Italy's Car Tax Reform Sets New 2028 Payment Schedule

The Italian government approved a mini‑reform of the vehicle registration tax (bollo auto) that will take effect on 1 January 2028. The reform does not alter the tax rates, calculation criteria (vehicle power in kW, Euro emission class, regional base rates) or existing exemptions, including the incentive for electric cars and the super‑tax for high‑power vehicles.

Key changes concern the payment calendar and administration. For newly registered cars the first tax payment will cover a 12‑month period starting from the month of registration, with the due date set to the last day of the following month. Subsequent payments will be due on the last day of the month in which the vehicle was registered, and regions may allow a four‑month payment option. The reform also tightens rules for long‑term rental and car‑sharing contracts, linking the tax to the region where the activity is carried out rather than the company’s legal seat, and introduces a direct transfer mechanism for payments made to the wrong regional authority.