How to Retire in Italy and Take advantage of the 7% Flat Tax for U.S. Citizens
The allure of retiring abroad has captivated many U.S. citizens, with Italy emerging as a top choice. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine, Italy offers a unique blend of culture and lifestyle that many find irresistible. The introduction of a 7% flat tax in 2019 has made this dream even more attainable for American retirees. However, moving to a foreign country comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to understanding and navigating the tax systems of both the U.S. and Italy.
The Appeal of Italy for U.S. Retirees
Italy's charm lies in its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and a culture steeped in history and tradition. The introduction of a 7% flat tax for foreign retirees in 2019 has made the prospect of retiring in Italy even more enticing. However, it's important to remember that U.S. citizens are still subject to U.S. taxes, even when living abroad. Understanding the tax laws of both countries and how they interact is crucial for those considering making the move.
Qualifying for Italy's Special Tax Treatment
To benefit from Italy's special tax regime, individuals must meet certain criteria outlined in Article 1 (273-274) of Law N.145/2018. The benefits of this tax regime extend for 10 years, starting from the year the tax residence is transferred to Italy. To qualify, an individual:
- Must not have been a tax resident of Italy for the last five years.
- Must transfer their tax residence to Southern Italy in a qualifying municipality with a population of 20,000 or fewer residents. The qualifying regions are Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia. To qualify as a tax resident, an individual must spend at least 183 days each year within the country.
- Must have been a resident of a country that has a tax treaty arrangement with Italy.
Benefits of the 7% Flat Tax
Italy's income tax rates can be quite high, with income earned above 75,000 EUR subject to a standard Italian income tax rate of 43%. Under the new preferential tax regime, an individual would be exempt from income taxes at the normal scale on all foreign income and only pay 7%. This includes pension income, capital gains and dividends, overseas business income, rental income, and Social Security. This is a significant benefit for U.S. citizens who may face higher taxation in Italy under normal rates.
In addition, individuals qualifying under the special tax regime would be exempt from declaring foreign assets as well as being subject to any wealth taxes on foreign assets. It's important to note that this regime does not extend to any Italian-sourced income. Any Italian-sourced income (such as wages from working in Italy) will be subject to the normal marginal rates.
Implications for U.S. Citizens Moving to Italy
U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) will always remain taxable by the United States, even when living in Italy and paying taxes there. The United States imposes taxes based on citizenship, not residency. Fortunately, U.S. residents would be entitled to a foreign tax credit on their U.S. income tax return for the 7% tax paid to Italy. So, in effect, there is no incremental tax cost, only a sharing of the U.S. tax liability between the United States and Italy.
Beyond U.S./Italian income taxation issues, there are significant cross-border financial planning issues to consider for a U.S. expat in Italy:
- How will Italy tax my IRA, Roth IRA, and 401(k) accounts?
- What brokerage firm will work with American expats in Italy?
- How do I invest to mitigate exchange rate risk between the U.S. dollar and euro?
- Can I receive U.S. Social Security while living in Italy?
- Does Italy have estate and inheritance taxes?
- Will my U.S. estate plan still pass assets to intended beneficiaries?
- Are there other financial, legal, and tax issues to be considered when moving to Italy?
Planning for a Retirement in Italy
Retiring and living abroad can be complex as there are many financial issues to consider with regard to personal finances, taxes, and estate planning. Proactive planning and working with experienced U.S. expat financial advisors can help retirees fulfill their retirement dreams and spend a desired amount of time abroad in Italy.
Final Thoughts
The prospect of retiring in Italy has become more appealing with the introduction of the 7% flat tax. However, it's essential for U.S. citizens to understand the complexities of both the U.S. and Italian tax systems before making the move. With the right planning and advice, a retirement in Italy can be a dream come true.