WHO CAN MAKE AN ITALIAN WILL?

A person who is

• at least 18 years old;
• the legal owner of the assets;
• of sound mind (capace di intendere e di volere). In the event of a dispute over the mental capacity at the time of drafting the will, a court will decide.

WHO SHOULD MAKE AN ITALIAN WILL?……

Although, in general, Italy will recognise as valid an International will, it is generally recommended that a foreigner makes a will in Italy if they are  living permanently in Italy, especially if they expect to maintain that status until the time of their death if they own immovable property (house, apartment  land) in Italy.

The main reason for making an Italian will is to simplify the administration of the estate after death.

If your assets are all in Italy then it will ease the administration of the estate if you prepare a will under Italian law.  If you have assets also outside Italy, it will generally ease the administration in each country to have two wills one for each country.  It is important that, in order to avoid the potential for conflict, the two acknowledge the presence of the other (or at least are stated to deal only with the property in each jurisdiction.)  However each case needs to be examined individually.

………AND WHY?

Heirs of a will drawn up under foreign law may have substantial difficulty in dealing with the transfer of any Italian assets. This is because the will must be authenticated before an Italian Notary Public. 

The Notary, or any other Italian Professional will need to examine the foreign will with regard to the Italian assets, resolve any conflicts between  foreign and Italian law, as well as advising heirs and/or preparing suitable documentation to transfer the assets. Foreign wills tend to be complicated by the setting up of trusts, reference to foreign statute and third party regulations (such as the estate management  rules published by associations of trust and estate practitioners.   

The costs of translation of all documents in the English language into  Italian may be steep and may well be more than the cost of making an Italian will.

In terms of inheritance tax a will under foreign law may well keep you within the inheritance tax of the foreign country. Italian inheritance tax rates and thresholds are typically more generous than in other countries (see INHERITANCE TAX CHAPTER). This in practice means that the small / medium Estates are not subject to Inheritance tax in Italy.

IS A WILL NECESSARY AT ALL?

According to Article 457 of the Civil Code, inheritance is devolved by law or by will. If there is no will, the Italian Civil Code sets out who is entitled to the estate in a specific order based on the degree of kinship with the deceased. Under these rules the estate devolves to the spouse, descendants, ascendants, collaterals (siblings), other relatives and the State, in the order and according to the rules established by law.

CAN I MAKE A WILL UNDER ITALIAN LAW LEAVING THE PROPERTY TO ANYONE I LIKE?

The answer to this is fundamentally “yes” except that certain heirs are entitled by law to take a share of the estate in certain circumstances and will thus have the right to challenge the inheritance, if their rights under Italian law have not been respected.  These rules do however allow someone to freely dispose of a set part of their estate – this is called the freely devolvable share.  Leaving your estate by to someone other than a legitimate beneficiary above the limit of the freely devolvable share, means that there is a risk that the legitimate  can challenge, seeking either financial compensation or indeed that the transfer of an asset comprised in the estate  to a non legitimate beneficiary in the will is set aside.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WAYS OF MAKING A WILL?

Under Italian law there are three different ways of making a valid Will:

• Handwritten Will (Holographic will – Testamento Olografo)

This document:

• is personally handwritten by the person making the Will (Testator),
• is dated (the most recent will in the event of several wills executed over time will generally be the valid will
• can be in any language, written on any paper / other medium.

Although it is a simple document, it is advisable that it should be checked by a lawyer to ensure that all the formal and substantive legal requirements have been satisfied.

• Formal Will (Testamento Pubblico)

This document 

• is drafted by an Italian notary upon the instructions of the Testator,
• is read out by the Notary to ensure that it complies with the wishes of the Testator,
• is signed by the Testator in the presence of witnesses,
• is lodged with the Italian notary. As a formal document ,and will not be lost / disregarded. 
• involves a cost (notarial fees);
• can be disclosed to a third party, because it is public will, not secret.

• Secret Will (Testamento Segreto)

This is a Will drafted/written by the Testator and placed in a sealed envelope which is then delivered to an Italian Notary. The notarial fees are reduced. The contents of the Will remain secret until after the death of the Testator when the sealed envelope will be open.

WHAT IS THE ACTUAL PROCESS OF MAKING A WILL?

In the case of

1.Handwritten Will (Holographic will – Testamento Olografo

There is no need of witnesses, there is no attestation clause. It can be a very simple letter or document drafted directly by the testator.

2. Formal will (testamento pubblico)

It is necessary to have an appointment by the notary and explain the will of making a “testamento pubblico”, giving the relating instructions. Not all Italian Notaries speaks English, so it better to find out one English speaking. Generally the witnesses requested are elected by the notary between his clerks.

• Secret will (testamento segreto) 

As para 2 above – see above 

It is better to have legal advise by a lawyer dealing with the two jurisdictions. Wills and probate matters involve taxation issues. For complex estates or where there are cross border aspects it is generally better to seek assistance from an Italian lawyer for the preparation of the will. the lawyer will be able to introduce and coordinate other professionals (notary, accountant, geometra) as necessary. 

If you have chosen to make a Testamento pubblico, the Notary Public will be able to draft the will according your instructions. Not all Notaries are able to dealing with two or more jurisdictions, as the Testamento Pubblico involves only Italian legislation.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

It is not a lengthy procedure, It is important to prepare all documents accurately. Contact an Italian professional (lawyer or Notaio) with a clear outline of what you want the will to contain, names and addresses of beneficiaries and specific legacies, Avoid changing your mind, if possible, as this will introduce extra expense – you can always change your will up to the time of death, if you remain of sound mind, but if you are in good health why drive make the notary or the lawyer crazy changing your intentions a few minutes after drafting the will)

In case of emergency you can write your will directly or contact a Notary who can receive your last will. 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE DEATH OF THE WILL-MAKER?

Firstly, the heirs (or one of them) or administrators/executors, if appointed by the will, must ascertain what kind of will the testator made, or proceed on the basis of the statutory rules dividing the estate in the absence of a will..

You must collect all the documents affecting the testator’s properties and contact an Italian professional (Lawyer, Notaio, Accountant or Geometra) to make the “Dichiarazione di successione”.

The “dichiarazione di successione” must be made by the heirs within 12 months from the date of death. Penalties for late presentation apply ragning from Euro 150 if no tax is due up to 120% of any tax due.  The Declaration involves the completion of a form in which all the assets must be shown with the relevant values (as calculated under inheritance tax rules).   The form should be filed (generally online) with the appropriate Tax Agency office.  This will be the area office covering the municipality, the town where the deceased was resident at the time of death. If the deceased was not resident in Italy, the declaration of succession must be presented to the relevant Tax Office in Rome.

Finally, the Notary will be able to complete the procedure by registering the transfer of any real estate into the names of the new owners at the Land Registry (Catasto). Registration taxes will apply, calculated on the value of the assets as well as stamp duties and notarial fees.

ITALIAN INHERITANCE TAX

The heirs (or administrators) of the Estate will be requested to pay any Inheritance Tax due when they present the Declaration of Succession to the competent office.

Italian Inheritance Tax is currently levied at three different flat rates, by reference to the entitlement under the will or succession, as follows:

• 4% where the Estate or part of the Estate devolves to the Deceased’s spouse or children, with a nil rate band up to a maximum of  € 1,000,000 (the “Franchigia”) each for the spouse and each of the children;
• Where all or part of the Estate or part of the Estate devolves to one or more disabled children, the Franchigia is increased to Euro 1,500,000 (£ 986,800 at the current rate of exchange);
• 6% where the Estate or part of the Estate devolves to brothers or sisters (subject to an exempt Francogia of Euro 100,000 each);
• 6% where all or any part of the estate devolves to other relatives of the Deceased up to the 4th degree (without any “Franchigia”);
• 8% where all or part of the Estate devolves to unrelated parties. 

The basis for the inheritance is subject to a number of rules.  The calculation of the taxable involves taking the value of all the assets of the deceased and subtracting any liabilities (debts)  and medical expenses (up to a little over Euro 1,000) paid in the six months before death. 

Not all assets need to be included. Those that may be excluded are: 

government securities,

certain debt claims against the State that have not yet been recognised as subsisting by order of the debtor public entity;

claims asserted in a court of law but not yet defined by a court judgment;

movable property registered in the Public Register of Motor Vehicles;

severance pay and employment benefits;

cultural assets subject to a restriction such as assets of architectural, historical or cultural value.

certain interests in companies, businesses in favour of spouses and heirs in the direct line 

certain life insurance payments on death

Where the  heir is an ecclesiastical or religious entity, or Italian charity (onlus) no inheritance tax is due.

GUIDA PRATICA E TO DO LIST 

ITALIA

Che cosa è la dichiarazione di successione e chi è tenuto a presentarla?

La dichiarazione di successione è un adempimento obbligatorio, di natura prevalentemente fiscale, attraverso il quale viene comunicato all’Agenzia delle Entrate il subentro degli eredi nel patrimonio del defunto, e vengono così determinate le imposte dovute, sulla base del quadro normativo in vigore. Sono tenuti a presentare la dichiarazione di successione gli eredi, i legatari ed i loro rappresentanti, nonché gli immessi nel possesso dei beni ereditari, gli amministratori dell’eredità, i curatori dell’eredità giacente e gli esecutori testamentari.Entro quanto presentare la dichiarazione di successioneLa dichiarazione di successione deve essere presentata entro 12 mesi dalla data di apertura della successione che, di norma, coincide con il momento del decesso del de cuius. Se presentata successivamente, espone chi è tenuto a sanzioni di carattere amministrativo che aumentano all’aumentare del ritardo.

Dove presentare la dichiarazione di successione

Da predisporre su apposito modello a disposizione presso l’Agenzia delle entrate, la dichiarazione deve essere presentata presso l’Ufficio delle Entrate nella cui circoscrizione era fissata l’ultima residenza (domicilio fiscale) nel caso in cui il de cuius fosse residente in Italia.Nel caso in vece in cui il defunto fosse residente all’estero, la dichiarazione di successione andrà presentata presso l’Ufficio dell’Agenzia delle Entrate nella cui circoscrizione era stata fissata l’ultima residenza italiana. Se però non è nota l’ultima residenza italiana, la dichiarazione è da inoltrarsi presso l’Ufficio dell’Agenzia delle Entrate di Roma 6.

Quale è la base imponibile nella dichiarazione di successione?

La base imponibile nella dichiarazione di successione – ovvero il valore netto dell’asse ereditario su cui verranno calcolate le imposte di successione – è determinata quale differenziale tra l’importo complessivo dei beni e dei diritti che rappresentano l’attivo dell’asse ereditario, e l’importo complessivo delle passività e degli oneri deducibili (si pensi, tra i principali, ai debiti personali del defunto).

Quali sono le imposte di successione

Una volta calcolata la base imponibile, si può procedere ad applicare sulla stessa le imposte di successione, con le aliquote che saranno a loro volta stabilite sulla base del rapporto di parentela che intercorre tra il dante causa e l’avente causa.

In maggior dettaglio, le imposte sono pari al:

• 4% nei confronti del coniuge e dei parenti in linea retta (presente una franchigia di 1 mln euro per ciascun beneficiario);

• 6% nei confronti degli altri parenti fino al quarto grado e degli affini in linea retta, nonché degli affini in linea collaterale fino al terzo grado (presente una franchigia di 100 mgl euro per ciascun fratello o sorella);

• 8% nei confronti degli altri soggetti.

Quali documenti bisogna presentare per la dichiarazione di successione

Per poter proficuamente predisporre e inoltrare la dichiarazione di successione sono necessari una serie di documenti da predisporre con particolare attenzione, al fine di non pregiudicare l’efficacia dell’intera procedura.

Riepiloghiamo in tal senso:

• certificato di morte in carta libera per uso dichiarazione di successione;

• Un’autocertificazione sullo stato di famiglia storico;

• fotocopia di un documento di identità in corso di validità di tutti gli eredi;

• fotocopia del tesserino del codice fiscale o della tessera sanitaria regionale del de cuius e di tutti gli eredi;

• atti di provenienza delle proprietà immobiliari intestate al deceduto e/o cointestate con altri soggetti;• atti di donazione che il defunto ha stipulato in vita in favore di uno o più eredi;

• documenti tecnici sugli immobili intestati al deceduto (planimetrie catastali, elaborati planimetrici, mappale, copie accatastamenti DOCFA, eventuali variazioni successive);

• 2 copie autentiche della pubblicazione dell’eventuale testamento;

• copia autentica del verbale di eventuale rinuncia all’eredità;

• fattura dell’avvenuto pagamento delle spese funebri e delle spese mediche;• dichiarazione bancaria / postale di sussistenza e consistenza di mutui ipotecari, conti correnti, libretti, investimenti finanziari, gestioni patrimoniali, fondi comuni di investimento, azioni, obbligazioni, certificati di deposito bancari, pronti conto termine;

• attestato con eventuali ratei di invalidità civile maturati e non riscossi dal defunto;

• dichiarazione del datore di lavoro con indicate le indennità maturate dal lavoratore dipendente (es. mensilità, 13ma, 14ma, TFR, ferie, ecc.);

• dichiarazione societaria di titolarità di quote e valorizzazione delle stesse (sottoscritta dal commercialista);

• verbale di apertura delle cassette di sicurezza, redatto da un funzionario dell’Agenzia

TASSAZIONE

Avendo distinto i due estate e i due wills, non dovrebbero esserci problematiche per quanto riguarda la tassazione; Italia e Usa hanno comunque stipulato un trattato volto ad evitare la doppia imposizione, per cui la tassa di successione pagata in uno stato non può essere pagata doppiamente nell’altro stato.In Italia ad oggi sussiste una no tax area fino ad un milione di euro, come potete vedere come già sopra evidenziato le aliquote dell’imposta sono del 4% per il coniuge e del 6 % per i fratelli e sorelle.Vi segnalo solamente la questione della tassazione dei fondi pensionistici USA in Italia (non strettamente rientranti nella successione) e le varie questioni che si sono affrontate al riguardo.

Nella sostanza, sebbene valga il principio della esenzione fiscale per le rendite pensionistiche, i fondi pensione americani, per il fisco italiano, assumono connotazioni di veri prodotti finanziari e quindi ipoteticamente come tali tassabili. Occorre comunque analizzare la situazione con riferimento ai singoli prodotti.

U.S.A 

Death Certificate

Formal proof of death is required; the standard proof is a certified death certificate. If the death happened outside the U.s., the certificate of death has to be legalized. An international certificate of death issued according Wien Convention is often released by the town hall in Italy. I had cases in U.s. where the bank required  an official translation with apostille certificate.

Where can I find the will?

the will may be filed with a clerk of court.  A decedent’s will becomes a public record when it is filed, after the decedent’s death, with the clerk of court.  Any person may view a public record or request a copy of a public record for a fee.

Does the law require a meeting for the reading of the will?

No. U.S.A. law does not require a formal reading of the will.

Locate and identify assets

It is important to take steps to locate and identify assets  Keep in mind, however, that a letter of authority from a clerk of court is often required to access information regarding a decedent’s assets.

Where should the estate be administered?

The estate of a U.S. State resident may be administered in the county where he or she was domiciled at the time of death.  If a decedent was not domiciled in U.S.A at the time of death, the estate may be administered in any  county in which the decedent left any property or assets or into which any property or assets belonging to the estate may have come.

What are “letters testamentary” or “letters of administration”?

Letters testamentary and letters of administration are legal documents issued by the clerk of court that give a person authority to serve as the personal representative of the estate. These “letters” will often be requested by institutions such as banks or insurance companies during estate administration. There are generally two basic types of letters, based on whether the estate is testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will).  Testate letters are called “Letters Testamentary” and are granted to an Executor.  Intestate letters are called “Letters of Administration” and are granted to an Administrator.

Who may be granted letters testamentary or letters of administration?

Some persons by law are not qualified to serve as a personal representative of a decedent’s estate.  In addition, the law gives some persons priority rights to serve as a personal representative. If there is a valid will, an executor named in the will has the highest priority to receive letters. If the executor does not qualify, then a substitute or successor executor named in the will has the next highest priority.  If the will does not name a substitute or successor executor or if the decedent did not leave a valid will, then those who may be granted letters are, in the following order of priority:

(1) the surviving spouse,

(2) anyone receiving property under the will,

(3) anyone who would receive property if there was no will,

(4) any next of kin,

(5) creditors of the decedent,

(6) anyone of good character living in the county.

What is a personal representative’s bond and how much is the bond?

Out-of-state executors generally must pay a bond to the court to protect creditors and heirs from potential losses. Administrators must pay a bond unless exceptions apply.Administration ProcessI have been issued letters and opened the estate. Now what?A summary of the procedures for executors, administrators, collectors by affidavit, and persons using summary administration is found at  https://www.nccourts.gov/documents/forms/estate-procedures-for-executors-administrators-collectors-by-affidavit-and-summary-administrationEven if not strictly necessary, it is advisable to appoint a professional (lawyer and/or accountant) to help you in all the procedures of administration.

Avv. Carlo Bottino

MEDALLION GUARANTEE SIGNATURE: COS’È?

Il Medallion Guarantee Signature (Timbro di Garanzia Medallion) è una modalità di certificazione di firma privata utilizzata prevalentemente quando un cliente trasferisce o vende titoli statunitensi. In particolare, per coloro che vivono al di fuori degli Stati Uniti e detengono azioni in una società quotata statunitense o canadese, l’unico modo per vendere le azioni o trasferire la proprietà in capo a un altro soggetto è di inviare una richiesta di trasferimento recante il Timbro di Garanzia Medallion, unitamente ai vari documenti richiesti.

POSSO RICHIEDERE IL TIMBRO DI GARANZIA IN AMBASCIATA?

No, le ambasciate non forniscono Timbri di Garanzia Medallion, né li riconoscono, poiché la loro validità è limitata al circuito interno bancario.

PERCHÉ MI VIENE RICHIESTO IL TIMBRO DI GARANZIA MEDALLION?

Tramite l’apposizione del Timbro di Garanzia Medallion sul modulo con il quale viene effettuata la richiesta di trasferimento dei titoli, l’istituto finanziario garantisce l’autenticità della firma apposta su tale modulo e si assume la responsabilità per eventuali contraffazioni. Tale procedura tutela gli azionisti, prevenendo trasferimenti non autorizzati e potenziali perdite degli investitori, limitando inoltre la responsabilità dell’agente di trasferimento che riceve i certificati.

TUTTI I TIMBRI DI GARANZIA MEDALLION SONO UGUALI?

Non tutti i Timbri di Garanzia Medallion hanno lo stesso valore. Ad ogni timbro viene assegnato uno speciale prefisso codificato, che determina il valore monetario che può essere garantito. Ad esempio, se il Timbro di Garanzia Medallion è richiesto per un valore di $ 400.000, è richiesto almeno un prefisso C, che è valido per un valore fino a $ 500.000. Se, in via ipotetica, fosse apposto un timbro recante il prefisso D, la transazione verrebbe rifiutata, giacché un timbro D è valido solo per una transazione di valore pari o inferiore a $ 250.000.

A CHI POSSO RIVOLGERMI PER OTTENERE UN TIMBRO DI GARANZIA MEDALLION?

Nel Regno Unito vi sono alcune società autorizzate a rilasciare il Timbro di Garanzia Medallion, solo previo accertamento dell’osservanza di tutti i criteri da parte del richiedente. I requisiti della documentazione da presentare possono variare a seconda delle istituzioni finanziarie che forniscono il servizio.

Sarà necessario fornire all’istituzione finanziaria incaricata alcuni documenti legali al fine di consentire la verifica dell’identità del richiedente e dimostrarne il diritto di proprietà e la capacità di agire, unitamente al certificato di morte e al prospetto del valore attuale delle azioni.

POSSO RICHIEDERE IL MEDAILLON GUARANTEE DALL’ITALIA?

Il nostro network è in grado di seguire tutte le fasi di rilascio del medallion guarantee in coordinamento con le società autorizzate del Regno Unito con cui collabora abitualmente.

Per informazioni e richieste info@studiolegalebottino.it

Avv. Carlo Bottino
Dott.ssa Chiara Guerritore

Gli eredi dello “zio d’America” si trovano ad affrontare un problema di non facile soluzione: come gestire un patrimonio estero non dichiarato dal de cujus ricevuto in eredità.

Le alternative in sostanza erano due

• Mantenere il patrimonio nascosto al fisco, incorrendo nelle violazioni delle norme sul monitoraggio fiscale
• Dichiarare i beni ereditati e versare le imposte non versate dal defunto ratione temporis

A seguito della circolare n. 10/E/2015 dell’Agenzia delle Entrate vengono chiariti alcuno aspetti relativi alla presentazione di una istanza di voluntary disclosure da parte degli eredi, aprendo così una nuova e vantaggiosa possibilità per il fortunato erede dello zio americano.

La convenienza è elevata perché le sanzioni (riferibili al defunto) sono intrasmissibili agli eredi, ma anche perché si può “liberare” l’asse ereditario e impiegarlo come meglio si crede. L’evento di liquidità, come lo chiamano i family office, o comunque il subentro nel possesso di asset, può rappresentare un’occasione per ottimizzarne il passaggio generazionale.

Gli eredi sono tenuti a presentare in via telematica il modello di disclosure sia in nome proprio (se hanno anch’essi violato gli obblighi di monitoraggio, dopo il decesso del de cuius) che per il defunto. In relazione alla posizione di quest’ultimo, c’è l’obbligo di corrispondere unicamente le maggiori imposte sottratte a tassazione, in quanto le sanzioni sono intrasmissibili agli eredi; costoro, invece, con riguardo alla propria posizione, devono pagare sia le imposte che le eventuali sanzioni. Nella relazione accompagnatoria da presentare nei 30 giorni successivi all’istanza vanno dettagliate violazioni e imponibili sia ante che post mortem. In presenza di più eredi, le posizioni di questi ultimi sono intimamente connesse e rientrano nella nozione di “soggetto collegato”.

Esempio pratico

Se le attività estere illecitamente detenute sono state costituite dal de cuius nel 2003 e questi è deceduto a fine 2011, gli eredi dovranno limitarsi a versare tramite la voluntary:

• le sole imposte sui redditi per gli anni ancora accertabili (gli ultimi 5 ) riferite al de cuius (se gli attivi sono white list o black list con accordo, 2010, 2011);;
• le imposte e relative sanzioni sulle violazioni commesse in prima persona dagli stessi eredi dopo il decesso (presumibilmente connesse con la mancata tassazione di redditi finanziari o eventuali canoni di locazione)

le sanzioni relative all’RW non compilato dagli eredi fino al 2011

– l’eventuale imposta di successione (in assenza di franchigie applicabili) e le relative e sanzioni.

In questo caso è possibile ridurre tali sanzioni avvalendosi dell’istituto del ravvedimento operoso ma sarà necessario coinvolgere l’Ufficio impositore.

Il contribuente dovrà presentare la dichiarazione di successione tardiva, e l’Ufficio procederà a liquidare l’imposta dovuta che il contribuente verserà con le sanzioni ridotte da ravvedimento nei 60 giorni.

Avv. Carlo Bottino

Also published in

http://www.studiolegalebottino.it/consulenze-legali/come-ereditare-dallo-zio-damerica-profili-fiscali-e-voluntaty-disclosure/

The Italian legal system, based upon the Civil Law, is characterised by a very high number of laws and a significant variety of grounds for appeal.

It is important to stress that legal proceedings, both civil and criminal, generally last many years.

The necessary legal proceedings are time consuming and will therefore have a direct effect on the process of the debt collection.

Debt collection in Italy requires a title which enables the creditor to commence execution of proceedings. Such titles may be, inter alia, a sentence, a cheque or a bill (of Exchange).

In order to allow the creditor to collect his credit within a relatively short period of time, the Italian Legislator has fixed a short proceeding – which usually lasts a few months – and is followed by a payment injunction issued by the Court which orders the debt to be paid, in addition to interest as well as part of the legal expenses.

In order to obtain the Court’s injunction (Decreto Ingiuntivo), the creditor should provide the Judge with written evidence regarding the debt’s existence: the creditor should, in other words, prove that the goods or the service have been regularly supplied/rendered to the debtor.

When the creditor is a professional, an entrepreneur or a company, the evidence required may also be provided in the form of a copy of the invoices, especially when the debt is related to services rendered.

Starting from the day in which the payment injunction has been formally served to him, the debtor may oppose it within a period of 40 days.

Where no such opposition has been made, the creditor may commence proceedings for the execution of the injunction.

Alternatively should, for any reason, the debtor decide to appeal, a “regular trial” takes place. The main issues discussed in such a trial are the legitimacy of the order (mainly formal aspects), the existence of the debt and whether it is collectable.

It is worthwhile to point out that in order to discourage debtors from filing groundless appeals, having as a unique scope the postponement of payment, the Italian law provides a remedy which seems to be quite efficient: in case the appeal is not based on relevant circumstances proved in writing which have occurred prior to the payment injunction (for example, a written complaint regarding the quality of goods/services), the Court may authorise the creditor to collect his credit without having to attend the end of the trial.

Other titles which enable a creditor to initiate execution are cheques and bills (assegno/cambiale).

In case of their dishonour, the creditor may summon the debtor to pay within 10 days while advising him/her that unless they are paid, execution proceedings shall commence.

The aforesaid proceeding is quite simple, rapid and does not require the Court’s intervention thus leaving the debtor a narrow range of possibilities on which to appeal.

Avv. Carlo Bottino – lawyer in Milano – Founder of Angloitalianlaw

Also published

http://www.studiolegalebottino.it/consulenze-legali/collect-debt-in-italy/

The Italian legal system is very different from the English. Conveyancing is strictly governed by Italian Law and can be performed only by a public notary (Notaio), who is a qualified professional and public officer. Only in front of Notaio it is possible to complete the purchase of any real estate.

THE PRELIMINARY CONTRACT (Contratto preliminare or compromesso)

If you are still happy with the property then the next step is to go ahead with the preliminary contract (compromesso). The compromesso is a significant commitment and involves the payment of a deposit to the seller as an act of good will and undertaking. The purpose of the compromesso is to clarify all the conditions of the sale, including the purchase price and term of payment.

The compromesso can be drawn with the agreement of both parties. It is a golden rule to get a legal advice by an Italian lawyer before signing it. It is very important the buyer not to sign the compomesso unless He is perfectly happy and aware with everything written in the contract. Remember the buyer is in a position to impose conditions or restrictions on the vendor at this stage (e.g. see an example of compromesso conditioned to get planning permission.

The signing of the compromesso which involves both the vendor and the buyer or their power of attorneys must take place in the presence of the notaio. At the time of signing, the buyer must pay a deposit of between 10 and 30 % of the sale price. Should the buyer not to go through with the purchase after signing compromesso, he will lose the deposit paid and may be sued by the vendor. If, however, the deal does not proceed because of the vendor, the buyer has the right to demand up to twice the amount of the deposit paid in compensation. In this case the buyer may also claim damages and have the sale compulsorily completed by a Court order (art. 2932 Italian civil code).

CAPARRA PENITENZIALE

If there is any doubt in the mind of either the buyer or the vendor as to the final completion of the sale, it is possible to state in the compromesso that the deposit is a caparra penitenziale (withdrawable). This will prevent any further legal proceedings or claims for damage. However, in the case of the buyer ‘s breaking contract, he or she will still have to lose the deposit to the vendor, and in the case of the vendor’s withdrawings, he or she will still have to pay double the deposit amount to the buyer.

If both parties want a quick sale and have no differences concernings conditions, price or otherwise, it is possible to have the actual transfer of the property written into the compromesso.

COMPLETION (ATTO)

The atto is the final act, when the Notaio certifies the parties’ identity and witnesses the transfer of title from one party to the other and collects the taxes due on the transaction. With all parties present the notaio will identify them, one by one, and then read through the rogito (completion document) in detail, making sure that everyone understands what is being bought and sold. With all in agreement, the notaio will ask each party to sign before he signs and adds his official stamp to the document. In case of absence of either one of the parties he will certify the signature of the procura speciale (power of attorney). At this moment of the completion the buyer has to pay the remaining balance of the purchase price, plus taxes and notaio fees.

REGISTRATION OF THE TITLE

In Italy there are two different Official Land Registries: the Catasto and The Conservatoria dei Registri Immobiliari. Once the transaction has been completed, the notaio will register the transfer of the title by the vendor to the seller into the Conservatoria Registry; this is very important, should another person registers another atto earlier than you, the other will beat your title and become the new owner.

GOLDEN RULE

Check the vendor’s title before starting with conveyancing in the Conservatoria Registri Immobiliari entering the seller’s name (Italian Lawyers and Notai can do this for you with their dedicated internet access). This is the only way to check the good title and if there are any charges on the property (e.g. mortgages, Court Order, Court Proceedings in course relating to the property etc…) . In the Catasto you can find only the exact id. number of the land without being sure with the name the owner.

Make sure the Conservatoria does not contain any adverse entries at 3 stages: a) Before putting your offer and signing the compromesso b) after signing of the the compromesso c) immediately after the atto.

Avoid the other pitfalls in buying property in Italy (neighborough farmer’s pre-emption right, planning permission denied, regional environmental legislation, geological and sismic reports)

Avv. Carlo Bottino

 We are glad to introduce to you “Anglo Italian Law” the new Alliance of Boutique Law Firms in Rome and Milan. Anglo Italian Law has been founded by Marco Calabrese and Carlo Bottino who have specialised in the field of Family, Civil and Estate Law earning the widespread respect of several institutions for their reliability in helping Clients resolve their financial and family issues. For over three decades we have been committed to helping the International Community with a comprehensive approach, to protect their interest and clarify their rights and to defend them in Court when necessary.

Once upon a time there was an Englishman in Liguria like Stings music ‘Englishman in New York’.

One could ask the question,what the hell is an Englishman doing in this Province?
Perhaps he is attracted to the fact that Genoa has the same flag of  St  George  as  England : the red cross on a white background. There is historical/geographical tradition as this flag was adopted by Richard the Lion Heart during the Crusades from that of St George ,patron saint of Genoa. The  English  in due course adopted St George as their patron saint and the said flag, abandoning their earlier patron the poor and less marketable St Edmund!!

However this fact or the flag had no attraction to our Englishman.

He was attracted to the Ligurian for its beautiful coast, landscape,  food, wine, hills,  sea diving, olive tress,focaccia,pesto, farinata, ‘piano piano’ lifestyle inter alia. Consequently he decided  to purchase a small dream house  in  the world famous  UNESCO   region  of Cinque Terre or also as Riviera Dei Fiori. Staircase to a hillside sprang to mind.

What STEPS did he have to do to acquire this house in this paradise location:

Inspect the house, agree the price and the buy the house with the use of an Italian estate agent, Geometra and Notary. Then take possession of the keys and start enjoying life.
Everything was going splendidly until one late morning when he was relaxing on  his  sun lounger observing the  Liguarian sea, he noticed some movement at a distance to the gate entrance of his Staircase to heaven  vineyard.  He was relaxed  as he  imagined, as  it  was Easter time, it was a loving/kind Italian neighbour bringing him a Pasqualina cake with a glass of  Vermentino wine to share friendship.
Alas his fantasy soon evaporated. In front of him stood  three  beautifully  clad  uniformed Carabinieri men with serious looks to their faces.

He  was politely  advised to seek independent legal advice from an Avvocato to defend him in Criminal and Environmental proceedings.
Shock horror. Our now helpless and desperate Englishman started to become anxious wondering how could this nightmare happen.
After all the Estate agent had recommended him to the best Geometra in town and  who was also a good friend of the local Sindaco ( the Mayor). This Geometra, had prior  to  the purchase, told our Englishman in a very relaxed manner that it was fine to develop and use the outbuilding of a Barn as it already had the necessary permission.

The Englishman improved the state of this Barn and built a small bathroom and put a sewer system so that he could use the Barn as a separate dwelling.
The Geometra had said no problem as everyone here does that to small shed/stone buildings.
Our Englishman feeling he was ‘welshed’ wanted to know who had reported his ‘improvements’ to the Authorities. Who was the Spy?!!
Our Englishman later learned through local gossip that the answer was simple. A powerful Geomatra in any Ligurian village or town always has an enemy/rival who waits  for the slightest misstep and then to report this to the local authorities (Comune and Procura).

He was further told if that was not the case the other Spy could have been a jealous neighbour.
Our Englishman thought, I should not have relied on the estate agent and chosen a Geometra and Builder of my own choosing. Alas too late. All sorts of anxious thoughts was now going through our Englishman’s mind. Consequently his dream turned into a nightmare and the Englishman is now wanting to sell the blighted house (staircase to hell) and return to England and start a movement to relinquish the flag of St George and reappoint St Edmund as the patron saint of England.
The moral of the story – every thing has a payback. When the English took the flag of St George from the Genoese to defend themselves from the ‘pirates’ little did they know that often the ‘pirates’ could be the Genoese themselves!!! That could be the sting in the tail.!!
So do not assume anything when you are in Liguria. First seek the advice of a recognised lawyer (Avvocato).

Avv. Carlo Bottino – Lawyer in Milan – Founder of Angloitalianlaw 

Note: this was written with the help of our Englishman by a Ligurian terribly in love with his Province even though he is frightened by his people.

Published also

http://www.italianlawfirm.co.uk/consulenze-legali/how-to-buy-a-hou…d-pray-st-george/

In the “2017 Budgetary Law”, definitively approved on 7 December 2016, the Italian Government has introduced a series of dispositions aimed at creating incentives for foreign investments in Italy.

Who have a large patrimony , could be interested in obtaining a fiscal residence in Italy through the combination of two dispositions contained in the 2017 budgetary law:

• Tax benefit for newly-domiciled subjects, namely establishing a flat-rate tax on earnings generated abroad.
• The “Investor’s Visa”.

The Director of Revenue has also approved the checklist template to attach to the request to get  a preventive assessment of the tax authorities regarding the eligibility for the tax-benefit. The benefit of the single tax can even extend to family members, it will apply a flat rate of 25 thousand euro.

WHO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS

Who had never been resident in Italy for at least 9 yearly tax period up to 10 previous, including who transferred in Italy in 2016 if he was abroad in the previous 9 tax period.

HOW MANY

The taxation of € 100,000.00 a year + 25.000,00 for each relatives cover all the income earned abroad ( not those produced in Italy) The claimant can indicate any country to be excluded from this kind of taxation

PREVENTIVE REQUEST (Interpello)

Article 24 bis of Italian tax law (TUIR) states that is possible (but it is not compulsory) to provide a specific preventive affidavit (interpello) to the Revenue Office (Agenzia delle Entrate) delivered by hand, by registered mail with return receipt or notice electronically, using certified mail. With this affidavit the claimant attests his situation asking directly and previously to the Revenue to have an assessment of his  eligibility  to the flat taxation.

WHEN TO DO THE REQUEST

Taxpayers who meet the requirements can join the new regime at the time of submission of the tax return, related to the tax period in which it was transferred to the tax residence in Italy or in the immediate aftermath.

HOW TO DO THE REQUEST

In the request-form the taxpayer must indicate:

• personal data and, if already assigned, the tax code, home address in Italy, if already resident;
• the status of non-resident in Italy for a time at least equal to nine tax years during the ten preceding years:.
• the Country or the Coutries in which he had the last tax residence during the last 10 years before the request;
• Contries or overseas territories for which he intends to exercise the option of not using the substitute tax.

He must also fill in a”check list” to examine the condition of the absence of tax residence in nine ten tax years before entering the flat tax.

see here check list form

BENEFIT EXTENDING TO THE FAMILY MEMBERS

The flat-rate scheme can be extended to one or more family members in possession of the requirements, through a specific indication in the tax return related to the tax period in which the family moved the tax residence in Italy or in the next. In this case, the substitute tax is equal to 25 thousand euro for each of the family to which the effects of the same option are extended.

DEADLINE

The request of this tax benefit option  must be exercised within the period for submission of tax returns, even if it is not yet responded to by the Inland Revenue to the preventive requests.

The application may be filed even if they are not time-barred to enter in fiscal residence in Italy. Received the green light Revenue (even for silence / consent), the neo resident will be awarded with the facility for the next fifteen years. The payment of substitute tax, in the amount of 100 thousand euro, must be made in a lump sum, for each tax period of the scheme effective, by the due date for payment of the balance of income tax.