In Italy, a new decree which was published in the official gazette on 11 August 2017 modifies the existing anti-avoidance rules under the “allowance for corporate equity” regime in such a way that duplications of the tax benefit within a group of enterprises can be excluded. The new decree is particularly applicable in those situations when intra-group transactions involve non-residents and therefore cause a reduction in the amount of the allowance which is provided as a decrease applicable against net taxable income.

According to the decree, the definition of “group” is extended to include private individuals and non-resident companies.

The decree applies to intra-group transactions between both Italian and non-Italian related parties as follows:

    • Cash contributions  done to group companies, made from 2011
    • Controlled interests acquired from other group companies
    • Acquisitions of businesses or branches of business from other group companies
    • Financing delivered to other group companies, as from 1 January 2011,

Additionally, the anti-avoidance rules are also applicable to the cash contributions of taxpayers (also outside the group) resident in a country not included in the “white list” jurisdictions.