As of April 22, 2025, the fifth debt relief program, known as 'rottamazione quinquies', remains in limbo, leaving thousands of taxpayers in a precarious situation. The government had hoped to make an official announcement by mid-April, but no decree has been issued yet, causing growing frustration among those waiting for clarity on their financial obligations.
The 'rottamazione quinquies' is expected to feature a ten-year maxi-installment plan, allowing payments to be spread over 120 months, and it aims to include individuals who previously defaulted on the 'rottamazione quater'. However, the lack of a scheduled date for this measure has left many uncertain about their next steps.
Currently, taxpayers are facing a deadline of April 30, 2025, to apply for readmission to the 'rottamazione quater'. This option is available only to those who had previously joined the program but lost their eligibility due to non-payment of installments due in October, November, or December 2024. It presents a limited opportunity for a second chance, but only for those already within the system.
According to a Roman accountant, "The risk is that thousands of citizens will remain in limbo waiting for a debt relief program that isn't coming, while they could be using existing tools to regularize their debts." Without clear guidance from the government, many taxpayers are unsure whether to wait for the 'rottamazione quinquies', pursue traditional installment plans, or risk falling further behind.
There is speculation that the 'rottamazione quinquies' could be included in the next tax decree, possibly in May 2025. However, with competing priorities such as the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and healthcare reforms, the government’s focus may shift, complicating matters further.
Tax advisors stress the urgency of the situation, noting that delays in announcing the 'rottamazione quinquies' are costing taxpayers in terms of accumulating interest and penalties, as well as eroding trust in government institutions. The financial strain is particularly acute for those who are already struggling to meet their obligations.
In the meantime, the current 'rottamazione quater' remains available for a select group of taxpayers. Those who defaulted on their payments can submit a request for readmission until the end of April. The process involves either logging into the Revenue Agency's portal using secure credentials or filling out a public form online, which requires identification documentation.
Once readmitted, taxpayers have the option to settle their debts in a single payment by July 31, 2025, or to opt for a maximum of ten installments. The first two installments are due on July 31 and November 30, 2025, with subsequent payments scheduled for February 28, May 31, July 31, and November 30 in 2026 and 2027.
Many taxpayers express concern about the current system's demands, particularly the requirement to pay 20% of the total debt between the first and second installments. For example, a taxpayer with a debt of €30,000 (excluding penalties and interest) would need to pay €3,000 by October 31 and another €3,000 by November 30, 2024. This initial financial burden has been a significant barrier for many.
Furthermore, the current amortization plan is structured around 18 quarterly installments, which can coincide with other tax obligations, creating additional challenges for those already facing financial strain.
The proposed 'rottamazione quinquies' aims to address these issues by allowing monthly payments over ten years and removing the automatic forfeiture of benefits in case of a late payment. The intention is to make the process more accessible and manageable for taxpayers.
As the deadline for the 'rottamazione quater' approaches, many are left wondering whether the government will act swiftly enough to provide the necessary relief. The uncertainty surrounding the 'rottamazione quinquies' adds to the anxiety felt by those struggling with tax debts.
With the clock ticking, it’s clear that decisive action is needed. Taxpayers are calling for transparency and prompt decisions from the government to alleviate their burdens and restore confidence in the system. As it stands, waiting for the 'rottamazione quinquies' to materialize could have significant financial consequences for many.
