Italy’s 2026 budget: new rules on short-term rentals, dividends, and tobin tax

The Italian government has introduced a series of changes in its 2026 budget, tightening regulations on short-term rentals, reforming dividends, increasing the Tobin Tax, and introducing new fees on small packages from outside the EU.

Under the new rules, short-term rentals of a primary residence will be taxed at 21%, while rental of a third property or more will be considered a business activity, requiring a VAT number.

The dividend tax regime has been limited: the exemption now applies only to holdings above 5% or exceeding €500,000. Banks will see a reduction in the deductibility of past losses, with an estimated impact of around €600 million over the next two years.

The Tobin Tax on financial transactions will double from 0.2% to 0.4%, while a €2 levy will be applied to small packages from non-EU countries valued under €150.

Finally, a book bonus will be introduced for families with an ISEE up to €30,000 to help cover the cost of textbooks for secondary school students, with a fund of €20 million starting in 2026.