Summary
-
Italy has extended the reduced excise duty of EUR 532.90 per 1,000 litres for diesel used as motor fuel from 27 August through 5 September 2026. The same rate applies to qualifying hydrotreated or synthetic paraffinic diesel, including HVO, and biodiesel released for consumption as motor fuel. [gazzettaufficiale.it], [normattiva.it]
-
From fiscal year 2026, certain Italian-resident parent entities in oil, gas and energy groups with consolidated revenue exceeding EUR 20 billion must make an annual advance payment related to withholding and substitute taxes on approved dividend distributions. The payment equals 39% of the relevant taxes and is due by 30 November. [leggi.edilizia.com], [qualenergia.it]
-
Qualifying groups should identify affected dividend resolutions, determine beneficiaries and applicable tax treatment, and model the resulting cash-flow exposure. The amount paid generates a corresponding tax credit that becomes available when the dividends are distributed and may be offset against withholding or substitute taxes arising on that same distribution. [leggi.edilizia.com], [qualenergia.it]
Article
Italy has further extended its temporary reduction in excise duty on diesel and certain alternative diesel fuels. Under Decree-Law No. 153 of 26 August 2026, the excise duty on diesel used as motor fuel is set at EUR 532.90 per 1,000 litres for the period from 27 August through 5 September 2026. The same reduced rate applies to qualifying paraffinic diesel produced through synthesis or hydrotreatment, including HVO, and to biodiesel released for consumption as motor fuel, provided the relevant conditions under EU State aid rules are met. [normattiva.it], [qualenergia.it]
The decree estimates the revenue cost of the fuel excise provisions at EUR 105.6 million for 2026 and EUR 1.2 million for 2028. It also provides additional financial coverage for road transport measures. The reduced rate operates through the fuel taxation system, so purchasers are not required to submit a separate relief claim. However, the effect on retail prices will depend on how the tax reduction is transmitted through the supply chain. [normattiva.it], [greentechn…tments.com]
To finance the measures, the decree introduces an advance-payment mechanism for withholding taxes and substitute taxes associated with dividend distributions by qualifying large energy groups. The rules apply from fiscal year 2026 to Italian-resident parent entities required to prepare consolidated financial statements where the latest approved consolidated accounts report total revenue exceeding EUR 20 billion. The group must conduct specified activities involving crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, other energy products or electricity, either directly or through group entities. [leggi.edilizia.com], [qualenergia.it]
The advance is calculated at 39% of the withholding and substitute taxes that would have been due if the approved profits had been distributed in the financial year in which the distribution resolution was adopted. The calculation must reflect the status of the beneficiaries and the tax treatment applicable to them. Payment is due by 30 November of each year. For fiscal year 2026, the mechanism also covers certain distributions approved before 27 August 2026 where payment is scheduled after 31 December 2026. [leggi.edilizia.com], [qualenergia.it]
The paying entity receives a tax credit equal to the advance actually remitted. That credit becomes usable when the related dividends are distributed and may be offset against the withholding or substitute taxes arising from the same distribution. The measure therefore primarily accelerates government revenue rather than imposing an additional final tax, although it may create a material timing and liquidity impact for affected groups. [en.ilsole24ore.com], [greentechn…tments.com]
Qualifying groups should promptly review their consolidated revenue, sector activities, dividend resolutions, intended payment dates and shareholder profiles. Finance teams should also establish controls to link advance payments and related credits to each distribution, ensuring that the credit is used only when the corresponding dividends are paid.
Decree-Law No. 153 was published in Official Gazette No. 197 on 26 August 2026 and entered into force on 27 August 2026. [gazzettaufficiale.it], [normattiva.it]
Source Links
- Italian Official Gazette: Decree-Law No. 153 of 26 August 2026 [gazzettaufficiale.it]
- Normattiva: Official legislative text of Decree-Law No. 153/2026 [normattiva.it]
- https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/gu/2026/08/26/197/sg/pdf [gazzettaufficiale.it]
Latest Posts in "Italy"
- VAT Group Option and Scope Deadlines by September
- Reverse Charge 2026: Penalties for Failure to Integrate or Register Invoices
- Revenue Agency FAQs on the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and DAC8
- Reply No. 150/2026 – When Demolition-and-Reconstruction Qualifies for the 10% Reduced VAT Rate
- Italy Issues New Customs Rules for Low-Value Distance Sales
