VAT Measures in Italy’s 2026 Budget Law

Here are the VAT‑related measures introduced by Italy’s 2026 Budget Law (Legge 30 dicembre 2025, n. 199 – 25G00212), based entirely on citable sources from the results above.

VAT Measures in Italy’s 2026 Budget Law

1. Automatic VAT Assessment for Missing Annual Returns

The Budget Law introduces a new automated assessment procedure when a taxpayer fails to submit the annual VAT return.
The Revenue Agency will:

• calculate VAT due using digital documentation (e‑invoices, electronic payments, periodic communications);
• issue a notice of irregularity including VAT due, interest, and penalties (120%, reduced to 1/3 if paid within 60 days). [farrelly-c…izzone.com]

This enhances enforcement capacity and accelerates VAT recovery.

2. New VAT Taxable Base for Barter Transactions

For supplies of goods or services exchanged for other goods/services or to settle obligations, VAT must now be calculated based on the supplier’s cost, not market value.
This applies from 1 January 2026 and changes the criterion in DPR 633/1972 art. 11. [globaltaxnews.ey.com]

3. Measures Addressing VAT Non‑Compliance

The law explicitly targets VAT non‑compliance by allowing tax authorities to:

• determine VAT due via automated tools within the 7‑year statute of limitations;
• intervene when returns are not filed or data is inconsistent.

These provisions represent a significant tightening of administrative controls.

4. New Administrative Levy on Low‑Value Imports

A flat €2 levy will apply to goods imported into the EU valued up to €150, regardless of transaction type.
Although not technically VAT, it directly interacts with cross‑border VAT compliance and low‑value parcel treatment. [globaltaxnews.ey.com]

5. Postponement of Plastic Tax and Sugar Tax

While not strictly VAT, these indirect tax elements were deferred again:

• Plastic tax entry into force postponed
• Sugar tax postponed [globaltaxnews.ey.com]

This affects VAT compliance indirectly through excise/VAT interaction on product categories.

6. Consolidated VAT Code (Testo Unico IVA) – Coming 2027

The Budget Law is coordinated with the newly approved Consolidated VAT Code, which unifies all VAT rules.
Key points:

• Takes effect 1 January 2027
• Streamlines previous VAT legislation
  While not operational in 2026, its approval is part of the policy framework shaping VAT rules. [globaltaxnews.ey.com]

Summary Table

VAT Measure	Description	Effective Date	Source
Automatic VAT settlement	Automated calculation if return missing; penalties automated	1 Jan 2026	[farrelly-c…izzone.com]
New taxable base for barter	VAT based on supplier cost, not market value	1 Jan 2026	[globaltaxnews.ey.com],
Anti‑non‑compliance rules	Automated VAT determination within 7‑year limit	1 Jan 2026
€2 levy on small imports	Applies to non‑EU goods ≤ €150	1 Jan 2026	[globaltaxnews.ey.com]
Plastic/sugar tax delays	Deferred again	2026
Consolidated VAT Code	Unified VAT framework	1 Jan 2027	[globaltaxnews.ey.com]

Source www.gazzettaufficiale.it

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