Agenzia delle Entrate

The Agenzia delle Entrate, also known as the Italian Tax Agency, is the government body responsible for the administration and collection of taxes in Italy. It oversees the implementation of national tax legislation, processes tax returns, and issues assessments for individuals and businesses. The agency provides services such as tax registration, VAT management, and the issuance of the fiscal code (codice fiscale). It also manages the electronic invoicing system and handles the processing of tax refunds. Taxpayers can access assistance through the Fisconline online portal, a network of local offices, and dedicated help desks. The agency conducts audits and investigations to verify compliance with fiscal obligations and to combat tax evasion. Its mandate covers all sectors of the Italian economy, from sole proprietors to multinational corporations. In addition, the agency offers guidance and educational resources to help taxpayers understand their rights and responsibilities.

As a public administration entity, the Agenzia delle Entrate operates under the authority of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and is funded by the Italian state. The agency’s distinguishing attribute is its role as the sole authority tasked with enforcing tax law and guaranteeing revenue for the national budget. In July 2022, the agency was targeted by a ransomware attack in which the LockBit group claimed to have exfiltrated 78 gigabytes of data, prompting an investigation by the Postal Police and judicial authorities. The incident highlighted the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for institutions handling sensitive fiscal information. While the agency’s primary focus remains tax administration, it continuously works to improve digital services and data protection for the taxpayer base. The agency collaborates with its technology partner SOGEI for forensic analysis and system maintenance, as demonstrated during the 2022 incident response. It also participates in inter‑agency initiatives aimed at strengthening public sector cyber resilience across Italy. Through these efforts, the Agenzia delle Entrate seeks to balance its core revenue‑collection mission with the safeguarding of confidential taxpayer data.