Tax Credits & Deductions (Detrazioni e Deduzioni) β Italy
Italy distinguishes between deductions (oneri deducibili - reduce taxable income) and tax credits (detrazioni - reduce tax owed). Credits are more valuable as they provide euro-for-euro reduction regardless of tax bracket.
Tax Credits & Deductions (Detrazioni e Deduzioni)
Italy distinguishes between deductions (oneri deducibili - reduce taxable income) and tax credits (detrazioni - reduce tax owed). Credits are more valuable as they provide euro-for-euro reduction regardless of tax bracket.
Tax Deductions (Oneri Deducibili)
All mandatory INPS contributions (9.19-10.19% of salary) fully deductible from gross income before calculating IRPEF. Significantly reduces taxable base. Automatically applied by employer for employees.
Voluntary contributions to complementary pension funds (fondi pensione) deductible up to β¬5,164.57 annually. Reduces taxable income, saving 23-43% depending on bracket. Must be to approved funds.
Donations to ONLUS (non-profits) deductible up to 10% of declared income or β¬70,000 max. Political party donations: 20% deductible up to β¬30,000. Religious institutions: β¬1,032.91 max. Must have documentation.
Court-ordered alimony and separation maintenance payments fully deductible from income. Must be pursuant to court/separation order. Cannot be voluntary agreements. Recipient must declare as taxable income.
Work-Related Tax Credits
Income-dependent credit for employees: β¬1,955 if income β€β¬15,000, scaling down to β¬1,910 at β¬28,000, β¬1,910-β¬1,190 from β¬28k-β¬50k, β¬0 above β¬50,000. Automatically applied by employer. No documentation needed.
For self-employed/business income: β¬1,265-β¬1,420 depending on income level. Less generous than employee credit. Scales down from β¬15,000 to β¬55,000 income, zero above.
For pension income recipients: β¬1,955 if pension β€β¬8,500, β¬1,910 for β¬8,500-β¬28,000, scaling to zero by β¬50,000. Helps low-income pensioners. Combined with other credits available.
Family Tax Credits (2026)
If spouse has income under β¬2,840.51: credit of β¬800 if your income β€β¬15,000, scaling down to β¬690 at β¬40,000, β¬0 above β¬80,000. Increases by β¬10 for each child. Old-fashioned credit being phased out.
For dependent children aged 21-30 (or over 30 if disabled): β¬950 tax credit each if child's income under β¬4,000 and lives with you. Increased to β¬1,220 if child has disability. Proof of dependence required.
For dependent parents/grandparents over 75 living with you: β¬750 each if their income under β¬2,840.51. Full credit if your income β€β¬15,000, scaling to β¬0 at β¬95,000. Must be cohabiting.
Families with 4+ dependent children get additional β¬1,200 annual credit (β¬100/month). Income limits apply. Recognizes higher costs of large families. Claimed through employer or tax return.
Housing & Renovation Credits
For first home purchase: 19% tax credit on mortgage interest paid, up to β¬4,000 interest = max β¬760 annual credit. Only for principal residence. Must be primary home at time of purchase. 10-year benefit.
For first home renovations: 50% of expenses deductible spread over 10 years. Max β¬96,000 per property (β¬48,000 total benefit). Confirmed for 2026. Requires registered contractors, bank transfers, documentation. Major tax benefit.
Energy-saving renovations: 50-65% deduction depending on work type (insulation 65%, solar panels 50%, windows 50%). Spread over 10 years. Separate caps. Must improve energy classification. Popular incentive.
For renters: β¬300 credit if income β¬15,791-β¬30,987 (young couples/single parents get β¬495.80). Must be primary residence rental contract. Limited availability. Most renters don't qualify.
Other Significant Credits
19% tax credit on out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding β¬129.11 threshold. Includes: doctor visits, medications (prescription only), surgeries, diagnostic tests, medical devices, glasses. Keep all receipts. No upper limit.
University fees: 19% on fees paid (no limit). Private school fees (K-12): 19% up to β¬800 per child. Sports for children 5-18: 19% up to β¬210. Must be documented with receipts from approved institutions.
19% tax credit on funeral expenses up to β¬1,550 per deceased person. Claimed by person who paid expenses. Must be documented. Can be claimed by family members splitting costs.
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