Short-term rentals: from Fi to Noi moderati, here are the changes to the Manoeuvre
Race in Parliament to change the rule increasing taxation on tourist rentals through intermediaries from 21 to 26%. Court of Auditors: it encourages the black economy
The manoeuvre on short rentals is more wide-ranging than long, with a multi-voiced debate that goes from politics through associations to accounting judges. There is something for everyone, after the government included in the Budget Bill the increase in taxation from 21% to 26% on short rentals, the territory of small landlords who rent to tourists. But amidst protests and promises of amendments, the ball is still in the court and all is played out on parliamentary ground.
The Mef goes ahead
In the bill, the coupon remains at 21% only for those who rent a single unit directly, while it rises to 26% for leases managed through intermediaries or portals. Defending the measure is Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti. "We have intervened on the dry coupon that Airbnb manages and we do not believe that we have harmed anyone who has to live in their own home," he said in a hearing before the Budget commissions. "But there is a reflection to be made on the fact that over the years the system has produced an advantage relative to renting to tourists rather than to less well-off families or those looking for a residence. This is a fact. Are there other solutions? Well, we are willing to evaluate them."
Split in the government majority
The levy displeases the Azzurri, who have made a political flag of the dear one since Berlusconi's time. And so the deputy prime minister and Forza Italia secretary Antonio Tajani sinks, promising changes in Parliament: "We want to protect the home, the primary asset of Italians, reduce the tax burden on businesses, encourage the construction of infrastructure and reward those who guarantee our security," he said, announcing a blue summit to coordinate amendments to the manoeuvre. 'Stop tax increases on short-term rentals,' he reiterated, marking the distance from the Mef and effectively opening up the internal front within the majority. He is not alone in this battle, however. The Caroccio leader also distances himself from Giorgetti and announces that 'the rule will be cancelled in Parliament,' while hypothesising a different taxation for owners of several properties: 'If one has 50 houses, one can pay something more.
The battle in Parliament
On the parliamentary terrain, the game has already begun. "Parliament will reflect on Noi Moderati's proposal to reform, with the examination of the budget law, the rental system, with a rate at 26% on short-term rentals, cutting from 21% to 15% that on long-term free rentals and leaving unchanged that at 10% for the agreed rental," explained the leader of Noi Moderati Maurizio Lupi. "The objective," he added, "is to incentivise landlords to rent their homes on a long-term basis, so as to provide answers to the many Italians who, especially in large cities, have difficulty finding a home due to high rents. We will present an amendment, let's discuss it without prejudice."
Opposition vows battle
Of the same opinion, but from opposite sides, the president of the 5-Star Movement senators Stefano Patuanelli. "Within a totally mistaken manoeuvre, we intend to propose a de-taxation of long leases,' he said. 'The government, contradicting the much flaunted 'sacredness' of housing, has increased the coupon on short leases and cut benefits for young people. But here the time has come to decrease taxes, not increase them." An approach that, according to Patuanelli, goes in the direction already shared "by all the real estate sector unions during the hearings".
