The acconti IRPEF system requires Italian taxpayers to prepay their estimated income tax in two installments during the year. Understanding this system is crucial for managing cash flow, especially for self-employed workers and freelancers who must plan these significant payments in advance.
The Two-Installment System
IRPEF advance payments are split into two installments:
- Primo acconto (40%): Due by June 30th. Can be deferred to July 30th with a 0.40% surcharge.
- Secondo acconto (60%): Due by November 30th. This deadline cannot be deferred.
The total acconti equal 100% of the prior year's net IRPEF liability (after deductions and credits). If your prior year IRPEF was €10,000, you would pay €4,000 in June and €6,000 in November.
Historical Method vs Forecast Method
There are two approaches to calculating your acconti:
- Metodo storico (historical): Base your acconti on 100% of the prior year's IRPEF liability. This is the default and safest method — you cannot be penalized for underpayment.
- Metodo previsionale (forecast): Base your acconti on your estimated current-year income. This is useful if your income is expected to decrease, but carries the risk of underpayment penalties if you underestimate.
The forecast method can provide significant cash flow benefits. If you earned €80,000 last year but expect only €50,000 this year, paying acconti based on the lower expected income saves you from overpaying and waiting for a refund.
When No Acconti Are Due
You are exempt from paying acconti if:
- Your prior year's net IRPEF liability (rigo RN34 of the Modello Redditi PF) was €51.65 or less
- You had no IRPEF liability at all in the prior year
- You expect zero or negative income in the current year (using the forecast method)
How to Pay: The F24 Form
Acconti are paid using the Modello F24, which can be submitted electronically through your bank or the Agenzia delle Entrate's online portal. The relevant tax codes are:
- 4033: IRPEF primo acconto
- 4034: IRPEF secondo acconto
- 4001: IRPEF saldo (balance payment)
- 3801: Addizionale regionale
- 3844: Addizionale comunale acconto
Employees: Acconti Through Your Payslip
If you file your tax return using the Modello 730, your employer (sostituto d'imposta) handles the acconti for you. The amounts are automatically deducted from your monthly busta paga:
- The primo acconto is deducted from your July payslip
- The secondo acconto is deducted from your November payslip
- This avoids the need to make separate F24 payments
Penalties for Underpayment
If you use the forecast method and underpay your acconti, the Agenzia delle Entrate charges:
- A penalty of 30% on the underpaid amount (reduced to 15% if the payment is less than 90 days late)
- Interest at the legal rate for each day of delay
- You can use "ravvedimento operoso" (voluntary correction) to significantly reduce penalties by paying the shortfall with reduced penalties before the tax return is filed
Cash Flow Planning Tips
- Set aside funds monthly: Save approximately 30-40% of your net income each month to cover both acconti and the final saldo payment
- Mark your calendar: June 30th and November 30th are immovable deadlines — late payment triggers automatic penalties
- Consider installment payments: The June saldo can be paid in monthly installments (with interest) from June to November if you file the Modello Redditi PF
- Review mid-year: If your income changes significantly, consider switching to the forecast method to reduce the secondo acconto
Use our estimated tax calculator to plan your IRPEF advance payments.