Back to Reality: Italy’s “Summer Truce” Ends, 138 Tax Deadlines Return in September
Revenue Agency’s Calendar Resumes with a Flood of Obligations for Businesses and Professionals, from VAT to IMU and Beyond
ROME – The so-called “summer truce” (tregua fiscale estiva) has officially ended. As of September 1st, Italy’s tax authorities have resumed their full activity, marking the return of a relentless calendar of deadlines that will challenge businesses, professionals, and individual taxpayers.
The term “truce” is somewhat of a misnomer; it primarily referred to a suspension of notification activities by the Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) and the Italian Equivalency of the IRS (Agenzia delle Entrate-Riscossione). However, the obligations for citizens and companies never truly stopped. Now, with the truce over, the full weight of the Italian tax system comes back into force, with a staggering 138 distinct deadlines crowding the final months of the year.
A Concentrated Wave of Payments and Declarations
The months of September, October, and November are notoriously the most intense for fiscal compliance in Italy. The deadlines encompass a wide range of taxes and contributions, including:
- VAT (IVA) Settlements: The second bi-monthly (July-August) or quarterly (Q2) VAT payment is due, along with the annual “split payment” communication for public administration suppliers.
- Local Taxes (IMU, TARI): The second installment of the Municipal Property Tax (IMU) is due for most properties, alongside deadlines for the Waste Tax (TARI).
- Social Security (INPS) and Welfare (INAIL) Contributions: A series of deadlines for various categories of contributions for the third quarter.
- Withholding Taxes (Ritenute d’Acconto): Deadlines for the payment of withholding taxes applied to professional fees and other income for the month of August.
- Sector-Specific Obligations: A host of niche deadlines, from the sugar tax for beverage producers to the plastic tax.
Why the “Truce” Was Critical
The summer pause, which ran from August 1st to August 31st, provided a temporary respite from the receipt of new tax audits, payment reminders, and collection notices. This annual break is designed to offer a period of administrative calm for taxpayers and the agencies themselves during the country’s peak vacation period.
However, experts from commercial associations like Confcommercio and Confesercenti have long warned that the concentration of so many deadlines immediately after the truce creates a significant administrative and financial burden, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and freelance professionals who may struggle with cash flow after the summer slowdown.
Preparing for the Onslaught: Advice from Consultants
Tax advisors are urging their clients to act immediately to avoid penalties, which typically range from 30% to 90% of the unpaid amount, plus interest.
“The worst mistake is to be caught off guard,” says Maria Rossi, a commercialista in Milan. “My advice is to immediately review the official calendar from the Revenue Agency, reconcile your accounts for the summer months, and prioritize the deadlines. For many, the September VAT payment is the most substantial. It’s crucial to plan your liquidity now to avoid liquidity crunches.”
The complete and official calendar of all 138 deadlines is available on the website of the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate). Taxpayers are strongly advised to consult it directly or through their trusted financial advisor to ensure full compliance and avoid costly sanctions. The truce is over; the tax year’s most demanding season has begun.