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Italy's corporate tax rate is a complex topic, but understanding the basics can help you navigate the system with ease. The corporate tax rate in Italy is 24%, which is relatively high compared to other European countries.
To give you a better idea, the tax rate applies to the taxable income of a company, and it's calculated based on the company's fiscal year. The fiscal year in Italy typically runs from January 1st to December 31st.
Italian corporate tax law requires companies to file their tax returns within a specific timeframe, usually by September 30th of each year. This deadline is crucial, as late filings can result in penalties and fines.
Tax Rates and Rankings
Italy ranks 37th overall on the 2024 International Tax Competitiveness Index, the same as in 2023. This ranking is based on the Tax Foundation's International Tax Competitiveness Index, which measures the degree to which tax systems promote competitiveness through low tax burdens on business investment and neutrality through a well-structured tax code.
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The Italian tax system raises revenue through various taxes, including corporate taxes, individual taxes, consumption taxes, property taxes, and international taxes. Corporate taxes, such as IRES, are levied at a rate of 24% on profits, while regional tax (IRAP) is levied at a rate of 3.9%.
Here are the regular rates of business taxes in Italy:
- IRES: 24%
- IRAP: 3.9%
Country Comparison
The International Tax Competitiveness Index (ITCI) measures the degree to which tax systems promote competitiveness through low tax burdens on business investment and neutrality through a well-structured tax code. It considers over 40 variables across five categories.
The ITCI is not just about business taxes, though - it also considers the tax environment for workers and businesses. Individual taxes are a major source of revenue for governments, and they're typically progressive, meaning that higher income earners are taxed at a higher rate.
Let's take a look at some specific numbers from the ITCI. Here are some key statistics for Italy, the OECD average, the United States, and Germany:
These numbers give us a sense of how complex and time-consuming tax compliance can be in different countries. The number of payments of taxes per year, for example, is a significant factor in determining the overall tax burden on businesses.
Tax Rates
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Italy ranks 37th overall on the 2024 International Tax Competitiveness Index, the same as in 2023. This ranking is a reflection of the country's tax system, which includes various taxes such as corporate taxes, individual taxes, consumption taxes, property taxes, and international taxes.
The national corporate tax rate in Italy, known as IRES, is 24 percent. This means that businesses in Italy must pay a corporate tax rate of 24% on their profits.
Italian businesses must also pay regional tax, or IRAP, which is a small-scale tax levied locally by the district where the taxable industrial operations are carried out. The standard IRAP tax rate in Italy is 3.9%, but it may be increased or decreased by up to 0.92% in any area where IRAP is assessed.
The IRAP taxable basis for financial institutions is calculated differently, taking into account expenses such as amortizing fixed physical and intangible resources, and additional bureaucratic expenditures.
Here's a summary of the tax rates in Italy:
These tax rates and rankings can have a significant impact on businesses and individuals in Italy, and it's essential to understand the tax system to make informed decisions.
International Taxation
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International Taxation plays a crucial role in Italy's corporate tax rate. International tax rules deal with the systems and regulations that countries apply to business activities earned in foreign countries.
Countries with a greater number of tax treaty partners have more attractive tax regimes for foreign investment. This is because tax treaties align many tax laws between two countries and attempt to reduce double taxation.
Tax treaties can reduce or eliminate withholding taxes between countries. This makes it easier for businesses to operate internationally and reduces their tax burden.
The ICAEW Library provides access to IBFD, a specialist cross-border tax database. It offers current and historic tax rates, detailed tax guides, and tax treaties for hundreds of jurisdictions worldwide.
Tax rates and treaties can be complex, but understanding them is essential for businesses operating internationally.
Corporate Taxation in Italy
In Italy, corporate taxes are a significant source of revenue for the government. The national corporate tax rate in Italy, known as IRES, is 24 percent. This tax rate applies to all businesses operating in Italy.
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Businesses must register for VAT and file a statement of formation with the Inland Revenue as soon as they are formed in Italy. A Corporation Tax Return for an Italian business should be submitted to the Inland Revenue not later than 1 year from the accounting specified date.
The regional tax on production activities, or IRAP, is another business tax in Italy. The standard IRAP rate is 3.9%, but it may be increased or decreased by up to 0.92% in any area where IRAP is assessed.
Sources of Revenue
Italy's corporate taxation system is complex, with various taxes levied on businesses. In Italy, businesses must pay regional tax (IRAP) and corporate income tax (IRES) on their profits.
The regular rates of business taxes in Italy are 24% for IRES and 3.9% for IRAP. These rates are standard across the country, although the IRAP rate may vary slightly depending on the region.
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Countries raise tax revenue through a mix of individual income taxes, corporate income taxes, social insurance taxes, taxes on goods and services, and property taxes. The mix of tax policies can influence how distortionary or neutral a tax system is.
In Italy, revenue from corporate taxes is generated through IRES and IRAP. The IRAP taxable base is calculated differently based on the kind of taxpayer, excluding capital gains on capital assets and other financial components.
Here are the different types of taxes that contribute to Italy's tax revenue:
- Individual income taxes
- Corporate income taxes (IRES)
- Social insurance taxes
- Taxes on goods and services
- Property taxes
Consumption taxes are charged on goods and services and can take various forms, with the value-added tax (VAT) being the most common. Most consumption taxes either do not tax intermediate business inputs or provide a credit for taxes already paid on inputs, avoiding the problem of tax pyramiding.
Transfer Pricing
Transfer Pricing in Italy is governed by the OECD's guidelines, which means that transactions between related parties must be at arm's length.
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Italian taxpayers must maintain transfer pricing records that show how transfer values were determined, and these records must meet specific procedural and material specifications set by the tax administration.
If taxpayers fail to keep proper paperwork, they may face a fine that can range from 90% to 180% of the tax owed on the adjustments, in addition to the taxes due.
Corporate Taxes
Corporate taxes in Italy are a complex topic, but let's break it down. The national corporate tax rate in Italy is 24 percent, according to the ICAEW Library's cross-border tax database.
Italian businesses must pay regional tax (IRAP) and corporate income tax (IRES) on their profits. The regular rates of business taxes in Italy are 24% for IRES and 3.9% for IRAP.
To register for VAT and file a statement of formation, Italian businesses must submit a Corporation Tax Return to the Inland Revenue not later than 1 year from the accounting specified date.
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Companies with Italian tax residency are obligated to pay the corporate tax rate in Italy, entitled to exemption from double taxation, on their international revenue and profits. The worldwide income included in the gain and loss statement produced for the applicable fiscal year constitutes the taxable base for Italy corporate taxes.
Here's a summary of the corporate tax rates in Italy:
Value-Added Tax and Capital Gains
VAT is charged at every stage of the provision of products and services in Italy, with an average rate of 22%. Lower rates of 10%, 5%, and 4% are applicable under particular conditions.
Non-residents can appoint a representative to act on their behalf and carry out VAT obligations, but they must submit a statement to the authorities with specific details to obtain a VAT number.
The VAT rate applies to imports from countries outside the EU, making it a crucial consideration for international businesses.
To calculate capital gains, the selling price or indemnity obtained is subtracted from the modified tax basis of the property, and the difference is counted as taxable income for the financial period in which the profits are realized.
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Capital gains can be reported entirely in the year of realization or in equivalent installments over the current and subsequent taxable years, but they cannot be carried beyond the fourth year if the asset has been owned for three years or less.
Here are the conditions for exempting capital gains from taxes:
- The involvement has been in existence for at least 12 months prior to the acquisition.
- On the initial balance sheet, the participation is categorized as a financial capital asset.
- The participating firm has been actively conducting commercial operations or trading since at least the third fiscal year before the sale.
Value-Added Tax
Value-Added Tax in Italy is a significant consideration for businesses operating in the country. The average VAT rate is 22%.
VAT is charged at every stage of the provision of products and services in Italy. This includes purchases made from some other EU countries and imports from outside the European Union.
The VAT rate can vary, with lower rates of 10%, 5%, and 4% applicable under specific conditions. Companies must register for VAT and file a statement to the Inland Revenue as soon as they are formed in Italy.
Non-residents who do not have a constant presence in Italy can select a representative to act on their behalf and carry out their legal obligations under the VAT regulation. They must submit a statement to the relevant authorities with specific details to obtain a VAT number.
Capital Gains
Capital gains in Italy are calculated as the margin between the selling price and the modified tax basis of the property. This difference is counted as taxable income for the financial period in which the profits are realized.
To calculate capital gains, you need to subtract direct expenditures associated with the sale from the selling price or indemnity obtained. This will give you the taxable income for the financial period.
Capital gains can be counted in the taxable base entirely in the year they are realized, or in equivalent installments in the current and subsequent taxable years. However, they cannot be managed to carry beyond the fourth year if the estate being sold has been owned for at most 3 years.
There are special requirements for capital gains from the sale of stock and investment vehicles comparable to shareholdings in domestic corporations or partnerships. These gains are exempt from taxes by 95% if certain conditions are met.
To qualify for the 95% exemption, the investment must have been in existence for at least 12 months prior to the acquisition, and the participating firm must have been actively conducting commercial operations or trading for at least 3 fiscal years before the sale. The investment must also be categorized as a financial capital asset on the initial balance sheet.
Here's a summary of the conditions for the 95% exemption:
Gains realized on assets related to a non-resident company's commercial operations in Italy are taxed. The taxation of capital profits for non-resident businesses lacking a fixed presence in Italy varies depending on the type of asset sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are taxes higher in Italy or the USA?
Taxes in Italy tend to be higher than in the USA, with a standard rate of 43% applied to income above 75,000 EUR. In contrast, the top marginal tax rate in the USA is 37%.
Which European country has the highest corporate tax?
Malta has the highest corporate tax rate in Europe, at 35 percent. This rate includes both central and subcentral taxes.
Sources
- https://www.lloydsbanktrade.com/en/market-potential/italy/taxes
- https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/quick-charts/corporate-income-tax-cit-rates
- https://taxfoundation.org/location/italy/
- https://ondemandint.com/resources/corporate-taxes-in-italy/
- https://www.icaew.com/technical/by-country/europe/italy/tax-in-italy
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