Ram's activity

Questions Asked

Suddenly there is a new forum and lots of new members appear from nowhere asking really useful questions!  it's almost as if someone somewhere is trying to make the new site justifuy its existence.  Which is nice.

Fri, 05/24/2013 - 01:13

One for Charlotte - i have an American client, executor of his fathers estate who says that under the Uniform International Wills Act he can deal with the Italian succession of his American/Italian father.

Wed, 01/23/2013 - 06:36

'Tourists' in ITaly have now got a deroga from the government allowing them to buy stuff that costs more than 1000 euros with cash.

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 03:22

There is a hugely important element to the manovra published yesterday. For people who took residence in Italy to get prima casa, but dont actually live here...From 2012 you will pay 7/1000 on the value of any property owned OUTSIDE ITaly.

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 02:52

oops apologies - going blind in my old age

Thu, 12/02/2010 - 03:55

So the Nationwide has introduced bank charges - £1 fee and 2% commission on every withdrawal via ATM abroad - Im gutted. But, I had no advance warning and am also deeply annoyed. Anyone else in the same boat?

Thu, 11/18/2010 - 03:54

Somewhat open mouthed to see a large ad for Giambrone on the front page of the Italy Mag website.

Sat, 11/06/2010 - 04:04

Does anyone have any info on the scudo fiscale.  It seems that the new version is not only retroactive, but anyone bringing money into Italy could be liable for 5% tax if they are resident.

Tue, 01/05/2010 - 13:05

 The disaster in the province of Messina goes to prove the instability and 'eyes wide shut' approach to living in Italy.

Mon, 10/05/2009 - 04:04

Comments posted

Sun, 04/15/2012 - 13:14

it only works if the owner passes on the service charge to the employees.  Alot dont, especially if you pay by credit card.  I would pay the amount on the bill by card, and leave the tip in cash. 

Sat, 04/14/2012 - 02:50

As premium bonds dont exist in Italy in any shape or form, are they classed as gambling, in which case there is a 6% tax to pay on winnings, or are they classes as azioni/shares in which case you would get nobbled.    I reckong you could fight it anwyay - it is a prize and prizes are not taxable in Italy. 

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 11:10

What you really need is your visura catastale, which has your rendita catastale on it.  Put that figure into a motor like this:  http://www.corriereimmobiliare.com/calcolo-nuova-ici-imu.asp and you'll have what you owe.  The move to square metres should have taken place 10  years ago - it will be slowly rolled out, but wont affect your catastal value. 

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 06:38

Your catastal value will go up by 60% this year, ie on top of the 5% already built in.  Comunes are not responsible for the catastal value, and can send bills for imposte (like TARSU) but not taxes (like ICI) which you have to calculate.  This is why IMU will no longer include TARSU as the two figures are incompatible.    Your revision in 2006 was because your property had changed with the renovations.  if it doesnt change again then the catastal value will not change unless there is a change in the overall system.  It will however, in the years to come, change to being calculated on square metres instead of catastal rooms. 

Fri, 04/06/2012 - 02:48

Maximum size of B&B varies according to province - down here there are some with 12 beds - its more on the services you provide.  Generally speaking a double bedroom should be 18mq, a single 12mq. Minimum height is an average of 2.42.   (but this is not hard and fast).    Its more to do with windows - a room must have a window of certain size.  Its to stop people renting out the cupboard under the stairs.  Disabled rooms/baths are bigger.   If you want to get in on your provincial approved list you will have to comply with all their requirements - (which are never ending).  The local APIT should have a list and a form. 

Thu, 04/05/2012 - 03:01

Eurospin and/or ArdDiscount have 159 euro washing machines in at the moment!

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 02:56

Actually renting out as a B&B is probably the most redtapeless way to do it.  All depends obviously on your province and their regs- but a B&B doesnt require you to have a partita IVA, doesnt require telephones, cooking facilities etc in the rooms.  You can really just open up, and declare it on your tax form - as well as deduct your running expenses. ... 

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 03:44

A miele? at twice the price of everythign else.  They all have programmed obsolescence.  M advice is buy cheap  - 149 euros - use t for 3 years and get another.   Avoid electronic smart machines, get one with a clockwork dial and you'll be fine - it las at least 5 years. 

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 04:25

Fillide is exactly right - but ill add bmy tuppeny worth anyway. An estate agent now has a legal requirement to advertise the ACE rateing of a property, but it isnt a legal requirement to have one everywhere.  You can possibly still autocertificate your Class G (no thermal plus points) status at atto.  It will not stop the agent advertising the house with a rating however.  If you have changed the plant in the house - ie electrics, boiler etc you will need a certification from your electrician and/or plumber  showing its all legal and above board.   You will need, as Fillide says - an uptodate catastal map of the property which should be 'stato di fatto' and which you all sign in front of the notaio.  You can get this from the catasto office or you can appoint a 'professional' to do it for you.   If you have any land with the house, which is not a pertinence but agricultural land you will need to a get a certificato di destinazione urbanistica which must be attached to the atto before you can sign it.  If you have a well/posso you will need the documentation for that etc etc etc..... Get a big folder and start amassing the necessary paperwork!  Good luck

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 08:34

Its much easier going to Taormina by bus from the airport.  it stops up in Taormina - the train station is at the bottom of t he mountain and you will need a taxi or a bus from there.  Driving on all the hairpins is not great for someone who doesnt llike driving.  Taormina is only an hour from Catania.  Travelling in the south of Sicily is fine forasingle woman.  However, take care - everyone - in Catania and Palermo - use common sense, dont wear flashy jewellery, keep money in zipped pockets etc etc.