Car tax exemption: the possibility of broadening the scope is being considered – potential beneficiaries
Plans are being considered to extend the limit beyond the 80 kW ceiling set by the September decree. The Government is, however, aiming to make the measure permanent after 2027
Key points
A road tax exemption for all first-time car owners, regardless of engine power. This is one of the proposals under discussion as part of the measures for families and the middle class, which were the focus of the ruling coalition’s summit that prepared the Budget Bill. The bill is expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers late on Wednesday morning.
Avoiding exclusions
The aim is to ensure that households owning more powerful cars are not excluded from the scheme. The decree-law approved in September exempts individuals from road tax – for 2027 only – on a single vehicle. This may be a petrol or diesel car, including a hybrid, with a power output of up to 80 kW (approximately 109 cavalli), or alternatively a motorbike or moped. The potential audience comprises 24.6 million owners. Anyone who owns only one car above the threshold is excluded, unless they also own a two-wheeled vehicle.
The intention to make the measure permanent
The budget is also the means identified by the government to make the measure permanent. The decree, in fact, only covers payments due in 2027, but the government has repeatedly reaffirmed its intention to go further. “I reiterate the government’s commitment to making the abolition of vehicle tax a permanent measure,” said Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti at the end of September, in response to parliamentary questions. Following the Council of Ministers meeting on 16 September, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had already spoken of a decision to abolish the road tax ‘on a permanent basis’. A permanent provision will have to be included in the Budget Bill, which will also need to secure the necessary resources to compensate the regions, which are the recipients of the revenue.
The decree in the House of Commons
Meanwhile, the decree is under consideration by the Chamber of Deputies’ Finance Committee, where the stamp duty remains the main outstanding issue. The debate in the Chamber has been postponed by a week. For several days now, the majority parties have been tabling amendments aimed at broadening the scope of the scheme rather than extending its duration. The most detailed of these is the amendment tabled by the committee chair, Marco Osnato (FdI).
For 2027 provides families with more than three children, at least one of whom is a minor, with a subsidy equal to the road tax paid, up to 490.20 euros. The allowance applies to vehicles with a power output of up to 160 kW, approved for between six and nine seats. Similar proposals have been tabled by Noi Moderati and, from the opposition, by Azione.
