The year 2024 introduced significant changes in the tax regime of short rentals in Italy, significantly influencing property owners who opt for the dry coupon.
The changes mainly concern the rate applied to short-term rentals, a decision that has sparked discussions and required further clarifications from the Revenue Agency.
So let's find out together what the implications are for owners of multiple real estate units and how the current tax landscape is configured.
Details and applications of the new rates
Starting from 1 January 2024, the Budget Law (law no. 213/2023) established a change in the dry tax rate for short-term rentals. The new legislation provides that, for long-term rental contracts not exceeding 30 days concerning the second, third and fourth houses, the tax rate is at 26%.
For those who rent a single apartment, the rate remains at 21%. This change is aimed at regulating the short-term rental market, often used for tourism purposes, by introducing greater tax progressivity based on the number of properties owned.
Furthermore, it is important to note that starting from the fifth house rented with short-term contracts, the owner will be required to open a VAT number, marking a further step towards the professionalisation of this activity.
Official clarifications from the Revenue Agency
To dispel doubts and uncertainties, the Revenue Agency has recently provided clarifications through its online magazine, Fisco Oggi. One of the most frequent questions concerned the possibility of applying the 21% rate even in the case of multiple rentals during the year on a single property unit.
Question: If I rent the same real estate unit several times during 2024 through short-term rental contracts and choose the flat rate tax regime, can you confirm that the tax rate is 21% and not 26%?
The Agency's response was clear: for those who rent a single property for short periodsregardless of the number of times it is rented within the calendar year, the applicable rate remains the same reduced by 21%.
Furthermore, if a taxpayer owns and rents two properties, he can choose which to apply the reduced rate of 21%, while the standard rate of 26% will apply to the other. These clarifications are essential for taxpayers and help prevent errors in tax declaration and payment.
The impact of the new regulations on short-term rentals
The changes introduced in 2024 to the taxation of short-term rentals represent a significant step towards fairer and more scalable taxation in the real estate sector.
These innovations not only aim to discourage real estate speculation through the intensive use of multiple properties for short-term rentals, but also seek to balance economic opportunities between small and large property owners.
