Italy

Tax Guide
2013
PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 I
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FOREWORD
A countrys tax regime is always a key factor for any business considering moving
into new markets. What is the corporate tax rate? Are there any incentives for
overseas businesses? Are there double tax treaties in place? How will foreign source
income be taxed?
Since 1994, the PKF network of independent member rms, administered by PKF
International Limited, has produced the PKF Worldwide Tax Guide (WWTG) to provide
international businesses with the answers to these key tax questions. This handy
reference guide provides clients and professional practitioners with comprehensive
tax and business information for over 90 countries throughout the world.
As you will appreciate, the production of the WWTG is a huge team effort and I
would like to thank all tax experts within PFK member rms who gave up their time
to contribute the vital information on their countrys taxes that forms the heart of this
publication.
I hope that the combination of the WWTG and assistance from your local PKF
member rm will provide you with the advice you need to make the right decisions
for your international business.
Richard Sackin
Chairman, PKF International Tax Committee
Eisner Amper LLP
richard.sackin@eisneramper.com
PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 II
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This publication should not be regarded as offering a complete explanation of the
taxation matters that are contained within this publication.
This publication has been sold or distributed on the express terms and understanding
that the publishers and the authors are not responsible for the results of any actions
which are undertaken on the basis of the information which is contained within this
publication, nor for any error in, or omission from, this publication.
The publishers and the authors expressly disclaim all and any liability and
responsibility to any person, entity or corporation who acts or fails to act as a
consequence of any reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this
publication.
Accordingly no person, entity or corporation should act or rely upon any matter or
information as contained or implied within this publication without rst obtaining
advice from an appropriately qualied professional person or rm of advisors, and
ensuring that such advice specically relates to their particular circumstances.
PKF International is a network of legally independent member rms administered by
PKF International Limited (PKFI). Neither PKFI nor the member rms of the network
generally accept any responsibility or liability for the actions or inactions on the part
of any individual member rm or rms.
PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 III
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PREFACE
The PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 (WWTG) is an annual publication that provides an
overview of the taxation and business regulation regimes of the worlds most signicant
trading countries. In compiling this publication, member rms of the PKF network have
based their summaries on information current on 1 January 2013, while also noting
imminent changes where necessary.
On a country-by-country basis, each summary addresses the major taxes applicable to
business; how taxable income is determined; sundry other related taxation and business
issues; and the countrys personal tax regime. The nal section of each country summary
sets out the Double Tax Treaty and Non-Treaty rates of tax withholding relating to the
payment of dividends, interest, royalties and other related payments.
While the WWTG should not to be regarded as offering a complete explanation of the
taxation issues in each country, we hope readers will use the publication as their rst
point of reference and then use the services of their local PKF member rm to provide
specic information and advice.
In addition to the printed version of the WWTG, individual country taxation guides are
available in PDF format which can be downloaded from the PKF website at www.pkf.com
PKF INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
MAY 2013
PKF INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
USE APPROVED WITH ATTRIBUTION
PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 IV
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ABOUT PKF INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
PKF International Limited (PKFI) administers the PKF network of legally independent
member rms. There are around 300 member rms and correspondents in 440
locations in around 125 countries providing accounting and business advisory services.
PKFI member rms employ around 2,270 partners and more than 22,000 staff.
PKFI is the 11th largest global accountancy network and its member rms have $2.68
billion aggregate fee income (year end June 2012). The network is a member of the
Forum of Firms, an organisation dedicated to consistent and high quality standards of
nancial reporting and auditing practices worldwide.
Services provided by member rms include:
Assurance & Advisory
Insolvency Corporate & Personal
Financial Planning/Wealth management
Taxation
Corporate Finance
Forensic Accounting
Management Consultancy
Hotel Consultancy
IT Consultancy
PKF member rms are organised into ve geographical regions covering Africa; Latin
America; Asia Pacic; Europe, the Middle East & India (EMEI); and North America &
the Caribbean. Each region elects representatives to the board of PKF International
Limited which administers the network. While the member rms remain separate and
independent, international tax, corporate nance, professional standards, audit, hotel
consultancy and business development committees work together to improve quality
standards, develop initiatives and share knowledge and best practice cross the network.
Please visit www.pkf.com for more information.
PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 V
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STRUCTURE OF COUNTRY DESCRIPTIONS
A. TAXES PAYABLE
FEDERAL TAXES AND LEVIES
COMPANY TAX
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
BRANCH PROFITS TAX
SALES TAX/VALUE ADDED TAX
FRINGE BENEFITS TAX
LOCAL TAXES
OTHER TAXES
B. DETERMINATION OF TAXABLE INCOME
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES
DEPRECIATION
STOCK/INVENTORY
CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES
DIVIDENDS
INTEREST DEDUCTIONS
LOSSES
FOREIGN SOURCED INCOME
INCENTIVES
C. FOREIGN TAX RELIEF
D. CORPORATE GROUPS
E. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
F. WITHHOLDING TAX
G. EXCHANGE CONTROL
H. PERSONAL TAX
I. TREATY AND NON-TREATY WITHHOLDING TAX RATES
PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 VI
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A
Algeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Argentina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 am
Australia -
Melbourne . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 pm
Sydney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 pm
Adelaide . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.30 pm
Perth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
Austria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
B
Bahamas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 pm
Belgium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Belize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Bermuda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am
Brazil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
British Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am
C
Canada -
Toronto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Winnipeg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Calgary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 am
Vancouver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 am
Cayman Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Chile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am
China - Beijing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 pm
Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Cyprus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Czech Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
D
Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Dominican Republic . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
E
Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
El Salvador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Estonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
F
Fiji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 midnight
Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
France. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
G
Gambia (The) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon
Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Ghana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon
Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Grenada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am
Guatemala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Guernsey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon
Guyana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
H
Hong Kong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
Hungary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
I
India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.30 pm
Indonesia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 pm
Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon
Isle of Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon
Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
J
Jamaica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 pm
Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
K
Kenya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 pm
L
Latvia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Luxembourg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
M
Malaysia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
Malta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Morocco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon
N
Namibia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Netherlands (The) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
New Zealand . . . . . . . . . . .12 midnight
Nigeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
O
Oman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 pm
P
Panama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Papua New Guinea. . . . . . . . . . . 10 pm
Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Philippines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
Poland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Portugal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Q
Qatar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am
R
Romania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
INTERNATIONAL TIME ZONES
AT 12 NOON, GREENWICH MEAN TIME, THE STANDARD TIME
ELSEWHERE IS:
PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 VII
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Russia -
Moscow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 pm
St Petersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 pm
S
Singapore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 pm
Slovak Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Slovenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
T
Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
Thailand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
Tunisia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon
Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Turks and Caicos Islands . . . . . . . 7 am
U
Uganda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 pm
Ukraine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
United Arab Emirates . . . . . . . . . . 4 pm
United Kingdom . . . . . . .(GMT) 12 noon
United States of America -
New York City . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Denver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 am
Los Angeles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 am
San Francisco . . . . . . . . . . . 4 am
Uruguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 am
V
Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am
Z
Zimbabwe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 1
ITALY
Currency: Euro Dial Code To: 39 Dial Code Out: 00
(EUR)
Member Firm:
City: Name: Contact Information:
Milan Salvatore Del Vecchio 02 43981751
s.delvecchio@mgpstudio.it
Rome Initial contact-Milan ofce 02 43981751
s.delvecchio@mgpstudio.it
A. TAXES PAYABLE
NEW KINDS OF INCORPORATIONS PROVIDED BY LAW
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
Since 2012, a new kind of limited liability company, the Simplied Limited Liability
Company (SRLS) can be incorporated. The main characteristics of this type of company
are as follows:
- the companys share capital must be at least 1 and no higher than
9,999.99
- it can only be incorporated by individuals whose age is 35 or under. The
companys incorporation requires a Notary deed but no Notary fees are charged;
- the directors must be chosen among the shareholders
- the Articles of Association need to be drawn up in accordance with a standard
document, recently published by the Italian Government.
No fees and no stamp duties are due for registering the company at the Register of
Enterprises.
A limited liability company with reduced equity [SRLCR]) may be set up by shareholders
older than 35 but, in this case, it is not compulsory to choose the directors among the
shareholders and the ordinary fees (stamp duties, Companies House and Notary fees)
need to be paid.
INNOVATIVE START-UP COMPANIES
A very recent law has established the requirements to be met by new and existing
companies to be considered innovative start-up Companies. Some (but not all) of
the requirements foreseen by law are the following;
- their shares must have been owned by individuals for at least 24 months
- the registered ofce is in Italy
- the purpose of the Company is the development, production and sale of goods
and/or services with high level technology.
The benets of being such a company include:
- exemption from the payment of both stamp and annual duties to the Companies
House
- particular tax concessions concerning employment contracts and in terms of
corporate laws.
FEDERAL TAXES AND LEVIES
COMPANY TAX
As a rule, corporate income tax is payable by all resident companies on income from
any source, whether earned in Italy or abroad. Non-resident companies are subject
to corporate income tax (IRES) only on income earned in Italy. IRES is charged
at 27.50%. Companies are also subject to a regional tax on productive activities
(IRAP) at the rate of 3.90% although regional authorities may increase or decrease
the standard rate by up to one percentage point. It is envisaged that IRAP will be
gradually eliminated in the near future.
An additional 10.5% windfall tax is levied on companies (i) having revenues higher
than EUR 25 million in the relevant scal period and (ii) carrying on their activities in
one of the following elds:
- research and exploitation of hydrocarbon
- oil rening, production and sale of petrol, gasoline, gas, lubricating oil, liqueed
gas of petrol and natural gas
- production and sale of electricity.
After three years the additional charge will be reduced to 6.5% (scal year 2014
onwards).
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PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 2
Company tax returns, which cover both IRES and IRAP, must be led electronically
within nine months of the statutory year end. An advance tax payment is due by the
16th day of the sixth month of the accounting period equal to 40% of the previous
years income tax liability. A second advance payment of 60% is due by the end of
the eleventh month of the companys nancial year. Any remaining amount would be
due by the 16th day of the sixth month after the end of the period.
For income tax purposes the company can chose either a calendar or a scal year.
For VAT and withholding tax purposes, the calendar year always applies.
BRANCH PROFIT TAX
Italian branch prots of foreign companies are fully liable to IRES and IRAP.
FISCALLY TRANSPARENT COMPANIES
Italian limited liability and joint stock companies may opt for this regime and be
treated as scally transparent companies. In order to qualify for this treatment, joint
stock companies must hold between 10% and 50% of the voting rights in another
Italian company for a continuous 12-month period, whereas Italian limited liability
companies must have gross incomes totalling no higher than EUR 7.5 million and
be owned by a maximum of 10 private shareholders. Non-resident companies
(regardless of their legal form) may also opt for such a regime only if entitled
to apply the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive to the dividends paid by the Italian
controlled company.
Under the above regime, the transparent company is not taxed on its own income
for corporate income tax purposes. Income produced by its subsidiaries is directly
allocated to the parent company according to its percentage of ownership, whether
or not these prots have been remitted to it by way of dividend. The election is
irrevocable for three years and must be communicated to the Tax Authorities.
CONTROLLED FOREIGN COMPANIES
Italian tax law includes a comprehensive set of rules on controlled foreign companies
(CFC). These rules are aimed at avoiding hiving off income to foreign subsidiaries
located in certain low tax jurisdictions. These are countries typically considered as
tax havens i.e. those listed in the so-called black-list. The prots earned by a CFC
located in a tax haven country have to be imputed to the Italian resident parent
company/individual regardless of any dividend distribution.
The CFC rule is also applied to entities resident in jurisdictions other than those
on the black list (even EU) if their effective rate of taxation is lower than 50% of
the effective Italian tax rate, which would be applied if they were resident in Italy,
and have more than 50% of passive income (i.e. interest, royalties, dividends).
Application of the rule may be avoided by ling a tax ruling proving that the foreign
entity does not represent an articial structure unduly aimed at achieving a tax
benet.
To escape the CFC rule, exceptions must be met::
1. Market Link
The business of the CFC is mainly derived from local customers or suppliers.
2. Adequate level of CFC taxation
If the Italian company can prove that it has not used the CFC to hive off its prots into
a tax haven territory.
CAPITAL GAINS
Capital gains realised by the company are generally taxable as normal business income
subject to IRES and IRAP and capital losses are generally deductible. Tax on gains may be
spread over ve years for assets owned for more than three years. Capital gains on assets
owned for less than three years are taxed in the year in which they are realised. Capital
gains arising from stock transfers are 95% exempt, under specic conditions, where they
relate to nancial assets owned for an uninterrupted period of at least 12 months.
FRINGE BENEFITS
Fringe benets are included in the taxpayers total aggregated income.
MINIMUM TAXABLE INCOME
Companies with an annual turnover of less than EUR 7.5 million are subject to an
automatic evaluation in accordance with the so-called Sector Studies (Studi di
Settore). This is to determine whether the companys income is higher than that
stated in the tax return but it is not sufcient for assessing a greater taxable base.
Any amended assessment must be founded on concrete evidence. For income
related to 2011 onwards, any taxpayer (individual, partnership or company) not
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PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 3
consistent and not congruent with Sector Studies, is liable to a new and more
stringent tax investigation procedure, carried out by the tax authorities.
NON-OPERATING OR DORMANT COMPANIES
Such companies are subject to a minimum tax charge as far as IRES and IRAP are
concerned. The company must declare an income for the tax period which cannot
be lower than the amounts calculated by multiplying percentages to certain balance
sheet items (estimated gure). If this amount is higher than the taxable income
declared, the company is taxed on this gure. Furthermore, a VAT receivable is not
refunded if these non-operating circumstances persist for three years.
For income relating to 2011 onwards, a company is considered dormant if:
a. it has made a loss for three consecutive scal periods
b. it has made a loss for two scal periods and, in the next, has a taxable income
lower than that estimated.
Moreover, any company considered dormant is subject to an additional 10.50% tax
(which gives an overall corporate taxation of 38%).
SALES TAX/VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)
VAT is levied on transfers of goods and services by enterprises or professionals in the
course of their business within Italy and on all imports.
Items exported or destined for export are not subject to VAT. The standard VAT rate
is 21%. Other rates applied, as at today, are 4% and 10%. A specic VAT regime
applies to real estate transactions. From 1 July 2013, the standard VAT rate is
very likely to increase to 22% depending on whether or not the Government will be
adopting certain specic laws concerning the Public Budget.
As an alternative to the nomination of a VAT Representative (which remains the only
procedure allowed by extra-EU companies), non-resident EU companies can apply for
a Direct VAT Identication. This enables the non-resident to settle any VAT payment
directly in Italy or claim back any VAT credit. The direct VAT identication procedure
is intended to facilitate the payment of Italian VAT liabilities by the non-resident. This
procedure was discontinued with effect from 25 September 2009 in cases where a
non-resident EU company has a permanent establishment in Italy.
The basic place of supply rule for supplies of services to VAT registered persons
is that such supplies are deemed to be made where the customer is established and
the related VAT is due in accordance with the so-called reverse charge procedure.
Services subject to reverse charges also have to be included on Intrastat forms,
subject to some exceptions. Returns must be led on a monthly or quarterly basis,
depending on the companys turnover.
TAX CLAIMS
The taxpayer has the right to seek recourse against assessments and undue
payment demands etc by appealing to the tax courts through three ranks of justice.
The tax assessment can be settled by paying a lower penalty before appealing to
the Tax Court.
IVIE (TAX ON REAL ESTATE OUTSIDE ITALY)
Starting from scal year 2012 Italian and non-Italian citizens who are taxed resident
in Italy and, who own properties located outside of Italy will be subject to IVIE. This
new tax is calculated applying a rate of 0.76%, to:
a) the cadastral value as normally calculated in the Country where the real estate
is situated;
b) the cost of the real estate, as indicated in the Purchase Deed or in the contract
(s); or
c) the fair value that can be assigned to the property in the Country where the real
estate is situated.
The value mentioned at a) above can only be used for taxation purposes for estates
located in EEA member states.
The IVIE tax is only due for payment if the tax burden is higher than 200, otherwise
no payment is due.
Any property tax paid in the Country where the real estate is located can be offset
against I|VIE. Taxpayers may also deduct the income tax payable on properties
located in EEA member states. .
The deadline to pay this tax for the 2012 scal year coincides with the Income Tax
payment deadline of 16 June 2013.
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PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 4
IVAFE (TAX ON FOREIGN FINANCIAL ASSETS)
A new tax has been introduced, at the rate of 0.1% for 2011 and 2012, to be
increased to 0.15% beginning 2013, on the capital value of nancial assets owned
abroad by Italian resident taxpayers. To avoid double taxation, a deduction is allowed
for any patrimonial taxes paid abroad on the same assets.
LOCAL TAXES
Real estate tax (IMU) is currently payable annually in two instalments (June and
December) on the value of real estate property owned by companies as well as
individuals. It has a variable rate ranging from 0.4% to 1.06% of property value,
depending on each county councils assessment. IMU is also charged on the
principal place of abode owned by any taxpayer.
OTHER TAXES
From 2008 onwards, stamp duty on the transfer of shares, bonds and similar
securities has been repealed.
Registration tax is levied on the registration of any written contract or deed. , The
percentage varies according to the type of deed. One of the higher rates is 7% which
applies to contributions or transfers of real estate. Registration tax is not applicable if
the contract is subject to VAT, except for real estate rental contracts whereby VAT and
1% registration tax are applicable
PAYMENTS DUE BY VAT REGISTERED ENTITIES
VAT registered persons are required to effect all tax and social security payments
electronically, whether or not an intermediary is involved, by means of a standard
form (F24).
B. DETERMINATION OF TAXABLE INCOME
The taxable income of a company is based on the result of its business prots, which
consists of the net income determined during a nancial period, adjusted as required
by the Tax Act. Non-resident companies are taxed in Italy on certain types of income
earned from sources in Italy.
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES
Depreciation of tangible assets is permitted on a straight-line basis calculated by
applying the co-efcient established by the Ministry of Finance to the cost price,
reduced by half for the rst tax year. Tangible property with an acquisition cost of less
than EUR 516.46 may be written off in the year of purchase.
STOCK/INVENTORY
Inventory is valued at cost of purchase. Companies may apply any acceptable method
of inventory pricing, i.e. FIFO, average, continuous average, etc. If the cost of purchase
is lower than the market value as of the previous month, the stock can be valued using
this method.
DIVIDENDS
(a) Companies are taxed at 5% on dividends received regardless of where the
company paying the dividend is resident (except black-listed countries).
(b) Individuals and partnerships are taxed on only 49.72% of the value of dividends
received if they own more than 20% of the share capital of the company paying the
dividend. If they own less than 20%, the dividend is taxed at a xed rate of 20%.
INTEREST DEDUCTIONS
Interest expenses, including interest on leasing costs but excluding capitalised and
non-deductible interest and net of the interest income accounted in the same tax
period, are not deductible if they exceed 30% of the Companys statutory EBITDA i.e.
the earnings resulting from its core business.
Interest expenses that exceed the aforementioned limit may be carried forward, with
no time limit, and used to offset taxable income within the 30% limit as above in
succeeding tax years. Any surplus interest deductions (interest cost lower than the
30% EBITDA) may be carried forward starting from 2010.
LOSSES
Net operating losses incurred in tax year 2012 onwards may be carried forward with
no time limitation from the year in which they originated. However, they can only be
used to offset up to 80% of the income arising in later years.
Net losses incurred before scal year 2011 and those accruing during the rst three
years of business can be carried forward for up to ve years with no offset limitations,
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PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 5
provided they have resulted from the start-up phase of a new business. These rules
only apply for Corporation tax (IRES) and not for IRAP purposes.
FOREIGN SOURCE INCOME
Only 5% of the value of dividends received from controlled foreign companies is
liable to IRES. This 95% exemption is not available if the source of the dividends is a
company resident under a privileged tax regime outside the EU. A full exemption is
applicable to the dividends paid by a CFC resident in a tax haven already taxed under
the transparency method.
INCENTIVES
Italian law provides for various forms of incentives to support economic investment
in the south of Italy, other depressed areas in the centre/north, and in those areas
struck by catastrophes such as earthquakes or oods.
BLACK LIST
All transactions with subjects residing in black-listed countries must be
communicated to the Tax Authorities.
The deduction of the cost is subordinated to specic conditions or to previous ruling
procedures.
EXIT TAX
As a general rule, Italian Companies that decide to transfer their tax residence abroad
are deemed to have realised their assets at fair value unless they maintain a
permanent establishment in Italy. However, where the tax residence is transferred to
another state within the European Union or to a state included within a specic white
list, companies may choose to have the resulting tax charge suspended until the
assets of the transferred business are disposed of.
ACE (ALLOWANCE FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE)
In March 2012, the Italian Minister of Finance issued a decree that has introduced
the possibility for Incorporations and Permanent Establishments of non-resident
Companies (as well as for individuals and partnerships with ordinary bookkeeping),
to deduct a lump sum from their own taxable income. The deduction that is
applicable from the year ended 31 December 2011 onwards is, in fact, calculated
by applying a 3% rate to a net increase in shareholders equity compared to the
previous year end.
The 3% rate will be applied to increases during the scal years 2011, 2012 and
2013 and the rates applicable for each year will be decided by the Minister of
Finance.
Examples of increases in shareholders equity are:
cash injections into the Company (share capital increase, write off of payables
previously due to shareholders, offsetting of receivables to increase the share
capital).
earnings not distributed to shareholders but retained and allocated to reserves.
Examples of decreases in shareholders equity are:
distribution of earning reserves to shareholders;
decrease in capital and in reserves of capital.
The distribution of the current years prot as well as losses affecting share capital,
are not considered as being a decrease in the shareholders equity.
C. FOREIGN TAX RELIEF
Foreign taxes may generally be credited against the tax liability suffered in Italy on the same
income. Any excess foreign credits can be carried forward or backwards for eight years.
D. CORPORATE GROUPS
Provisions for the consolidation of resident and non-resident company results were
introduced in 2004. These provisions allow for the consolidation of income between
group companies at both domestic and international level, resulting in a single tax
liability for the parent company.
The option is irrevocable for a three-year period where only Italian resident companies
are involved and for a ve-year period for a worldwide consolidation (or three years if
subsequently renewed).
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The companies participating in the group consolidation are jointly liable for taxes,
penalties and interest assessed on the aggregate income. The consolidated income is
taxed at the parent company level.
E. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with foreign afliated companies are closely scrutinised in order to determine
whether transfer prices are at arms length. There are ministerial guidelines which suggest
various limits on payments between afliates.
A set of documentation, consistent with OECD standards, is required from those companies
that make cross-border operations with controlled foreign companies. The documentation
must contain detailed information and data about the transactions as well as their
compliance with the so-called arms length principle. Although this documentation is not
mandatory, it would provide penalty protection to companies should they communicate to
the Tax Authorities that they have this documentation on hand for consultation.
Furthermore, they must also communicate to the Tax Authorities as to whether they have
this documentation available for previous tax periods that are still subject to assessment.
F. WITHHOLDING TAX
Domestic companies making certain types of payments (eg interest, royalties,
professional fees, etc) are required to withhold taxes at various rates.
Italian legislation has implemented the EC Directive 2003/49/CE (Parent/Subsidiary
Directive). No withholding tax is levied on dividends paid to a parent company in another
EU Member State if both the parent and the subsidiary are qualifying companies
under the Directive and the parent has held at least 10% of the capital of the subsidiary
continuously for at least one year.
The EU Interest & Royalties Directive has also been incorporated into domestic law.
Outbound interest and royalties are exempt from any Italian tax provided that the
recipient is an associated company of the paying company and is resident in another
EU Member State or such a companys permanent establishment is situated in another
Member State. Two companies are associated companies if (a) one of them holds
directly at least 25% of the voting rights of the other or (b) a third EU company holds
directly at least 25% of the voting rights of the two companies. The relevant companies
must have a legal form listed in the Annex of the Directive and be subject to a corporate
income tax. A one-year holding period is required.
In general, dividends distributed to non-residents are subject to a nal 20% withholding
tax. For dividends paid to residents of EU countries and those listed in the white list,
a special withholding tax rate of 1.375% applies. This rule applies only to prots earned
starting from scal year 2008. Any dividends paid that represent prots from previous
scal years will be subject to previous years rules.
In line with the EC Parent/Subsidiary Directive, no withholding tax is levied on dividends
paid to a parent company in another EU Member State if both the parent and the
subsidiary are qualifying companies under the Directive and the parent has held at least
10% of the capital of the subsidiary continuously for at least one year.
G. EXCHANGE CONTROL/ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING
There are no exchange controls in Italy. However, banks and nancial institutions are
required to monitor any deposit/withdrawal over EUR 15,000 for anti-money laundering
purposes. This duty was extended to audit rms, professionals, etc.
With effect from 6 December 2011, cash payments over EUR 1,000.00 (lowering the
previous limit of EUR 2,500.00) are no longer permitted. This limit is applicable to all
categories.
Penalties range from 1% to 40% of the amount transferred with a minimum penalty of
EUR 3,000 (and EUR 15,000 when cash payments are greater than EUR 50,000).
H. PERSONAL TAX
Resident individuals are subject to a personal income tax called IRPEF on their worldwide
income.
Individuals carrying on a business or profession are liable to IRAP which is not deductible
from IRPEF. Non-resident individuals are subject to tax only on their Italian source income.
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Individuals are considered resident for scal purposes in Italy if they are registered at the
ofcial Register of Population; their principal place of business and interests is located in
Italy; or if they remain in Italy for more than six months in any calendar year.
Progressive rates for IRPEF are as follows:
Taxable Income (EUR) Rate (%)
Up to 15,000 23
15,001 28,000 27
28,001 55,000 38
55,001 75,000 41
Over 75,000 43
In addition to the above progressive rates, a regional surcharge (variable rate from 0.9%
to 1.4%) is payable and an additional municipal tax could be charged and xed locally.
For scal year 2011 through 2013, an additional tax has been introduced for taxpayers
whose overall income is higher than the threshold of 300,000. This new tax is called
the solidarity contribution and it is calculated by applying a 3% rate to the income
exceeding 300,000.
The tax period in Italy is the calendar year and tax is due over two advance payments
made during the tax year with the balance due by 16 June of the following year. IRPEF
is withheld at source from employee salaries and wages. The payment of taxes on
account and settlement functions under a similar system as for companies.
There is no wealth tax in Italy. Gift and inheritance tax has come back into force with a
range of tax rates and exemptions.
FLAT TAX (SO-CALLED CEDOLARE SECCA)
Since 2011, individuals whose income derives from renting their own properties
to tenants who, in turn, use them as dwellings, can be taxed at a at 21% rate on
the agreed fees (the rate is equal to 19% for certain particular agreed upon local
contracts). In order to qualify for this scheme, the lessor should choose this option
when the rental agreement is registered at the local Tax Ofce, or within his or her
tax return. The tenant(s) must be informed of such a choice through a registered
letter with return receipt.
This scheme only applies to individuals renting buildings used as dwellings. It does
not apply where the building is to be used for a business purpose.
I. TREATY AND NON-TREATY WITHHOLDING TAX RATES
Dividends
Individuals,
companies
(%)
Qualifying
companies
(3)
(%)
Interest
(1)
(%)
Royalties
(2)
(%)
Domestic Rates
Companies: 1.375/12.5/20 0 0/12.5/20 30
Individuals: 12.5/20 n/a 0/12.5/20 30
Treaty Rates
Treaty With:
Albania 10 10 0/5 5
Algeria 15 15 0/15 5/15
Argentina 15 15 0/20 10/18
Armenia 10 5 0/10 7
Australia 15 15 10 10
Austria 15 15 0/10 0/10
Azerbaijan 10 10 0/10 5/10
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Dividends
Individuals,
companies
(%)
Qualifying
companies
(3)
(%)
Interest
(1)
(%)
Royalties
(2)
(%)
Bangladesh 15 10 0/10/15 10
Belarus 15 5 0/8 6
Belgium 15 15 15 5
Bosnia Herzegovina 10 10 10 10
Brazil 15 15 15 15/25
Bulgaria 10 10 0 5
Canada 15 5 0/10 0/5/10
China (PRC) 10 10 0/10 10
Croatia 15 15 0/10 5
Cyprus 15 15 10 0
Czech Republic 15 15 0/5 0/5
Denmark 15 0 0/10 0/5
Ecuador 15 15 0/10 5
Egypt 0/25 15
Estonia 15 5 0/10 5/10
Finland 15 10 0/15 /5
France 15 5 0/10 0/5
Georgia 10 5 0 0
Germany 15 10 0/10 0/5
Ghana 15 5 10 10
Greece 15 15 0/10 0/5
Hungary 10 10 0 0
Iceland 15 5 0 5
India 25 15 0/15 20
Indonesia 15 10 0/10 10/15
Ireland 15 15 10 0
Israel 15 10 10 0/10
Ivory Coast 15 15 0/15 10
Japan 15 10 10 10
Kazakhstan 15 5 0/10 10
Kyrgyzstan 15 15 0 0
Korea (Rep.) 15 10 0/10 10
Kuwait 0/5 0/5 0 10
Latvia 15 5 10 5/10
Lithuania 15 5 0/10 5/10
Luxembourg 15 15 0/10 10
Macedonia (FYR) 15 5 0/10 0
Malaysia 10 10 0/15 15
Malta 15 15 0/10 0/10
Mauritius 15 5 0/ 15
Mexico 15 15 0/15 0/15
Moldova 15 5 5 5
Montenegro 10 10 10 10
Morocco 15 10 0/10 5/10
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Dividends
Individuals,
companies
(%)
Qualifying
companies
(3)
(%)
Interest
(1)
(%)
Royalties
(2)
(%)
Mozambique 15 15 0/10 10
Netherlands 15 5/10 0/10 5
New Zealand 15 15 0/10 10
Norway 15 15 0/15 5
Oman 10 5 0/5 10
Pakistan 25 15 30 30
Philippines 15 15 0/10/15 25
Poland 10 10 0/10 10
Portugal 15 15 0/15 12
Qatar 15 5 0/5 5
Romania 10 10 0/10 10
Russia 10 5 10 0
Saudi Arabia 10 5 0/5 10
Senegal 15 15 0/15 15
Serbia 10 10 10 10
Singapore 10 10 12.5 15/20
Slovak Republic 15 15 0 0/5
Slovenia 15 5 0/10 10
South Africa 15 5 0/10 6
Spain 15 15 0/12 4/8
Sri Lanka 15 15 0/10 10/15
Sweden 15 10 0/15 5
Switzerland 15 15 12.5 5
Syria 10 5 0/10 18
Tanzania 10 10 15 15
Thailand 20 15 0/10/ 5/15
Trinidad and
Tobago
20 10 10 0/5
Tunisia 15 15 0/12 5/12/16
Turkey 15 15 15 10
Turkmenistan 15 15 15 10
Ukraine 15 5 0/10 7
United Arab
Emirates
15 5 0 10
United
Kingdom
15 5 0/10 8
United
States
15 5 0/10 0/5/8
Uzbekistan 10 10 0/5 5
Venezuela 10 10 0/10 7/10
Vietnam 15 5/10 0/10 7.5/10
Zambia 15 5 0/10 10
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