Italy’s Revenue Agency analysed around 17 million tax positions in 2024, identifying approximately 200,000 total tax evaders among individuals and businesses. Of these, 57% - about 116,000 taxpayers - had failed to file any tax return, while the remaining 43% were completely unknown to the tax authorities. The figures were presented by Revenue Agency director Vincenzo Carbone during the Telefisco conference.
Carbone emphasised that data analysis does not automatically lead to audits or inspections. “There is no automatic process, and no use of generative artificial intelligence,” he said, stressing that checks remain targeted and discretionary.
The Agency will also send out more than 2.4 million compliance letters over the course of the year. These notices act as reminders, encouraging taxpayers to review whether their behaviour complies with tax rules. Some letters will target those who failed to submit a tax return, while others will be sent to taxpayers who may have made errors or omissions. In the case of VAT, reminders will go to those who did not file periodic communications.
“The aim is not punitive,” Carbone concluded, “but preventive: to flag irregular behaviour and encourage voluntary compliance.”