DAC8 Reporting in Italy: Practical Guide

Italy has progressively developed its regulatory and tax framework for crypto-assets, including the introduction of specific tax provisions for digital assets in recent budget laws. The Agenzia delle Entrate, Italy's revenue agency, is expected to administer DAC8 reporting obligations. This guide provides practical information for crypto-asset service providers and other reporting entities operating in Italy.

National Authority

The Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency) is the competent authority for tax administration in Italy, including international exchange of information. The agency already manages CRS and FATCA reporting and has experience with large-scale data exchange. The Agenzia delle Entrate operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, MEF), which is responsible for transposing the DAC8 directive into Italian law.

Submission Requirements

Italy's tax administration has been steadily digitising its processes, and DAC8 submissions are expected to be handled electronically.

• Format: Reports should follow the OECD CARF XML schema as mandated by DAC8. The Agenzia delle Entrate may issue supplementary technical specifications and validation rules.
• Language: Official tax communications and filings in Italy are generally required in Italian. The standardised XML data fields should follow international formats, but any accompanying documentation may need to be in Italian.
• Submission channel: The Agenzia delle Entrate may integrate DAC8 reporting into its Entratel or Fisconline platforms, or create a dedicated channel. The exact submission method is to be confirmed by the authority.
• Intermediaries: Italy commonly allows tax filings through authorised intermediaries (intermediari abilitati). This option may be available for DAC8 reporting as well.

Transposition Status

Italy must transpose the DAC8 directive into national law by December 31, 2025. The Italian government typically implements EU directives through legislative decrees (decreti legislativi) following a delegation law (legge delega). Italy has at times experienced delays in transposing EU directives, so reporting entities should monitor the Official Gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale) for the publication of implementing legislation.

Local Variations

Italy may introduce specific national requirements alongside the DAC8 framework:

• Existing crypto tax provisions: Italy introduced a specific tax regime for crypto-assets, including a substitute tax on gains. DAC8 data may be used to verify compliance with these domestic tax obligations.
• Quadro RW reporting: Italian tax residents are required to declare foreign financial assets in the Quadro RW section of their tax return. DAC8 information may be cross-referenced with these disclosures.
• Imposta di bollo: Italy applies a stamp duty (imposta di bollo) to crypto-asset holdings. Reported data may be relevant to this obligation.
• IVACA: Italy has introduced a tax on the value of crypto-assets held abroad (similar to IVAFE for financial assets), which DAC8 data may help administer.

Key Dates

• Transposition deadline: December 31, 2025 (directive must be incorporated into Italian law)
• Data collection begins: January 1, 2026 (entities should start collecting reportable data)
• First reporting period: Calendar year 2026
• First reports due: 2027 (exact date to be confirmed by the Agenzia delle Entrate)

Practical Tips

• Monitor the Gazzetta Ufficiale: All implementing legislation will be published in Italy's Official Gazette. Check regularly for relevant decrees and ministerial provisions.
• Prepare for intermediary filing: Consider whether to submit DAC8 reports directly or through an authorised intermediary, which is common practice in Italy.
• Align with existing tax compliance: Coordinate DAC8 reporting with your entity's existing Italian tax obligations, including any substitute tax or imposta di bollo requirements.
• Invest in Italian-language capabilities: Ensure your compliance team or advisors can handle communications with the Agenzia delle Entrate in Italian.
• Register early: Complete any required registrations with the Agenzia delle Entrate well before the first reporting deadline.
• Keep detailed records: Italian tax authorities may request supporting documentation during audits. Maintain comprehensive records of all due diligence and reporting activities.

Important Notice

This guide provides general information about DAC8 reporting in Italy. Requirements may change as the directive is transposed into national law. The information presented here should not be treated as definitive legal or tax advice. Always consult the Agenzia delle Entrate and the Ministry of Economy and Finance for the latest official requirements. For specific compliance questions, seek advice from qualified Italian tax professionals (commercialisti or consulenti fiscali).