Italy school costs: tax deductions and local aid measures

Rising costs for school supplies and services are impacting families, prompting both national tax measures and local municipal support in Italy. Nationally, families can claim a 19% tax deduction on various school-related expenses through their income tax returns. For the current period, the maximum deductible threshold per student has been increased to 1,000 euros. Eligible expenses include tuition, school canteen fees, pre- and post-school services, school bus costs, and educational trips, though textbooks and stationery are excluded from these specific deductions.

At the local level, the municipality of Gallarate has launched a reimbursement program to assist vulnerable families. The initiative targets residents with an ISEE income below 15,000 euros and covers children aged 0 to 18. This local fund aims to support costs for nurseries, school canteens, transport, and educational activities for the 2025-2026 academic year. These measures come as inflation drives up the cost of school returns, with some estimates suggesting expenses for high school students can exceed 1,200 euros due to increases in textbooks and stationery.