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 […]
Financial Crime
11.1 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Italy enforces AML regulations under Legislative Decree No. 231/2007, aligned with EU directives. Obligated entities include banks, accountants, lawyers, and real estate agents. Key requirements include: The Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) monitors compliance and investigates suspicious activity. 11.2 Anti-Corruption Measures Italy has strengthened anti-corruption laws through Legislative Decree No. 190/2012 and […]
Mergers & Acquisitions
10.1 Legal Framework M&A transactions in Italy are governed by the Civil Code, the Consolidated Financial Act (TUF), and EU regulations. Key authorities include: Cross-border deals may also trigger foreign investment screening under the Golden Power regime. 10.2 Deal Structures Common M&A structures include: Each structure has different tax, legal, and operational implications. Due diligence […]
Business Tax
9.1 Corporate Taxation Italian companies are subject to two main taxes: Taxable income is calculated according to Italian GAAP, with adjustments for non-deductible expenses and exemptions. Losses may be carried forward indefinitely, subject to limits. 9.2 VAT and Indirect Taxes Italy applies a standard VAT rate of 22%, with reduced rates (10%, 5%, 4%) for […]
Executive Performance and Compensation
7.1 Executive Roles and Titles Italian companies typically appoint executives such as: Amministratore Delegato (CEO) – Chief executive with delegated powers Direttore Generale – General manager overseeing operations Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Responsible for financial strategy and reporting Board Chair – Leads board meetings and governance oversight Titles and roles vary by company size […]
Accounting and Reporting
6.1 Accounting Standards Italian companies generally follow the Italian GAAP (OIC) for statutory reporting. Listed companies and large groups must use IFRS as adopted by the EU. The choice of standards depends on company type, size, and listing status. 6.2 Bookkeeping Requirements All companies must maintain accurate books, including: Journal (Libro giornale) Inventory book (Libro […]
Directors and Management
4.1 Appointment and Eligibility Directors are appointed by shareholders and must meet basic eligibility criteria: Be at least 18 years old Hold a valid Italian tax code (codice fiscale) Not be disqualified or bankrupt Foreign nationals may serve as directors, subject to reciprocity rules. Residency is not required, but practical considerations (e.g., signing authority, tax […]
Black List Countries
Presumption of Tax Residence Article 2, paragraph 2-bis of the Italian Income Tax Code (TUIR – Presidential Decree No. 917/1986) contains a specific anti-tax avoidance provision concerning the tax residency of Italian citizens. Reversing the Burden of Proof: This provision establishes a rebuttable presumption that an Italian citizen who transfers their residence to a country […]
Payments on Account
By 30 June and 30 November of each year, Italian taxpayers must make payment on account (acconto) of their tax liability for the current year. The amount to be paid by way of first and second account payments is primarily based on the tax due as shown in the tax return for the previous year […]
Italian Taxes for Corporations
An Overview of Italian Taxes Due By Corporate Bodies Carrying on Business in Italy Italian resident corporations and foreign companies operating in Italy through an Italian branch/permanent establishment, as well as a number of other entities that are treated as corporations are subject to two principal forms of taxation: Imposta sul Reddito delle SocietĂ (IRES) […]