Taxation in Italy is levied by the central and regional governments and is collected by the Italian Agency of Revenue (Agenzia delle Entrate). Total tax revenue in 2012 was 44.4% of the GDP. The total tax receipts in 2013 were €782 billion. The most important revenue sources are income tax, social security, corporate tax and the value added tax, which are all applied at the national level. Personal income taxation in Italy is progressive.
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Income tax
Employment income is subject to a progressive income tax applying to all workers.
In 2013, the personal income tax rates were as follows:
Individuals are considered resident for tax purposes if for the greater part of the tax year they satisfy any of the following conditions:
Exemption Area
Due to the different types of income, exemption from Irpef is determined at:
The area exempt from Irpef increases further if there are dependent family members.
Corporation tax
The corporate income tax (IRES) in Italy is 24% since 1.1.2017. Some corporations are exempted from corporate tax, such as charitable foundations, church institutions and sports clubs.
Value added tax
Value added tax (VAT - IVA) is a consumption tax at a standard rate of 22%. Reduced VAT rates apply at 10% for pharmaceuticals, passenger transport, admission to cultural and entertainment events, hotels, restaurants and 4% on foodstuffs, medical and books. The Italian VAT is part of the European Union value added tax system.
Social security
Social security contributions (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale - INPS) apply to everyone in the workforce. Employers withhold 9.19% of the employee's wage and the employer contributes 34.08% of gross pay.
Self-employed individuals must enrol with the Gestione Separata (INPS), unless other specific rules apply (for example, certain professionals, such as lawyers, engineers and accountants, are required by law to enrol in specified pension plans). The contributions to the INPS are calculated at a flat rate ranging from 18% to 27.72% on annual income up to a maximum income of €96,149 in 2012.
Tax evasion and lack of guarantees
Italy has the largest number of "major tax evaders" in Europe, counting, according to the estimated figures, tax evasion for over €180 billion. On the other hand, the problem is the best way to ensure the right of defense from the tax claim of the State.