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The Italian government approved a “mini reform” of the car tax, known as the bollo auto, on August 5, 2026, which will harmonize payment deadlines across all regions starting January 1, 2028. According to Adnkronos, the reform does not reduce costs for motorists but standardizes the timing for initial payments and subsequent renewals to eliminate regional discrepancies.

Under the new rules effective in 2028, the first tax payment for a new vehicle must be made by the last day of the month following its registration, regardless of the region. Subsequent annual renewals will be due by the last day of the month in which the car was originally registered, Adnkronos reports.

The reform does not apply to vehicles already on the road. Those cars will continue to follow existing regulations, which set payment deadlines in April, August, or December, according to Adnkronos.

Tax Calculation and Regional Rates

The parameters used to calculate the tax remain unchanged. Payments continue to be based on the vehicle’s environmental class (ranging from Euro 0 to Euro 6) and its power in kilowatts, as listed at point P.2 of the registration document, according to Adnkronos.

Regions retain the authority to increase the base tax amounts by up to 10%. Additionally, regional governments may implement quadrimestral payment schedules for specific vehicle categories, Adnkronos reports.

The “superbollo,” a surcharge for vehicles with power exceeding 100 kW, remains in place and is increased by half, according to Adnkronos. Existing exemptions, including those for electric vehicles, also remain unaltered.

Rental Vehicle and Registration Changes

The reform introduces a shift in how tax jurisdiction is determined for rental cars. Tax obligations will now be tied to the location where the vehicle is habitually used rather than the legal headquarters of the rental company, according to Adnkronos.

Other administrative changes will occur before the 2028 deadline. Starting January 1, 2027, long-term rental contracts without a driver must be recorded in the Pubblico registro automobilistico (Pra), the public vehicle registry, Adnkronos reports.

Adnkronos also notes a proposed measure allowing the suspension of payments for used vehicles, provided the transfer of ownership is recorded in the Pra within 60 days of the sale. In such cases, the new owner is responsible for aligning the payment with the original registration date.

Administrative Procedures and Enforcement

To simplify errors in payment, regions will now handle the transfer of funds internally if a motorist accidentally pays the tax to the wrong region, according to Adnkronos.

The tax remains due even if the vehicle is subject to an administrative freeze of a fiscal nature, Adnkronos reports.

While Vice Premier Antonio Tajani had previously suggested the possibility of abolishing or cutting the tax, Il Sole 24 Ore reports that the approved mini reform contains no such cuts.