A Guide for Businesses and Individuals
Italy has a complex but well-structured tax system governed by both national and regional authorities. Whether you’re starting a company, working as a freelancer, or relocating to Italy, it’s essential to understand your tax obligations.
1. Corporate Taxes
IRES – Corporate Income Tax
Rate: 24% on net profits.
Applies to companies and entities with legal status, such as S.r.l. or S.p.A.
IRAP – Regional Production Tax
Rate: Varies by region, typically around 3.9%
Calculated on a company’s gross operating margin, not on net profit.
2. Individual Income Tax (IRPEF)
Applicable to:
Employees
Freelancers (Partita IVA)
Self-employed individuals
Progressive rates (2024):
Income Bracket (€) Rate
0 – 28,000 23%
28,001 – 50,000 35%
Over 50,000 43%
Regional and municipal surtaxes may add 1–3% to the total.
3. Value-Added Tax (IVA)
Standard rate: 22%
Reduced rates:
10% (e.g., food, hotel services)
5% and 4% (e.g., basic goods, certain pharmaceuticals, books)
Businesses must file regular IVA returns (monthly or quarterly).
4. Social Contributions (INPS)
Mandatory for:
Employees and employers
Freelancers and self-employed (with or without a VAT number)
Average rates:
Employer: 30–33% of gross salary
Employee: 9–10%
Freelancers: Flat rates vary (generally 25.72% or higher)
5. Withholding Taxes
Employers must withhold taxes on salaries.
Companies must withhold taxes on freelance payments (usually 20%).
6. Tax Regimes for Freelancers and Small Businesses
Forfettario Regime (Flat-Rate Regime)
Available for individuals with:
Revenue under €85,000/year
Tax rate: 5% (first 5 years), then 15%
Simplified accounting and no VAT obligations
Ideal for freelancers, consultants, small online businesses, and digital nomads.
7. Tax Filing and Deadlines
Personal Income Tax (IRPEF): Annual return due by November 30
Corporate Tax Returns: Filed after the end of the fiscal year
VAT: Monthly or quarterly, with an annual summary
INPS: Quarterly payments for freelancers
8. International Considerations
Italy has double taxation agreements (DTAs) with over 100 countries.
Foreign income may be partially or fully exempt depending on the treaty.
Non-Dom Tax Regime: Available for new residents with foreign wealth — fixed tax of €100,000/year on foreign income.
✅ Need Help Managing Your Taxes in Italy?
We specialize in:
Registering your Partita IVA
Structuring your business to optimize taxes
Handling filings with Agenzia delle Entrate and INPS
Providing online accounting and real-time tax updates
Book a consultation to understand the best tax structure for your situation — whether you’re starting a company, working remotely, or investing in Italy.