Luxury tax

The additional tax on luxury goods was introduced in 2011 as part of Mario Monti’s rescue plan “Salva Italia.” The so-called luxury tax applies to cars with more than 185 kW, boats longer than 14 meters, and aircraft of all types.

Important: The tax is only due if cars, boats, or aircraft are registered in Italy. If the tax is paid late, only partially, or not at all, an additional fine of 30% of the amount owed will be charged.For cars, the additional levy, known in Italy as Superbollo, was first introduced in July 2011 and initially applied to vehicles with more than 225 kW. On January 1, 2012, the threshold was lowered to 185 kW. 

For every kilowatt above this limit, an additional €20 tax is due. Discounts apply as follows: 40% reduction after 5 years (from the year of manufacture), 70% after 10 years, 85% after 15 years, and complete exemption after 20 years.

For boats, the luxury tax was introduced in May 2011 and at that time applied to vessels longer than 10 meters. To support the boating industry, the Decreto del Fare law of June 2013 reduced the scope of the tax, so that currently only boats longer than 14 meters are subject to it, with the tax rate for boats between 14 and 20 meters cut in half.

For aircraft, the tax is €0.75 per kilo up to a total weight of 1,000 kg, increasing up to €7.60 per kilo for aircraft over 10 tons. For helicopters, these values are 50% higher. Gliders, motor gliders, gyrocopters, and hot air balloons, on the other hand, pay a fixed tax of €450 per year.