Businesses registered for VAT purposes in Italy are required to submit an annual VAT return for the 2025 reporting year. The annual return (dichiarazione annuale IVA) summarises VAT transactions carried out during the 2025 tax period and complements the information reported through periodic VAT filings.
Purpose of the annual VAT return
The annual VAT return provides an overview of VAT transactions reported during the year. While periodic VAT returns focus on aggregated figures, the annual return requires a breakdown of transactions based on their nature and applicable VAT rates.
Additional transactions included in the return
It may also include certain transactions that are not reported through periodic VAT communications, such as specific exempt supplies.
Does filing trigger a VAT payment
In most cases, the submission of the annual VAT return does not trigger an immediate VAT payment.
Filing deadline
The Italian annual VAT return for the 2025 tax year must be submitted electronically between 1 February and 30 April 2026.
Who must file the return
The obligation to file applies to VAT registered businesses regardless of whether they are in a net VAT payable or VAT refund position.
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Electronic submission
The annual VAT return must be submitted exclusively via electronic channels to the Italian tax authority (Agenzia delle Entrate).
Non-established businesses
This requirement also applies to non established companies registered for VAT purposes in Italy.
Italian VAT refunds
In Italy, VAT refunds are generally requested through the annual VAT return. The annual filing serves as the basis for determining whether a taxpayer is entitled to a refund of excess input VAT for the reporting period.
Bank guarantee and “visto di conformità”
As a rule, the refund of recoverable VAT may require the provision of a bank guarantee. However, under certain conditions, this requirement can be replaced by a certificate known as “visto di conformità”.
What is “visto di conformità”
This certificate verifies the alignment between the VAT return, VAT ledgers and issued invoices. The “visto di conformità” must be issued by a certified Italian chartered accountant.
Additional documentation requirements
Before approving the VAT refund, the Italian tax authorities may also request supporting documentation, such as copies of invoices.
Source:
Imprese – Che cos’è – Agenzia delle Entrate, Imprese – Modello e istruzioni – Agenzia delle Entrate
