Table of Contents:
Introduction to the IMU and the deadlines
Every year, property owners in Italy face the deadline for paying the IMU, the Own Municipal Tax. This year, the deadline for the balance is set for today, Monday. It is essential to be informed about the calculation methods and any exemptions to avoid penalties and erroneous payments
.
Calculation of the IMU balance
The payment of the down payment, which expired last June 16, was based on the rates and deductions established by the municipalities for the previous year.
However, the adjusted balance includes any adjustments based on the new rates decided by municipalities and published on the website of the Ministry of Finance. It’s important to check the updated information to avoid surprises
.
Exemptions and cadastral categories
One of the main characteristics of the IMU is that it does not apply to the first house, considered a main residence, unless it belongs to luxury cadastral categories such as A1, A8 and A9. In these cases, landlords are required to pay the tax. Second homes, on the other hand, are always subject to IMU, regardless of the cadastral category. In addition, business premises, sheds and agricultural land must also
be taxed.
Average IMU costs in different cities
According to a UIL report, the overall average cost of the IMU for a luxury main home in 2024 is 2,531 euros, with peaks that exceed 6,000 euros in large cities. For second homes, the average cost is 1,022 euros, but it can reach more than 2,000 euros in cities like Rome. On the contrary, Cremona stands out for having the lowest IMU cost for main luxury homes, with an annual total of
967 euros.
Reductions and exemptions from the IMU
The legislator provides for specific cases in which it is possible to obtain reductions or exemptions from the IMU. For example, if a property is loaned free of charge to a first-degree relative, the tax base is reduced by 50%. In addition, if the property is rented at an agreed rent, the tax base may be reduced by 75%. It’s important to know these opportunities to optimize costs.
Special situations and case law
Some cases of exemption have been the subject of legal debate, as in the case of spouses who reside in different buildings. If both properties are considered first homes, the spouses may not pay the IMU. The marital home assigned to a spouse as a result of legal separation is also exempt from the tax. These situations require legal attention and advice to ensure regulatory compliance.
