On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about Italian VAT registration, Returns, Tax Representation and your legal obligations within Italy.
Italy
Looking to sell goods into Italy?
In Italy
In France you need to register for VAT if:
- You store goods In Italy
- You sell them to consumers based in Italy; and
- Your sales exceed Italy domestic VAT threshold of €65,000.
You may also need to register for VAT separately in other EU countries if:
- You sell goods to consumers in other EU countries.
In a different EU Country
You need to register for VAT in Italy if:
- You store your goods in Italy or
- You sell to Italian-based consumers (non-business); and
- Your sales exceed Italy distance selling VAT threshold of €35,000
Outside the EU
You need to register for VAT in Italy if:
- You sell goods that you store in an EU country to customers based in the EU.
You may also need to register for VAT separately in other EU countries if:
- You sell goods to consumers in other EU countries.
Types of Italian VAT
| Rate | Type |
| 22% | Standard |
| 10% | Reduced |
| 5% | Reduced |
| 4% | Reduced |
| 0% | Zero |
The VAT threshold is the threshold of gross sales that you make within Italy. Also known as distance selling, the threshold for EU businesses selling into Italy is €35,000. This means when you reach or exceed this amount you are required to register for VAT in Italy.
For Non EU it is very different. If you are storing goods in any EU country via a fulfilment centre such as Amazon FBA then regardless of sales you are required to register for VAT in the country you are storing in.
If you are shipping goods from your own non-eu country then there are 2 options. You must first clear the goods into the destination eu country and you will be required to pay the VAT and Duty to the Italian authorities. In order to claim this back you must be VAT registered.
Option 2 – you can charge the VAT & Duty to your customer, however since this is not described on sites such as Amazon, eBay and other marketplaces this may land you in alot of trouble with the customer being dissatisfied if you did not make this clear before they purchased.
Italian VAT Rates
22% Standard – All other taxable goods and services
10% Reduced – Some foodstuffs; water supplies; some pharmaceutical products; domestic passenger transport; admission to cultural events; some social housing; renovation and repair of private dwellings; some construction work on new buildings; some supplies of new buildings (non-luxurious); some agricultural supplies; hotel accommodation; restaurants; admission to certain sports events; energy products (excluding district heating); firewood; collection of domestic waste; some waste water treatment; alcoholic beverages in bars and cafes; take away food; cut flowers and plants for decorative use and food production
5% Reduced – Some foodstuffs; some social services; certain passenger transport
4% Reduced – Some food products; certain medical equipment for disabled persons; certain books; newspapers and some periodicals; e-books with an international standard book number (ISBN) ; online journals newspapers; TV licence; some social housing; some agricultural supplies; certain social services; motor vehicles for the disabled; construction work on new buildings (for first housing); supplies of new buildings (for first housing)
0% Zero – Intra-community and international transport
Fiscal Representation
In accordance with the EU VAT Directives, a local Italian fiscal representative or agent is not required by a company resident in another EU member state. However, a fiscal representative, who is jointly liable for the Italian VAT, is required for non-EU companies.
As part of your Italian VAT Registration with us we will become your Fiscal Representative in Italy and communicate to the Italian VAT Authorities on your behalf and also complete your VAT returns so you work within the law. This leaves you to focus on selling your goods.
Italian VAT Returns
All tax payers registration for Italian VAT must submit a quarterly VAT return in Italy. This is due on the last day of the second month following the filing period, so a filing period for Q1 for January, February and March would be due by 31st May
An Annual VAT return is also required in Italy and is due by 30th April the following year.
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fiscal representation
When a non-European business trades with the EU, some member states impose the need for a fiscal representative to be appointed for registration, filing, imports or VAT reclaims depending on the various EU rules.
VAT Digital is a recognised and certified European Fiscal Representative allowing for our non-EU clients to trade freely with the EU. This enables a lot of benefits for businesses when registering and importing goods to the European Union.
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Selling internationally can be very profitable but also increase the burden of expenditure for businesses. VAT expenses on goods, services and other operations outside of your home country can be difficult to recover due to the lack of registration or non-compliance.
VAT Digitals specialist team can help identify where VAT can be recovered and process a reclaim to ensure your business is maximizing its profits.
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