What is IMU
The Imposta Municipale Propria (IMU) is Italy's property tax applied to real estate other than the primary residence (which is exempt unless it belongs to luxury cadastral categories A/1, A/8, A/9). It is administered by municipalities, which set the rates within the limits established by national law.
How the taxable base is calculated
The IMU taxable base starts from the cadastral income revalued by 5%, then multiplied by a coefficient depending on the cadastral category of the property:
- Residential (A, excluding A/10): coefficient 160
- Offices (A/10): coefficient 80
- Shops (C/1): coefficient 55
- Workshops (C/3): coefficient 140
- Industrial warehouses (D): coefficient 65
- Agricultural land: coefficient 135 (with 25% revaluation instead of 5%)
The final calculation
IMU due = Taxable base × Municipal rate. Rates vary by municipality: the standard rate for second homes is generally 7.6‰, which municipalities can raise up to 10.6‰ or reduce to 4.6‰. Properties rented under subsidised-rent contracts often benefit from reduced rates.
Main exemptions
- Primary residence (cadastral categories A/2–A/7): exempt
- Properties belonging to non-profit organisations: exempt when used for institutional activities
- Agricultural land in mountain areas
- Free-of-charge loan to children or parents: 50% rate reduction if the lender lives in the same municipality
Payment deadlines
IMU is paid in two instalments: the first deposit by 16 June (calculated on the previous year's rates or 50% of the current year's rates), and the final balance by 16 December (based on the definitive rates approved by the municipality by 28 October).