The Ravvedimento Operoso Procedure derives from the Italian word which can be literally translated as “redemption” or “penitence”. It is, however, in this context not a religious concept, but simply a procedure that allows taxpayers who have missed a deadline for payment to pay tax late with a smaller penalty compared to the rather stiff penalty that would normally apply. How much you pay depends on how late you make the payment. Interest also applies on late payments. The system is a bit fiddly so you should check with your accountant or tax adviser to get an ad hoc calculation of the penalty for late payment and the relevant codes to show on the F24 tax payment form. The table below summarises the main principles. Interest will also be due in addition to these penalties, but rates recently have been low.
The Ravvedimento procedure is only available providing that the authorities have not started proceedings to assess the tax.
| Ravvedimento – reduced penalties for spontaneous late payment | |||
| After Deadline for payment | Normal Penalty | Reduced penalty | Effective penalty with ravvedimento |
| Within 14 days | 15% | 1/10 | 0.10 % for each day late |
| From 15 to 30 days | 15% | 1/10 | 1.5% |
| From 31 to 90 days | 15% | 1/9 | 1.67% |
| From the 91° day to deadline for filing tax return | 30% | 1/8 | 3.75% |
| Prior to filing date for successive tax return | 30% | 1/7 | 4.29% |
| Prior to filing date for successive tax return | 30% | 1/6 | 5% |