If you spend any time in Italy dealing with business or paperwork, you’ll quickly hear about the commercialista! This professional is central to the Italian system of finance and bureaucracy. But what exactly do they do, and why might you need one? Read this article and find out all you need to know about it.
👉 For an overview of the bureaucracy landscape, see: Italian Bureaucracy and Everyday Life: A Guide for Foreigners.
A Brief Overview
A commercialista is a licensed tax advisor and accountant in Italy. Their role goes far beyond bookkeeping: they handle tax declarations, business registrations, and compliance with Italian law. Think of them as a mix between an accountant, tax consultant, and business advisor.
The title Dottore Commercialista is protected by law. To use it, professionals must have a degree in economics, complete mandatory training, and register with the Ordine dei Dottori Commercialisti e degli Esperti Contabili (ODCEC).
In English-speaking countries, their closest equivalent would be a Chartered Accountant or CPA.
What a Commercialista Can Do for You
The services of a commercialista cover a wide range of needs. For example, if you start freelancing in Italy, your commercialista will open your Partita IVA, explain your tax regime (forfettario or ordinario), and file your quarterly VAT returns.
If you buy property, they can help declare rental income and ensure you pay IMU or TARI correctly.
Here the full list of tasks a commercialista can do:
- Filing IRPEF income tax returns
- Managing Partita IVA for freelancers and businesses
- Advising on business structures (sole proprietorship, company, partnership)
- Helping with employment contracts and payroll
- Handling tax disputes with the Agenzia delle Entrate
- Offering general financial planning advice within Italian law
Why You May Need One
Italy’s bureaucracy is known for being complex. Even locals rely heavily on their commercialista to avoid costly mistakes. You may particularly need one if:
- You are self-employed or run a business in Italy
- You own property in Italy and rent it out
- You are unsure how double taxation treaties apply to your case
- You want help navigating INPS contributions
- You simply don’t speak enough Italian to handle forms and deadlines
Typical Costs and How to Find a Commercialista
How much does a commercialista cost?
Fees vary widely depending on the location, size of your business, and the range of services offered.
- Freelancers and individuals can expect to pay between €300 and €800 per year for basic tax declarations (dichiarazione dei redditi, Partita IVA management, and INPS assistance).
- Small companies or partnerships may spend anywhere from €1,000 to €3,000 per year, depending on the complexity of their accounts.
- One-off consultations usually cost €50–€150, especially for advice on residency, property, or inheritance matters.
Where to find a good commercialista
You can find one locally by searching online or by checking the Ordine dei Dottori Commercialisti e degli Esperti Contabili (ODCEC) online registry. Every qualified professional must be listed there.
More and more online commercialisti now offer services for expats and remote workers, communicating by email or video call. These can be a great option if you don’t speak fluent Italian or live outside major cities.
Tip: When searching for a commercialista, always ask for a clear quote (preventivo) before starting, and make sure they understand your situation, especially if you have income or tax tier abroad.
Practical Advice for Foreigners
For foreigners, a commercialista can be invaluable. While some speak English (especially in larger cities), in smaller towns you may need an interpreter. Always ask upfront about fees: some charge by the hour, others offer flat-rate packages.
Tip: When choosing one, make sure they are registered with the Ordine dei Dottori Commercialisti, the official professional body.
✅ Key Takeaways
- A commercialista is an accountant and tax advisor who plays a vital role in Italian bureaucracy.
- They handle taxes, business registrations, payroll, and compliance.
- Foreigners often need one due to language barriers and complex rules.
- Choosing a registered professional is the best way to avoid issues.