Rubbish Tax I'm interested to know what the current laws are in regards to tax on Household rubbish. I know that the fees are based on the size of the property (square meters) but what I'm trying to find out is how they classify this for rubbish tax. I.E 1) Is a garage included in this calculation? 2) Is loft space included in this calculation? I know the question should be answered with common sense but this is Italy and i've tried asking a few Italian friends at work and i'm getting mixed information. I do not live in the garage. (only my car) and i have not converted the loft area into a room etc.. Can anyone help?
If you carefully read the back of your rubbish tax bill it does have a part of the information which you seek. However, you have to read this in conjunction with the comune assessment of the square meterage of your property. The comune should not have assessed areas which are not enclosed (for example wood stores, or garages without doors), and I don't believe they should assess areas catastally logged as 'sgombero'. Lofts (if they are only semi-praticabile) don't usually get measured, but if part of the floor area of the loft exceeds 2m then they could be involved. There are also 'discounts' available. For example, a habitation occupied by a sole occupier should receive a discount on the square meterage above 47sq m. (In other words, if a single person is living in 100 sqm, 53sq m should only be taxed at 2/3 the normal domestic rate for rubbish tax.) There are also (possibly at the discretion of the comune) discounts of 20% for non permanent residence - holiday homes occupied for less than 20 weeks per year. There is no great logic to this - you and I know that garages and lofts can generate far more rubbish than the living rooms! And if you are unfortunate enough to have a house where some part of the accommodation is rated 'commercial' that is seriously bad news not only for rubbish tax calculations, but also for ICI - even if you thought it was your 'prima casa'.
Thanks for the info Relaxed, I still have not had my first bill as i've only just completed moving house but no doubt it will arrive soon as soon as i've finished sorting out all the legal stuff. I have heard that some comune's base the tax on how many people live in the home but mine is by square meters.
Re: Rubbish Tax It's usually hard to find an easy to understand regulation, to be honest. I think the taxes are written with the intent of confusing people so that they don't question the amount they are required to pay.
