Italian Flat Tax for New Resident Retirees - Introduction
The Sostegni Ter (Dl 4/2022) has brought changes to the flat tax rules for new resident retirees in Italy.
Let's have a closer look at these changes.
The flat tax regime and foreign pensioners
Italian law offers a privileged tax regime to individuals receiving foreign pensions who wish to transfer their tax residence to Italy, specifically to municipalities with a population not exceeding 20,000 inhabitants in certain regions.
These regions include Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, Puglia, among others.
Under this regime, foreign retirees can benefit from an optional tax rate of 7%, regardless of the type of income generated abroad, for each of the nine tax periods during which the option is valid.
This favourable tax treatment also extends to individuals relocating to municipalities affected by serious seismic events, such as L'Aquila, as well as smaller municipalities like Camerino, Matelica, Tolentino, and Norcia.
To aid in identifying eligible municipalities, the "Annual municipal survey of population movement and calculation" is published on the Istat website on January 1st of the preceding year.
Procedural points
Operational procedures for the flat tax, including exercise methods, revocation, and cessation of effects, are outlined by the Revenue Agency.
The flat tax is formalised through the submission of the income tax return for the tax period in which the individual transfers their tax residence.
Eligibility
The taxpayer must meet five requirements, including non-resident status in Italy for at least five tax periods prior to the start of the option's validity and reporting foreign source income subject to the substitute tax.
The favourable effects of the flat tax cease after five years following the tax period in which the option was exercised.
However, taxpayers can revoke the choice made in subsequent tax periods directly in the income tax return.
Clarifications from the Italian Revenue Agency confirm that the 7% flat tax applies to all retirees, regardless of nationality, receiving a foreign pension, including those receiving an INPS pension.
Loss of eligibility
Loss of eligibility for the regime may occur due to failure to meet requirements, omission of tax payment, transfer to a non-eligible municipality or abroad, or emergence of Italian tax residence in the preceding five years.
Conclusion
No doubt the Italian flat tax regime for foreign pensioners will prove attractive to those who are looking to retire overseas.
Final thoughts
If you have any queries about the
Italian Flat Tax for New Resident Retirees, or Italian tax matters more generally, then please get in touch.