Italy

In Italy, employers face various tax obligations, including social security contributions, payroll taxes, and corporate income tax. These obligations are subject to specific rates, deadlines, and regulations, which are outlined below. As of today, February 5, 2025, this information is current, but it's essential to stay updated on potential changes in regulations.

Social Security Contributions

• Employer Contributions: Range from 28% to 33% of the employee's gross salary, varying based on the industry and job role.
• Employee Contributions: Range from 9.19% to 10.49% of the employee's gross salary, depending on their earnings.
• Payment: Employers must register with the Italian Social Security Administration (INPS) to manage and pay these contributions.

Payroll Tax (IRPEF)

• Progressive Tax System: Income tax rates are based on income brackets, becoming higher as income increases.
• Tax Brackets (Proposed for 2025):
  • Up to €12,000: 0%
  • Up to €28,000: 23%
  • €28,001 to €60,000: 35%
  • Over €60,000: 43%
• Withholding: Employers are responsible for withholding income tax from employee salaries.
• Regional and Municipal Taxes: Additional regional (1.23%-3.33%) and municipal (0.00%-0.90%) taxes may apply based on location.

Corporate Income Tax (IRES)

• Standard Rate: The standard corporate income tax rate is 24%.
• Reduced Rate (2025): A reduced rate of 20% applies for the 2025 fiscal year if specific conditions are met. These include retaining 80% of 2024 earnings, investing in qualifying assets, and maintaining employment levels.
• Prepayments: Monthly or quarterly prepayments may be required.

Tax Filing and Deadlines

• Personal Income Tax Returns: Due by September 30th of the following year (e.g., 2024 income is due by September 30, 2025).
• Corporate Income Tax Returns: Generally due within nine months of the fiscal year-end for companies subject to IRES.
• Preliminary Tax Notices: Taxpayers have 60 days to respond to preliminary tax notices from the Revenue Agency.

Other Employer Obligations

• Minimum Wage: Italy doesn't have a statutory national minimum wage. Minimum wages are set by National Collective Bargaining Agreements (NCAs) at an industry level.
• 13th and 14th Salary: While salaries are paid in 12 installments, a 13th-month salary payment in December is mandatory. Some NCAs may also require a 14th salary payment in June.
• Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to five months of paid maternity leave at 80% of their regular salary, paid by the employer and reimbursed by INPS.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

• Late Filing Penalties: Late VAT filings can result in penalties ranging from 120% to 240% of the VAT due. A 30% penalty applies for late VAT payments.
• Bank Account Tax: A 0.2% tax applies to bank account balances.

This information is intended as a general overview and may not cover all specific situations. Professional tax advice should be sought for individual circumstances.

In Italy, employee tax deductions encompass various areas, including income tax (IRPEF), social security contributions, and specific deductions for certain expenses and life events.

IRPEF (Imposta sul Reddito delle Persone Fisiche)

IRPEF is the progressive income tax levied on individuals residing in Italy or earning income there. For 2024, the tax rates are structured as follows:

• Up to €28,000: 23%
• €28,001 - €50,000: 35%
• Over €50,001: 43%

For 2025, potential changes are under consideration, including a potential no-tax area for income up to €12,000, additional deductions for incomes between €20,000 and €40,000, and limitations on deductions for higher incomes (above €75,000). Expanded child deductions are also being considered.

Social Security Contributions

Employees in Italy contribute a portion of their salary to social security, covering areas like pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. The specific contribution rates and thresholds vary based on the employee's industry and employment category.

Deductions and Tax Credits

Several deductions and tax credits can reduce the overall tax burden. Some notable examples include:

• Productivity Bonuses: A 5% deduction is applicable for productivity bonuses up to €3,000 for incomes within €80,000 (valid through 2027).
• Fringe Benefits: Tax exemptions are available for fringe benefits up to €1,000. This increases to €2,000 for workers with dependent children and €5,000 for new employees living over 100 km away from home.
• "Inpatriate" Regime: This regime offers a 70% or 90% income tax exemption for individuals relocating to Italy for work, potentially extending up to ten years under certain conditions.
• Flat Tax Regime (Regime Forfettario): For those eligible, this scheme offers a simplified tax calculation with a flat rate of 15% on income up to €85,000, excluding VAT, IRAP, and ISA, and without withholding taxes.

Specific documentation requirements and deadlines apply to each deduction and credit.

Additional Considerations

Employers are subject to IRES (corporate income tax) and may qualify for various deductions, including a super deduction for new hires (up to 130% for specific categories, including women and disadvantaged individuals).

It is important to note that tax regulations are subject to change. Consulting with a tax professional is recommended for personalized guidance and updates on the latest regulations.

In Italy, Value Added Tax (IVA) is levied on most goods and services.

VAT Rates in Italy

• Standard Rate: 22% (most goods and services)
• Reduced Rates: 10% (specific goods and services like water, pharmaceuticals, hotels, restaurants); 5% (certain foodstuffs and social services)
• Super-Reduced Rate: 4% (specific foodstuffs, drinks, medical equipment for the disabled, books, newspapers, agricultural products)
• Zero Rate: 0% (certain goods and services like passenger transport, medical care, social services—these are still reported in VAT returns)

VAT Registration in Italy

• Threshold: €85,000 per annum for resident businesses. Non-resident businesses selling goods via internet have a distance sales threshold of €35,000. No threshold for other non-resident businesses engaging in taxable activities—they must register immediately. Pan-EU distance sellers of digital services and goods must register once they exceed a €10,000 threshold.

VAT Filing and Payment

• Returns: Quarterly for all businesses, though underlying monthly VAT book records must be kept.
• Payments: Monthly if annual turnover exceeds €800,000 (goods) or €500,000 (services). Quarterly payments are allowed if turnover is below these thresholds. An additional 1% interest is due on quarterly payments.
• Deadlines:
  • Monthly payments: 16th of the following month
  • Quarterly payments (Q1-Q3): 16th of the second month following the quarter end (e.g., Q2 payment is due August 16th)
  • Annual VAT return and Q4 payment: Due by April 30th of the following year. Note that the annual return for the 2024 tax year should be filed between February 1st and April 30th, 2025.
  • Annual prepayment: December 27th

VAT Exemptions

• Certain goods and services, like healthcare, education, and some financial and real estate transactions, are exempt from VAT.
• Non-profits, religious institutions, and some government bodies may be VAT exempt. Temporary exemptions can apply to specific events.

Recent Changes and Updates for 2025

• The 2025 Budget Law introduced changes to reverse-charge applications and VAT chargeability for specific services, effective January 1st, 2025. Further details can be found in the official documentation.
• New rules regarding the secondment of staff, impacting VAT obligations, have been introduced, effective January 1st, 2025.
• A new VAT model has been approved for 2025, including changes to ATECO codes and simplified VAT credit management.

Other Relevant Information

• Input VAT on business-related purchases is generally recoverable.
• Tax-free shopping is available for non-EU residents, allowing for VAT refunds on purchases made in Italy.

This information is current as of February 5, 2025, and might be subject to change. It is crucial to consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.

Italy offers a range of tax incentives designed to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and promote specific activities. These incentives encompass various forms, including tax credits, deductions, exemptions, and substitute taxes, each with specific eligibility criteria and application procedures. As of today, February 5, 2025, the following key incentives are available:

Incentives for Individuals

• Substitute Tax for New Residents: High-net-worth individuals relocating their tax residence to Italy can opt for a substitute tax on foreign income. This amounts to €100,000 annually for the taxpayer and €25,000 for each eligible family member (spouse, children, parents, siblings, in-laws) for a period of 15 years. This replaces standard Italian income tax on foreign-sourced income. The individual must have been a tax resident abroad for a certain period before relocating to Italy. Residency is generally established by being registered in the population registry or having domicile or residence in Italy for at least 183 days of the tax year.

• Tax Relief for Inbound Workers (Impatriates): Individuals relocating to Italy for work can benefit from a 50% income tax rebate on employment and self-employment income up to €600,000 per year. Eligibility requires maintaining Italian tax residency for at least four tax periods. Other conditions apply.

• Incentives for Professors and Researchers: A 90% exemption on Italian income from employment or self-employment is available for professors and researchers relocating to Italy, for a duration of 4 years. Conditions apply.

Incentives for Businesses

• Tax Credit for Investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZ): Businesses investing in designated SEZs in Southern Italy (regions of Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicilia, Sardinia, Molise, and Abruzzo) may qualify for a tax credit. For 2025, there is a total cap of €2.2 billion allocated for this credit. It applies to investments in capital goods for production facilities in the SEZs. There are specific rules regarding eligibility, notification procedures, and adherence to state aid regulations.

• Industry 5.0 Tax Credit: This credit supports investments in new tangible and intangible assets for manufacturing facilities located in Italy. Specific eligibility criteria apply, aligning with the Industry 5.0 policy. The tax credit has specific conditions and timeframes for investments made in 2024 and 2025. A maximum spending cap applies.

• Transition 5.0 Plan: There are incentives under the Transition 5.0 Plan for businesses investing in specific technologies and activities that drive digital transformation and industrial modernization. Specific regulations and registration processes are involved.

Other Tax Benefits

• Patent Box Regime: A voluntary tax regime allows companies to deduct 210% (110% enhanced deduction plus the standard 100% deduction) of qualifying R&D expenses related to developing patented technologies, software, and designs.

• Incentives for Investments in Innovative Startups: Investments in eligible startups and innovative SMEs benefit from tax breaks. Individuals can deduct 30% of the invested sum up to €1 million yearly, while corporations can deduct up to €1.8 million. Investments in venture capital funds that invest in such businesses also qualify.

Tax Relief Measures

• Deduction for Productivity Bonuses: Employees may benefit from a deduction on productivity bonuses, with specific thresholds and income limits.

• Fringe Benefits Exemptions: Tax exemptions are applicable to certain fringe benefits provided by employers, with varying limits based on employee circumstances.

It's important to note that tax laws and regulations are subject to change. The provided information is current as of today, February 5, 2025, but it's always advisable to seek professional guidance for specific situations and to stay updated on any legislative updates. Consulting with tax advisors or legal experts is highly recommended for comprehensive and tailored advice.