The table below summarises the main codes and descriptions to be used when issuing a VAT invoice (including an electronic invoice via SDI).
The table is divided according to whether the invoice relates to a supply of goods or a supply of services (although the distinction can be a grey area and depends on the facts).
The VAT treatment of any particular transaction depends on a number of variables, including:
- the identity and VAT status/business activity of the supplier
- the identity and VAT status/business activity of the recipient
- the nature of the goods or services being supplied
- the place of supply as determined under the applicable VAT rules in force at the time the supply is made (or is deemed to be made)
For many small Italian businesses, the basic rule is straightforward: Italian VAT is generally chargeable on supplies made to customers who are established/resident in Italy for VAT purposes – subject to any specific exemptions or special regimes such as the Regime Forfettario)
Whether VAT must be charged on supplies made to recipients outside Italy depends on the factors above (including territoriality rules, the customer’s VAT status, and the classification of the transaction).
Where VAT is not applied, the issuer must generally:
- include the appropriate SDI “Natura” code (for electronic invoicing), and
- add a short wording on the invoice explaining the reason VAT is not charged (e.g., reverse charge, non-taxable, exempt, outside scope, etc.)
Certain regimes (including OSS, reverse charge, and exemptions) apply only where specific legal conditions are satisfied.
This table is provided for general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Businesses should obtain specific advice:
- before issuing the first invoice for a new activity or transaction type, and
- whenever introducing a new category of supply or entering into a new cross-border scenario
Filter by transaction type
| Transaction Scenario | Internal VAT Code | SDI Natura Code | VAT Shown on Invoice? | Practical Notes | Recommended Invoice Wording (English) | Recommended Invoice Wording (Italian) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy – Domestic taxable supply (services) (B2B/B2C) | IT_22 / IT_10 / IT_5 / IT_4 | — | Yes – Italian VAT charged | Complete VAT rate and VAT amount fields. Natura must be empty. | VAT charged pursuant to Italian VAT Law (DPR 633/1972), Art. 1. | Operazione imponibile IVA (aliquota XX%). |
| Italy – Supplier under Regime Forfettario (Law 190/2014) | IT_FORFETTARIO | Typically none (RF19); if required by software: N2.2 | No (VAT not charged) | Forfettario taxpayers do not charge VAT and do not deduct input VAT. In e-invoicing, indicate RegimeFiscale = RF19. Some invoicing software may also request a Natura code (commonly N2.2). | Transaction under the flat-rate scheme (regime forfettario) – VAT not applied pursuant to Law 190/2014. | Operazione in franchigia da IVA ai sensi dell’art. 1, commi 54–89, L. 190/2014 (“Regime Forfettario”). |
| Italy – Domestic taxable supply (goods) (B2B/B2C) | IT_22 / IT_10 / IT_5 / IT_4 | — | Yes – Italian VAT charged | Complete VAT rate and VAT amount fields. Natura must be empty. | VAT charged pursuant to Italian VAT Law (DPR 633/1972), Art. 1. | Operazione imponibile IVA (aliquota XX%). |
| Italy – Exempt transaction (typically services) | IT_EXEMPT | N4 | No | Only use where the exemption strictly applies (Art. 10 categories). | VAT-exempt transaction pursuant to Art. 10 DPR 633/1972. | Operazione esente IVA ai sensi dell’art. 10 DPR 633/1972. |
| Italy – Domestic reverse charge (typically services/sectors) | IT_RC | N6.x / N6.9 | No | Select the correct N6 subcode, or use N6.9 for other cases. | Reverse charge applies pursuant to Art. 17 DPR 633/1972. | Operazione soggetta a inversione contabile (reverse charge) ai sensi dell’art. 17 DPR 633/1972. |
| Italy – Amounts excluded under Art. 15 | IT_ART15 | N1 | No | Typically disbursements paid in the name and on behalf of the client (Art. 15 conditions must be met). | Amounts excluded from VAT pursuant to Art. 15 DPR 633/1972. | Somme escluse da IVA ai sensi dell’art. 15 DPR 633/1972. |
| EU – B2B services (general rule) | EU_B2B_SERV | N2.1 | No | Customer VAT number required and should be VIES validated. | Supply of services outside the scope of Italian VAT pursuant to Art. 7-ter DPR 633/1972. Reverse charge applies. | Operazione non soggetta a IVA ai sensi dell’art. 7-ter DPR 633/1972 – inversione contabile a carico del committente. |
| EU – Intra-Community supply of goods (B2B) | EU_B2B_GOODS | N3.2 | No | Proof of transport required; customer VAT ID required/validated. | Intra-Community supply of goods – VAT not chargeable pursuant to Art. 41 DL 331/1993. | Operazione non imponibile – cessione intracomunitaria (art. 41 DL 331/1993). |
| EU – Distance sale of goods (OSS regime) | EU_B2C_OSS_GOODS | — | Yes – VAT at destination country rate | Natura not required if VAT is shown (VAT rate/amount must be populated). | VAT applied in the Member State of destination under the OSS regime (if applicable). | IVA applicata secondo il Paese di destinazione – regime OSS (se applicabile). |
| EU – Digital services (TTE) B2C – VAT paid in other EU State | EU_B2C_TTE | N7 | No (Italy) | N7 is specific for TTE services where VAT is due/paid in another EU Member State under OSS/MOSS. | VAT accounted for in another EU Member State under OSS/MOSS scheme. | IVA assolta in altro Stato UE (servizi TTE) – regime OSS/MOSS ove applicabile. |
| Non-EU – Export of goods | EX_GOODS | N3.1 | No | Customs export evidence required (e.g., MRN / proof of exit). | Export of goods – VAT not chargeable pursuant to Art. 8 DPR 633/1972. | Operazione non imponibile – esportazione (art. 8 DPR 633/1972). |
| Non-EU – B2B services (general rule) | EX_B2B_SERV | N2.1 | No | Confirm customer qualifies as a taxable person (best effort / documentation). | Supply of services outside the scope of Italian VAT pursuant to Art. 7-ter DPR 633/1972. | Operazione non soggetta a IVA ai sensi dell’art. 7-ter DPR 633/1972. |
| Outside scope – Other cases | OUT_SCOPE | N2.2 | No | Used where the transaction is not territorially relevant in Italy (cite the applicable rule). | Transaction outside the scope of Italian VAT (refer to applicable provision). | Operazione fuori campo IVA / non soggetta – (indicare riferimento normativo applicabile). |
| Margin scheme / VAT not shown | MARGIN | N5 | No | Used for margin schemes (second-hand goods, travel agents, etc.) where applicable. | Margin scheme – VAT not shown on invoice pursuant to applicable Italian VAT provisions. | Regime del margine / IVA non esposta in fattura (indicare riferimento del regime applicato). |