Hohe Spritpreise: Italien verzichtet ein Jahr lang weitgehend auf Kfz-Steuer

Italian officials have decided to suspend the vehicle tax for one year due to soaring fuel prices. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government announced the measure in Rome, effective in 2027. The tax exemption applies to all passenger cars with less than 80 kilowatts of power, as well as motorcycles and moped vehicles, which are widely used in the country. This exemption covers approximately 14.5 million vehicles.

However, each vehicle owner can claim the exemption for only one vehicle. Larger cars, as well as second or third cars, do not qualify for this relief. The exemption will automatically apply to the vehicle with the least power. Generally, an 80 kilowatt vehicle is equipped with a 110 horsepower engine. The government claims that waiving the vehicle tax will primarily provide financial relief for families.

Prime Minister Meloni, who has been leading the right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party for nearly four years, referred to the vehicle tax (known as 'bollo auto' in Italian) as "one of the most heavily criticized taxes" in the country. Her right-wing coalition presents this recent decision as part of a series of tax relief measures. The opposition on the left has hinted that Italy may hold a new parliamentary election next year.