Residenza and taxes

[gsimon]

Originally Posted by Davidealex

Thanks Nardini. We'd heard that the vigili visits are unprepdictable (although I gather that we shouldn't hold our breath at weekends or in August!). It looks as if we will have to adopt a kind of seige mentality for a while - an unfortunately timed visit to the shops could prove expensive.

DeA

congrats to us, we settled today on our home in Gagliano. Our agent told us that last year a new law was passed requiring Residenza for purchasing a car. We will not be living there, and he advised us not to even try to evade the purchase tax. However, many of his clients are upset about the car problem, and he suggests trying to get the Residenza AFTER the tax is paid so the commune cares less.......what do you think? I arrive July 1: first post!

[Nardini]

Originally Posted by gsimon

congrats to us, we settled today on our home in Gagliano. Our agent told us that last year a new law was passed requiring Residenza for purchasing a car. We will not be living there, and he advised us not to even try to evade the purchase tax. However, many of his clients are upset about the car problem, and he suggests trying to get the Residenza AFTER the tax is paid so the commune cares less.......what do you think? I arrive July 1: first post!

The only thing that your (or, or, etc) comune don't "care less about" is about what your tax status is.

You must remember that when you move to Italy, you are an immigrant. In your case, being a US citizen, you have the same rights to live here as, for example, a Mexican in the USA. You must comply with the immigration laws if you wish to stay in a foreign country, which is clearly defined and which the comune must follow and comply with..

[gsimon]

please, he only said might care less, not could care less, and I understand and appreciate the challenges to the country of immigration. And I appreciate your comments regarding documents etc. An attorney is investigating the new rule on behalf of the realtor, she indicates there is some confusion regarding its application. What is your opinion about the possibility of buying a vehicle?

[Nardini]

Originally Posted by gsimon

please, he only said might care less, not could care less, and I understand and appreciate the challenges to the country of immigration. And I appreciate your comments regarding documents etc. An attorney is investigating the new rule on behalf of the realtor, she indicates there is some confusion regarding its application. What is your opinion about the possibility of buying a vehicle?

I must firstly point out to you that neither of the words "could", nor "might" were used in the post to which I responded.

When you purchase property in Italy, the taxes that you pay on the purchase are reduced if the house is your "prima casa" in Italy. If the house you are buying is not your "prima casa" than you must pay the increased tax on the purchase. You have 18 months to achieve this qualification, after which the higher rate of taxation must be paid.

It is, obviously, well worth your while applying for residenza as soon as possible after the purchase has been confirmed, even though it may prove "inconvenient" to justify that you really do live in the house as your main residence in Italy. That is the price you must pay for the lower taxation level, which is designed to relieve the tax burden on the people who live in their houses full-time. Remember, that you must not sell the house for 5 years after purchase as well, or you will have to pay the higher level of tax at that time.

I note your comment on buying a vehicle, but have not answered that question here as this thread is all about property tax, no? I will only add, solely for your benefit, that you must have an address in Italy to which a car can be registered to - hence the need for residenza when you are buying a car.

[davidfryer23]

Originally Posted by Nardini

I must firstly point out to you that neither of the words "could", nor "might" were used in the post to which I responded.

When you purchase property in Italy, the taxes that you pay on the purchase are reduced if the house is your "prima casa" in Italy. If the house you are buying is not your "prima casa" than you must pay the increased tax on the purchase. You have 18 months to achieve this qualification, after which the higher rate of taxation must be paid.

It is, obviously, well worth your while applying for residenza as soon as possible after the purchase has been confirmed, even though it may prove "inconvenient" to justify that you really do live in the house as your main residence in Italy. That is the price you must pay for the lower taxation level, which is designed to relieve the tax burden on the people who live in their houses full-time. Remember, that you must not sell the house for 5 years after purchase as well, or you will have to pay the higher level of tax at that time.

I note your comment on buying a vehicle, but have not answered that question here as this thread is all about property tax, no? I will only add, solely for your benefit, that you must have an address in Italy to which a car can be registered to - hence the need for residenza when you are buying a car.

Thanks to all who have replied to this thread, especially Nardini.

As an update, I spoke with my geometra on my last visit and his comments reflect what has been said by a number of people - the interpretation of the rules is different from commune to commune. He assures me there will be no problem about achieving residenza so long as I don't have a second property in Italy and am at home when the police make their visit. We'll soon find out if that's true but I'll comply with as many of the things that have been said on here as possible just in case.

Incidentally, I have done some refurbishment on the property and my geometra says that the 18 month time limit to achieve residenza starts from the time he signs off the completed works and not from the time of purchase. I hope he is correct or I already have problems....

[davidfryer23]

Originally Posted by davidfryer23

I am buying a house in Italy and have been advised by the agents to declare it as my "first house" in Italy - which it is - so the tax is lower and then to apply for "residenza". I expect to spend a lot of time there as well as in the UK and just want to make sure this is the correct thing to do. If it is, can anyone assist with advice on how to apply for residenza? Thanks all

Well, I walked into the Anagrafe's office and said that I wanted to apply for residenza and asked if there is a form to fill in. She took my name, found me on her system and printed off the certificate there and then, at a cost of 26 cents. No producing any documents or evidence of finance/medical cover etc. My geometra had called ahead and explained that we had completed the refurbishment of our apartment and I think he spoke to the policeman too, so we didn't even have to wait in for him to visit and check us. I think it just confirms that the way different communes do it is different and it's very helpful to have a local on your side to smooth the way. Good luck to everyone else that's treading this path.