Most Italians dread even its name. Agenzia delle Entrate, the Italian Revenue Agency. It’s the government body that deals with everything related to taxes, and sooner or later, anyone living in Italy will have to deal with it.
What the Agenzia delle Entrate Does
The agency is mainly responsible for:
- Collecting taxes (income tax, VAT, property-related taxes).
- Handling tax returns and refunds.
- Registering contracts, such as rental agreements.
- Monitoring tax compliance and preventing fraud.
For residents and foreign property owners, this is the institution where much of the “serious paperwork” goes through.
When You’ll Have to Deal With It
You’ll come across the Agenzia delle Entrate in cases like:
- Applying for a codice fiscale.
- Declaring property purchases and registering deeds.
- Filing income tax returns (known as dichiarazione dei redditi).
- Settling inheritance-related paperwork.
In short: buying a house, signing contracts, or even running a small business — all roads lead here.
Offices and How They Work
There are local offices in every province. Opening times can be limited, and queues are common. Many services are now available online, but most foreigners find that having a local accountant (commercialista) saves a lot of headaches.
👉 Keep in mind: you’ll usually need to book an appointment, either by phone or online, before showing up.
Tips for Foreigners
- Language barrier: very few employees speak English. Bring someone with Italian skills or hire a translator if needed.
- Documentation: always carry copies of your ID, codice fiscale, and property-related documents.
- Patience: delays are normal. Start procedures early to avoid missed deadlines.