IMU 2024: Changes in Rates and Deadlines
The recent decree of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, published on 7 July 2023 in the Official Journal no. 172/2023, introduces significant changes to the Municipal Property Tax (IMU) starting from 2024. This regulatory move allows Municipalities to adapt IMU rates more flexibly, a decision that could lead to significant changes in the tax burden of property owners second and third homes. Let's find out the details.
The Decree and its Importance
The decree provides clear guidelines on how Municipalities can change IMU rates. The latter will have two main options:
1. Adopt the new IMU rates, always respecting principles such as reasonableness, adequacy and proportionality. Furthermore, discrimination cannot be applied. To do this, local governments must develop their tax rates and send them to the Department of Finance through the dedicated section in the Fiscal Federalism Portal.
2. Maintain the current IMU rates, which are established at national level. Also in this case, the Municipality must prepare an approval resolution and present it through the Fiscal Federalism Portal.
Calendar of the New IMU Rates
For municipalities that decide to customize their rates, it is crucial to respect some key dates. The statement containing the new percentages must be published on the website of the Department of Finance no later than 28 October of the reference year. In turn, the Municipalities must insert the statement in the Fiscal Federalism Portal by 14 October of the same year.
If a municipality fails to meet these deadlines, the previous year's rates will remain in effect. However, this rule only applies when the rate definition mechanism is already fully operational; in the first year of application, failure or late publication brings the IMU rates to their basic level.
The Impact on Municipalities and Citizens
The new regulatory framework requires Municipalities to adopt a more analytical and strategic approach in defining IMU rates. They must carefully consider how these changes could affect the municipal budget and, ultimately, the services provided to citizens.
For taxpayers, however, the IMU payment system will remain substantially unchanged. Also in 2024, the IMU can be paid using the F24 form, a method already known and used for years.
In conclusion, the new changes to the IMU rates scheduled for 2024 require particular attention from both municipal administrations and taxpayers. While municipalities will have new responsibilities and opportunities, citizens will need to be alert to changes that could affect their tax burden. Keeping a close eye on any updates is therefore more important than ever.
