What is IRES and how much corporate tax do Italian companies pay?
IRES is the Italian corporate income tax at 24% of taxable profit. Companies also pay IRAP, a regional tax, so the total burden is higher than 24%.
Finn does your books in Italy
AccountsOS runs full accounting for Italy businesses, tax, deadlines and invoicing, in plain English. Ask Finn about yours, no signup needed.
Detailed Explanation
## What is IRES?
IRES (Imposta sul Reddito delle Società) is the national corporate income tax for Italian companies. The rate is 24% of taxable profit. The tax authority is the Agenzia delle Entrate.
## IRAP on top
Companies also pay IRAP, a separate regional tax on net production value. Because IRAP is regional, the total tax bill is an estimate until the company's region is known. See the IRAP question for the rate.
## Filing and paying
- **Return:** the modello Redditi SC, covering IRES and IRAP, is due by the last day of the 10th month after year-end. For a calendar-year company that is 31 October.
- **Saldo and first acconto:** by 30 June, through modello F24.
- **Second acconto:** by 30 November, also by F24.
## A worked example
A company with €100,000 of taxable profit owes €24,000 of IRES. IRAP is calculated separately.
## The IRES premiale
A conditional 20% rate existed for the 2025 tax period only. It needs four conditions to be met together. Finn never applies it on its own. It asks you or your commercialista to confirm.
## How AccountsOS helps
Finn estimates IRES at 24% from your books and shows IRAP separately as an estimate. It tracks the return and payment dates. You or your commercialista files the return and pays the F24. AccountsOS does not submit to the Agenzia delle Entrate.
Source: https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/imposta-sui-redditi-societa-ires/infogen-imposta-sui-redditi-societa-ires
Real-World Examples
Profitable SRL
An SRL has €100,000 of taxable profit. IRES is €24,000. IRAP is calculated separately and depends on the region.
Calendar-year company
A company with a 31 December year-end files the Redditi SC by 31 October, and pays the saldo and first acconto by 30 June and the second acconto by 30 November.
Company with a 2025 investment plan
A company asks whether it gets the 20% rate. Finn lists the four conditions and asks the commercialista to confirm before any saving is assumed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Quoting 24% as the whole tax burden and forgetting IRAP
- Assuming the 20% premiale rate applies without checking every condition
- Confusing the 31 October return date with the 30 June payment date
- Expecting AccountsOS to submit the return
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRES rate?
24% of taxable profit.
Is IRAP included in the 24%?
No. IRAP is a separate regional tax.
When is the Redditi SC due?
By 31 October for calendar-year companies.
How is IRES paid?
By modello F24. The saldo and first acconto are due by 30 June and the second acconto by 30 November.
Does AccountsOS file my return?
No. You or your commercialista files it.
Practical Tips
- Ask your commercialista for the tax adjustments from accounting to taxable profit
- Put 30 June, 31 October and 30 November in the calendar
- Confirm the region early so IRAP is not a surprise
- Keep F24 receipts with the return
Ask Finn your Italy accounting questions
Finn knows Agenzia delle Entrate rules and your specific business numbers. Get instant answers in plain English.
Try free for 14 days