritance law without help. For more comprehensive information about Italian inheritance law and tax, download our free guide here.
The Italian succession process involves a series of steps that allow legitimate heirs to obtain possession of a decedent’s movable and immovable assets and bank accounts.
Firstly, heirs will need to gather all the required documentation (death certificate, residence certificate, will, bank statements and others). In order to proceed, having all the paperwork together is crucial.
Declaration of succession
Secondly, heirs will need to prepare a declaration of succession. This comprises all the assets in the deceased’s estate. Heirs must submit their declaration of succession to the Italian tax authorities.
Italian Civil Code regulates succession. It consists of transferring assets, bank accounts and properties to heirs, who are also responsible for managing any liabilities, debts and back taxes.
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Download nowThe Italian tax authorities should receive the declaration of succession within one year from the deceased’s date of death. Where the value of an estate is below €100.000 and does not comprise property, a declaration is not necessary.
Italian inheritance law. What is taxable?
The third step is paying inheritance tax. In accordance with 2019 inheritance tax law, heirs who inherit Italian assets are liable for tax based on the assets in their declaration of succession.
Italian inheritance law stipulates that the following assets are liable for tax:
Immovable property (houses, shops, buildings), agricultural or building land.
Movable property, including boats, jewellery, works of art, bank and post office current accounts, money, investments such as shares, bonds, trust funds, etc.
Companies and shareholdings, with the exception of cases provided for by law which exempt heirs from the inheritance tax.
How is Italian inheritance tax calculated?
Once the Italian tax authorities receive a declaration of succession, they calculate applicable estate tax. The calculation considers any deductibles (franchigie). That is to say, the calaculation takes into account any thresholds for exemption from applicable tax[1].
The law governing taxation of inheritances and gifts is the “Consolidated Tax Registration Law” (Legislative Decree No. 346 of October 31, 1990).
For tax purposes, three bands have been created, based on the degree of kinship, for each of which a different rate of tax is applicable. Tax rates are determined on the overall value of the assets and rights – net of any charges borne by the beneficiary[2].
Band 1 inheritance law tax:
Spouse, registered partner and relatives in a direct line (parents and children, children and parents, grandparents and grandchildren)
Tax: 4% with an excess of €1,000,000 for each beneficiary
Band 2 inheritance law tax:
Other relatives up to the fourth degree (brothers and sisters, uncles and nephews, cousins).
Tax: 6% with a franchise of €100,000 for each beneficiary;
Band 3 inheritance law tax:
Others (relatives beyond the fourth degree and unrelated people such as friends).
Tax: 8% without any deductibles.
Finally …
As you can see, Italian Inheritance law and tax is complex. In addition, it may differ from case to case. Because of this, it is worth seeking expert support. Read more