As part of the tax incentive measures introduced to improve the security of homes and properties in Italy, the 2024 Video Surveillance Bonus stands out, also known as Security Bonus.
This incentive represents a significant opportunity for property owners who wish to strengthen the security of their assets through the installation of advanced video surveillance systems and other anti-intrusion measures. The recent clarification provided by the Revenue Agency sheds light on the specific requirements and methods of accessing this tax deduction, offering taxpayers valuable guidance to make the most of this opportunity.
Let's analyze in detail how the 2024 Security Bonus works and what its main features are.
What is the 2024 Security Bonus?
The 2024 Security Bonus was recently at the center of an important clarification by the Revenue Agency, following a specific request for information. This tax relief is part of the broader framework of deductions provided for building renovations, offering taxpayers the possibility of deduct 50% of the expenses incurred for the installation of advanced video surveillance systems, connected to private surveillance centres.
The primary objective of this measure is to increase personal safety and the protection of building heritage, through the implementation of technologies capable of preventing illicit acts by third parties.
However, it is important to note that, according to the Tax authorities, only expenses strictly related to interventions on properties are deductible, therefore excluding costs relating to security services.
Requirements and interventions eligible for the 2024 Safety Bonus
The Security Bonus is part of the 50% tax deduction, with a maximum spending limit of 96,000 euros per property, valid until 31 December 2024.
This relief is governed by article 16-bis of the TUIR (Consolidated Law on Income Taxes) and is aimed at a vast range of beneficiaries: from private taxpayers, resident or not in Italy, to business owners with a VAT number, provided holders of rights on the property subject to the intervention at the time of the application.
It is interesting to note that the bonus is also extended to family members living with the owner of the property, with the exception of properties for business, art or professional use.
The beneficiaries of the bonus include:
- Owners or bare owners;
- Holders of real rights of enjoyment (usufruct, use, residence, surface);
- Lessees or borrowers;
- Cooperative members;
- Individual entrepreneurs, for non-instrumental properties;
- Income-producing entities in associated form (simple partnerships, in collective names, etc.), under the same conditions envisaged for individual entrepreneurs;
- Cohabiting family members, separated assignee spouses, cohabitants or part of civil unions, provided that they bear the expenses and that transfers and invoices are made out to them.
The interventions eligible for the bonus are those aimed at preventing theft, assaults or other crimes, through the installation of:
- Armored doors;
- Closing systems (locks, deadbolts, etc.);
- Shutters, metal shutters, anti-breakage glass;
- Wall safes, alarm and anti-theft systems, CCTV;
- Fire detection systems, access control systems, anti-flooding and gas leak devices;
- Fog generators and other advanced safety systems;
- Security perimeter structures such as fences and walls.
This comprehensive approach ensures that almost any type of improvement aimed at increasing the security of a property can be included in the scope of the bonus, thus allowing beneficiaries to adopt the solutions best suited to their specific needs.
How to access the bonus: the talking bank transfer
In order to benefit from the 2024 Security Bonus, it is essential that the expenses incurred for eligible interventions are documented through a traceable payment mechanism, known as “talking bank transfer“.
This type of transfer, which can be used both in postal and banking form, must include specific details that certify its purpose linked to security improvement interventions.
The following must be clearly indicated on the bank transfer:
- The reason for the payment, making explicit reference to the relevant legislation (article 16-bis of Presidential Decree 917/1986);
- The tax code of the beneficiary of the deduction;
- The tax code or VAT number of the person to whom the payment is intended.
This expense traceability requirement not only guarantees the transparency and correctness of operations, but also acts as a tool to facilitate controls by the Revenue Agency. In fact, through the talking bank transfer, a direct connection is created between the expenditure made and the security intervention carried out, simplifying the process of requesting and attributing the tax benefit.