From January XNUMXst, as required by the new law of stability, the limit beyond which it is forbidden to make cash payments has risen from one thousand to 3 thousand euros. The change, which cancels the threshold cut imposed by the Monti government, was accompanied by various controversies, because it can indirectly favor tax evasion and discourage the use of electronic money. The latter, however, is already not very widespread in Italy compared to the European average: according to Bank of Italy data, an average of 80 card payments per person were made in our country in 2014, against 308 in the United Kingdom, 275 in France, the 243 of Germany and the 129 of Spain.
In any case, the application of the new limit to cash provides for some exceptions, so it is good to clarify some possible doubts.
1) PENSIONS
The raising of the limit does not concern the emoluments paid by public administrations, including pensions paid by INPS, for which the threshold remains at one thousand euros.
2) PAYMENTS AND WITHDRAWALS AT THE BANK
It is still possible to make cash withdrawals or deposits at the bank for amounts exceeding 3 euros: the new limit only concerns money transfers between different subjects.
3) RENTALS
Like all payments, rents can also be paid in cash if they are less than 3 euros. The 2014 maneuver had introduced the obligation to pay housing rental fees with means other than cash, regardless of the amount, but the rule was repealed with the latest Stability law, not to mention that the Treasury had already reduced the obligation to issue a receipt.
4) INSTALLMENTS
It is forbidden to artificially install payments in order to remain below the threshold of 3 euros. However, in the past the Ministry of Economy had clarified that the use of cash is allowed if the payment in installments has been agreed in advance and indicated in the contract. Controls and verifications by the administration remain possible.
5) TAXES
There is no exemption for taxes paid to local administrations, so the limit of 3 euros in cash applies. The payment can also be made through banks or post offices, but for payments exceeding one thousand euros it is not possible to use the paper F24.
6) TOURISTS
A derogation is instead provided for non-EU citizens not residing in Italy, from whom merchants can accept cash payments of up to 15 thousand euros, provided they comply with certain documentary obligations such as a photocopy of the customer's passport and the request for a self-certification of non- residence in our country.
