Expert Tax Support for Freelancers and the Self-Employed in Italy
We handle self-employed taxes in Italy. Trusted by freelancers and professionals who want their taxes done right, on time, and stress-free.
Most Self-Employed Professionals in Italy Struggle With Tax Rules
Managing taxes as a freelancer or self-employed professional in Italy is rarely straightforward. Confusing rules, changing regulations, and strict tax deadlines make compliance stressful and mistakes costly.
Choosing the Right Tax Regime
Without guidance on income thresholds, deductions, and long-term impact, choosing between the flat-rate regime and ordinary taxation isn’t easy.
Registering with the Right Authorities
Freelancers must register for a VAT number and with INPS. Mistakes here can lead to delays, fines, or incorrect tax treatment.
Managing Invoices and VAT
Issuing invoices with the correct VAT codes and electronic format is mandatory. Mistakes can lead to audits or lost deductions.
Keeping Up with Deadlines
Tax filing and INPS contribution deadlines vary by income and regime. Missing one can result in automatic penalties or interest charges.
Paying INPS Contributions
Social security payments are mandatory and often misunderstood. Many underestimate how much they owe or forget to budget for it.
Handling Quarterly Advance Tax Payments
Freelancers must prepay taxes based on estimated income. Miscalculations can lead to overpayments, underpayments, or surprise bills at year-end.
Tytle Solves the Tax Challenges Freelancers Face in Italy
Tytle offers expert tax services for freelancers in Italy. We handle the paperwork, filings, and payments entirely online, so you stay compliant without delays, stress, or costly mistakes.
Who Needs to Pay Self-Employed Tax in Italy?
Anyone working independently in Italy, including freelancers, consultants, and remote professionals, is considered self-employed and must register for a partita IVA(VAT number).
This applies to both residents and non-residents earning income in Italy. If you meet the Italian tax residency criteria, you are required to comply with local tax laws.
Once registered, you become responsible for handling your own taxes, including income tax and social security contributions.
Whether you're an expat, digital nomad, or local freelancer, being self-employed in Italy means taking full responsibility for your tax obligations.
What Taxes Do Freelancers in Italy Pay?
Freelancers in Italy typically pay three main types of taxes: income tax (IRPEF), regional and municipal surcharges, and INPS social security contributions.
IRPEF is a progressive tax ranging from 23% to 43%, depending on income brackets. Regional and local taxes add a few percentage points, depending on where you live.
INPS contributions usually range from 25% to 26% of taxable income but can be higher, varying by profession and tax regime. If applicable, VAT must also be charged on invoices.
Knowing which taxes apply to your situation is essential for staying compliant and avoiding unexpected costs.
Understanding the Flat-Rate Regime (Regime Forfettario)
The regime forfettario is a simplified tax system for self-employed professionals earning up to €85,000 per year.
It applies a fixed tax rate, usually 15% (and 5% for eligible new businesses during their first five years) to a standard percentage of your gross income, based on your profession.
This regime excludes VAT obligations and allows for simplified bookkeeping. Social security contributions to INPS remain due, but you can choose to apply the optional 35% reduction, which calculates contributions on the reduced flat-rate taxable base rather than on total turnover.
However, if you exceed the income threshold of €85,000 per year, you’ll have to switch to the standard regime. It’s ideal for smaller operations with predictable income and minimal business expenses.
Tax Deadlines and Payments for the Self-Employed in Italy
Self-employed individuals in Italy are responsible for managing and submitting their own taxes.
Income tax is paid in two advance installments, in June and November, calculated on the previous year’s tax liability (metodo storico), unless the taxpayer opts for the metodo previsionale, in which case they are based on the current year’s estimated income. The final balance is due in June of the following year.
INPS contributions are not deducted automatically like for employees. Freelancers under the Gestione Separata usually pay them together with their income tax (June and November), while artisans and traders pay fixed instalments quarterly. These deadlines are fixed and missing them can result in penalties and interest charges.
Freelancers must also track payments, keep proper records, and ensure timely filings to avoid fines.
Late filings are flagged by the tax authorities and may lead to audits or additional penalties. Staying organized is crucial to meeting all tax obligations on time.
What Non-Resident Freelancers Need to Know About Tax in Italy
If you’re a non-resident freelancer providing services to Italian clients, you’re generally taxed only on income earned in Italy.
However, if you spend more than 183 days per year in Italy or if your main business activity is based there, you may be considered a tax resident and taxed on your worldwide income.
Italy has double taxation treaties with many countries that help resolve issues of double taxation if they arise.
Non-residents often need to register for a VAT number, follow Italian invoicing rules, and, in some cases, make social security contributions. Filing a tax return is required to stay compliant.
Tytle Solves the Tax Challenges Freelancers Face in Italy
Tytle offers expert tax services for freelancers in Italy. We handle the paperwork, filings, and payments entirely online, so you stay compliant without delays, stress, or costly mistakes.
Tytle Solves the Tax Challenges Freelancers Face in Italy
Tytle offers expert tax services for freelancers in Italy. We handle the paperwork, filings, and payments entirely online, so you stay compliant without delays, stress, or costly mistakes.
Our Tax Services
Partita IVA Registration
We help you choose the right tax regime and handle all paperwork to open your VAT number quickly and correctly.
INPS Social Security Setup
We register you with the correct INPS fund, calculate contributions, and ensure you stay compliant with social security obligations.
Quarterly Tax and INPS Filings
We track deadlines, calculate taxes and INPS payments, and file everything on your behalf, no missed deadlines or fines.
Electronic Invoicing & VAT Guidance
We set you up with legally compliant e-invoicing tools, apply the right VAT codes, and explain when VAT does or doesn’t apply.
Annual Tax Return Filing
We prepare and submit your annual income tax return, ensuring all deductions, contributions, and income are reported correctly.
Tax Support for Non-Residents
We guide expats and non-residents with regard to their Italian tax obligations, residency status, and how to avoid double taxation.
We Provide Tax Support in the Following Countries
Get tax help
How We Work
Fill out a short questionnaire
Simply answer a few questions about your tax requirements, and Tytle’s expat tax advisors will assist you with expert advice, filings, planning, bookkeeping, and more.
Be connected with a Tytle non-resident tax consultant
We’ll match you with the right expat tax advisor and provide an upfront price estimate. No need to worry about cross-border issues—that’s our specialty!
Review and approve
Once you approve, our tax expert will begin working on your case. Have any questions or concerns? Feel free to contact us.
Tytle will do the rest
Keep all your documents organized and archived in your personal dashboard. Stay on top of deadlines and never miss important communications from tax authorities.
Who Are We?
Tytle provides tax services for over 30 countries, including the EU, UK, US, Brazil, and parts of Asia. Our team, consisting of more than 50 experienced tax advisors, offers a wide range of services, from tax planning and filing to bookkeeping and audits.
With a proven reputation for excellence, Tytle is dedicated to simplifying tax management, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.
The goal is to ensure full compliance, optimize tax situations, and accelerate the tax process whenever possible. Our specialization lies in handling complex tax issues, such as double taxation and dual reporting, for individuals and businesses operating across borders.
Tytle ensures that clients are paired with the right tax advisor, offering transparent fees and timely support, no matter where in the world they are located.
Why choose Tytle?
Tytle specializes in taxes for freelancers in Italy, offering expert guidance, fast support, and full compliance, so you can focus on your work while we handle the paperwork.
Our approach is straightforward: we listen, understand, and offer clear, actionable solutions.
For individuals and businesses seeking dependable, simple tax assistance, Tytle is the trusted company you can count on.
Here is why:
At Tytle, we connect you with the right tax advisor to address your unique needs.
We take the time to understand your situation, providing clear, actionable guidance and proactive solutions to ensure you get the support you need.
From handling your taxes to securing your tax number, we make the entire process smooth, clear, and hassle-free, reducing filing time by up to 70%.
Our skilled tax professionals manage taxes with precision, offering competitive pricing and prompt, reliable service.
No hidden fees - just straightforward tax help.
Frequently asked questions
No, not necessarily. If you live and work abroad, Italy usually does not tax you just because your client is Italian. You would pay tax in Italy only if the work is carried out in Italy or if a permanent establishment is created there. Tax treaties may reduce or eliminate the risk of double taxation.
The flat-rate regime (regime forfettario) offers a simplified system with a fixed tax on a portion of your income. The standard regime applies progressive rates and allows more deductions.
You must apply for a partita IVA (VAT number) and register with the INPS for social security. This process depends on your profession, residency, and expected income, and also requires selecting the correct ATECO code for your services.
Freelancers typically pay income tax (IRPEF), regional and municipal surcharges, INPS social security contributions, and in some cases, VAT on invoices.
If you're under the flat-rate regime, you don’t charge VAT. Otherwise, VAT may apply depending on your service and client type. Correct invoicing is essential for compliance.
Advance income tax payments are due in June and November, with a final balance the following year. INPS contributions are usually paid quarterly.
Missing tax or INPS deadlines can result in penalties and interest charges. Staying organized or using a tax advisor helps avoid costly mistakes.
Yes. Choosing the right tax regime, applying allowable deductions, and using applicable tax incentives can reduce your tax burden. Professional advice helps you optimize legally.
Under the current rules, you may be considered a tax resident in Italy if your habitual abode is there, if your personal and family ties are primarily located in Italy, or if you spend at least 183 days in the country during the tax year. In that case, you are taxed on your worldwide income; otherwise, you are only taxed on income sourced in Italy.
Yes. All self-employed individuals, including those under the flat-rate regime, must file an annual tax return to report income, contributions, and taxes paid.
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