1. What Are IMU and TARI?
IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica)
- What is IMU: A municipal tax on property ownership in Italy.
- Who pays it: Non-residents who own a second home or holiday home in Italy must pay IMU. Primary residences are generally exempt from IMU (under certain conditions).
- When to pay: Typically in two installments, on June 16 and December 16.
TARI (TAssa sui RIfiuti)
- What is TARI: A waste disposal tax that funds local waste collection and disposal services.
- Who pays it: All property owners, regardless of residency.
- When to pay: Deadlines vary by municipality, but payments are usually due in 2-4 installments per year.
2. How are IMU and TARI calculated
Calculating IMU
As a second home owner, you are supposed to calculate IMU yourself, based on the cadastral value of your property. Here’s how to do it:
- Find the cadastral value of your property, which is listed in your Building Registry Registration (visura catastale).
- Calculate the cadastral value: multiply the cadastral income by 1,05 and then multiply the result also by the coefficient which is applicable at the time of calculation. Currently, in 2026 the coeficients are 160 for homes (categories A, exceptA/10) and connected buildings (categories C/2, C/6, C/7), 80 for offices (category A/10) and 65 for pools (category D/6), 55 for shops (C/1).
- Apply the IMU rate set by your municipality (typically 0.4% to 1.06% for second homes).
- Divide by 2 to get the amount due for each installment. Divide by quote of property of each co-owner.
Example:
- Cadastral income: €685.00
- Cadastral value: €685.00 × 1.05 x 160 = €115,080
- IMU rate: 1.06%
- Annual IMU: €105,000 × 0.0106 = €1,219.85
- Each installment: €1,219.85 / 2 = €620
- If you co-own the property 50% with your partner, each of the co-owners will have to pay €310 twice a year.
Calculating TARI
TARI is calculated based on:
- The size of your property (in square meters).
- The number of occupants in your family unit.
- The municipal rate (varies by city/municipality).
Unlike IMU, most municipalities calculate the TARI for each property and send a payment invitation with the option for installed payments to the property owner.
It is essential that you submit a correctly filled in TARI registration for to your Comune, preferably within 90 days after purchase of the property, and at least before 30 June the year after the purchase.
3. How to Pay IMU and TARI as a Non-Resident
Paying IMU
- Check the deadlines: IMU is typically due on June 16 and December 16.
- Use the F24 form: This is the standard form for paying taxes in Italy. You can fill it out online or at a bank.
- Where to get it: Download it from the Agenzia delle Entrate website.
- Payment methods:
- Online banking with your Italian bank account (if your bank supports Italian tax payments).
- Post office in Italy.
- Authorized tax advisors can handle payments for you.
Paying TARI
- Wait for the bill: Most municipalities send TARI bills by mail to your property address.
- Pay online or in person:
- Use the PAYMENT SLIP (bollettino) included with the bill.
- Pay via online banking or at a post office in Italy.
- Set up automatic payments: Some municipalities allow you to pay TARI in installments via direct debit.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing deadlines: Late payments can result in fines and interest.
- Incorrect calculations: Double-check the cadastral value and municipal rates.
- Not updating your contact details: Ensure the municipality has your correct address to receive bills.
- Ignoring local variations: IMU and TARI rates vary by municipality—always check with your local town hall (comune).
6. How KeyPro Italy Can Help
Navigating IMU and TARI can be complex, especially from abroad. At KeyPro Italy, we offer:
- IMU and TARI calculations tailored to your property.
- Automated payment setup so you never miss a deadline.
- Dedicated support in English, Italian, Dutch, German and French.
With our Second Home Italy Starter Pack, we handle all the bureaucracy for you, so you can enjoy your Italian property without the stress.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to pay IMU if my property is empty?
A: Yes, IMU is based on ownership, not occupancy. Even if your property is empty, you must pay IMU (unless it’s your primary residence and qualifies for an exemption).
Q: Can I pay IMU and TARI online from abroad?
A: Yes, but you’ll need an Italian bank account or a service like KeyPro Italy to handle payments for you. Some international banks also support SEPA transfers to Italian tax accounts.
Q: What happens if I don’t pay IMU or TARI?
A: You may incur fines, interest, or legal action from the municipality. It’s best to stay compliant to avoid complications.
Q: How do I know if my property qualifies for IMU exemptions?
A: Primary residences are generally exempt from IMU, but second homes and rental properties are not. Check with your local comune or a tax advisor for specifics.
Final Tips
- Keep records: Save all payment receipts and tax documents.
- Set reminders: Mark the deadlines (June 16 and December 16 for IMU) on your calendar.
- Ask for help: If you’re unsure, consult a tax advisor or service like KeyPro Italy to avoid mistakes.
Ready to Simplify Your Tax Payments in Italy?
Contact KeyPro Italy today to learn how we can handle IMU, TARI, and other administrative tasks for your Italian property!