Table of Corporate Income Tax and IRAP Rates
Historical Italian Corporate Income Tax (IRES) and Regional Tax (IRAP) Rates Period IRES Rate (Standard) IRAP Rate (Standard) Notes Pre-2004 IRPEG (predecessor): 36-37% N/A IRPEG replaced by IRES in 2004 2004–2007 33% N/A (introduced later) Initial IRES rate 2008–2016 27.5% 4.25% (1998–2007)3.9% (from 2008/2009) IRAP standard rate reduced in 2008; higher for banks (e.g., 4.65-5.5%) […]
Employment
8.1 Employment Contracts Italian employment contracts must comply with national labor laws and collective bargaining agreements (CCNL). Contracts may be: Permanent (tempo indeterminato) – Default form with full protections Fixed-term (tempo determinato) – Allowed for specific projects or seasonal work Apprenticeship (apprendistato) – Combines training with employment Freelance/Consultant (collaborazione) – Used for independent contractors Contracts […]
Legal Background
1.1 Key Legal Sources Italy’s business law is rooted in the Civil Code (Codice Civile), which governs contracts, companies, and obligations. Supplementary laws include Legislative Decree No. 58/1998 (TUF) for financial markets, and EU regulations that apply directly or via transposition. The establishment and operation of enterprises in Italy are primarily governed by: Codice Civile […]
Business Structures
2.1 Overview This blog post is intended to provide a high level overview of the types of business structures available to investors in a business to be carried on in Italy and applies primarily to the situation where the investors are individuals – separate and different considerations may apply where the investor is a corporate […]
Shareholders and Members
3.1 Rights and Obligations Shareholders in Italian companies enjoy rights based on their share class and the company’s bylaws. Core rights include: Voting on key resolutions (e.g., mergers, capital changes) Receiving dividends and liquidation proceeds Inspecting financial statements and minutes Calling meetings (if holding ≥10% of capital) Obligations include contributing capital, respecting confidentiality, and complying […]
Conducting Business
5.1 Registered Office and Local Presence All Italian companies must maintain a registered office (sede legale), which is listed in the Companies Register. This address is used for legal notices and tax correspondence. While virtual offices are permitted, physical presence may be required for certain licenses or inspections. 5.2 Business Licenses and Sectoral Approvals Italy […]
Tips and Traps
15.1 Common Pitfalls Foreign investors often encounter challenges due to unfamiliarity with Italian bureaucracy and legal nuances. Common traps include: Underestimating incorporation timelines and documentation Failing to comply with local labor laws and collective agreements Ignoring VAT registration and electronic invoicing requirements Using generic contracts without Italian legal review Early legal and accounting advice can […]
Trends and Predictions
14.1 Digital Transformation Italian businesses are increasingly adopting digital tools, including e-invoicing, cloud accounting, and remote collaboration platforms. Government incentives such as the “Piano Nazionale Transizione 4.0” support investment in digital infrastructure and innovation. 14.2 ESG and Sustainability Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are gaining traction among investors and regulators. Companies are expected to […]
Termination of Activities
13.1 Voluntary Liquidation Companies may choose to wind up operations through voluntary liquidation. This requires: Shareholder resolution to dissolve the company Appointment of a liquidator (liquidatore) Notification to the Companies Register Settlement of debts and distribution of remaining assets The process must comply with Civil Code provisions and may take several months depending on complexity. […]
Audits and Auditors
12.1 Statutory Audit Requirements Italian companies are subject to statutory audit requirements based on their legal form and size. An audit is mandatory for: Audits must be performed by registered professionals or audit firms listed with MEF (Ministry of Economy and Finance). 12.2 Appointment and Independence Auditors are appointed by shareholders and must remain independent […]