Who needs a Partita IVA in Italy, how to register with Agenzia delle Entrate, what the number looks like, how to find or check one, and where it goes on your invoices.
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Updated for 2026
Last reviewed settembre 2026
This is the general edition of this guide for Italy. It explains how the Partita IVA, VAT (IVA) and annual filing work and names Agenzia delle Entrate as the place to confirm thresholds and dates. Country-specific figures are added as each edition is reviewed.
What the Partita IVA is
The Partita IVA is the number Agenzia delle Entrate assigns to a taxpayer in Italy. It follows you across every tax you deal with: VAT (IVA), income tax and withholding. Businesses that pay you will ask for it before they release payment, because they report their suppliers to Agenzia delle Entrate by this number.
Who needs one
Anyone who earns taxable income, runs a business, employs staff or wants to be paid by a company that must report its suppliers. In practice, if you invoice, you need one.
How to register, step by step
Gather your identity document and, for a business, the registration certificate and the owners' or directors' details.
Register with Agenzia delle Entrate. Choose the taxes you will be liable for; do not add VAT (IVA) unless you must or want to register for it.
Download or collect the registration certificate. It shows your Partita IVA; keep the PDF, because clients will ask for it.
Add the Partita IVA to your invoice template and letterhead.
How to find or check a Partita IVA
Your own number is on the registration certificate and on every letter or notice from Agenzia delle Entrate. Most authorities now offer an online lookup to confirm a supplier's number and registered name before you pay them; use it for any new supplier.
Where it goes on your paperwork
In the invoice header next to your business name, and in the client block when the client is a registered business. Quotations and purchase orders carry it too, so the client's accounts team can match documents. The Italy invoice generator has a Partita IVA field in both blocks.
Questions people ask
Does it cost anything to get a Partita IVA?
Registration with Agenzia delle Entrate is normally free. Agents charge for filling in the same form; pay one only if you want the time saved.
Can I invoice without a Partita IVA?
You can write the document, but many clients will not pay an invoice that has no Partita IVA, and you cannot charge VAT (IVA) without being registered. Register first; it is usually quick.
Is the Partita IVA the same as VAT (IVA) registration?
Not necessarily. The Partita IVA identifies you as a taxpayer; VAT (IVA) registration is a separate status you take on when turnover passes the threshold or you opt in. Some countries use one number for both, others issue a separate VAT (IVA) number.
How long does registration take?
Online registrations are often instant or take a few days; applications that need a visit or document checks take longer. Start before you need to send your first invoice.
Sources
Agenzia delle Entrate — the official guidance for Italy
How this guide was made
Written from published tax-authority guidance and reviewed on 2026-09-03. Everything here is indicative rather than a ruling on your circumstances, and rules change. Confirm anything you rely on with Agenzia delle Entrate before acting on it, and tell us if you find something out of date so we can correct it.
This guide explains the rules in general terms and is not tax advice for your circumstances. Confirm your position with a qualified adviser or with Agenzia delle Entrate.
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Tools for Italy
Invoices, quotations, purchase orders, credit notes and waybills in EUR, with VAT (IVA) and the Partita IVA on the document. Plus a VAT (IVA) calculator and a salary tax calculator. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.