The bonus that wasn’t: instructions for “winning” the 100 euros (taxed) of the one-off payment in January 2025

ROME – Italy is in the midst of its “Bonus era”: from mobility to spas, from psychologists to holidays, not to mention the construction projects that have mortgaged the state's accounts for decades to come. Mini or “super”, the bonus has become the measure of perceived welfare. It had to arrive, irremediably predicted during the election campaign, […]

ROME – Italy is in the midst of its “Bonus era”: from mobility to spas, from psychologists to holidays, not to mention the construction ones which have mortgaged the state accounts for the decades to come. Mini or “super”, the bonus has become the measure of perceived welfare. A “thirteenth bonus” was also due to arrive, irremediably announced during the election campaign. It won’t come. Because it will cost the State around 100 million euros, which are not available at the moment. It was more sadly downgraded to a “one-off” measure: 100 euros gross which will start in January 2025. Except that “sprint” is not an adequate verb: the Government’s cadeau will have to be pursued, earned, trying to fall within very stringent parameters. A sort of “tax scratch card”. Here are the instructions for the game.

To begin with, the fu-bonus does not (precisely) trigger automatically: it will be up to the taxpayer to request it from their employer, self-certifying in writing that they are entitled to it. The withholding agents will recover the accrued credit in compensation with the taxes and contributions to be paid. The employer will also act on behalf of the State in its function of monitoring any entitlement to compensation.

In any case, the bonus is only valid for those who have earned income, in the current year, between 8,500 euros and 28 thousand euros. But at the same time the gross tax determined on earned income will have to be higher than the deductions due. Translated: if the worker does not owe money to the tax authorities he is not entitled to the bonus. Further translated: if an employee earns less than a certain amount (8,500 euros) he is not entitled to it. But be careful: there are additional family requirements to meet. To request it, the worker must have a spouse and at least one dependent child.

In reality, then, even the 100 euros from the title are not actually 100 euros. Because once cashed it will still be subject to normal tax withholdings and deductions, including the reference rate. It will therefore be taxed. Furthermore, not only that: the money that can be requested must be linked to the actual period of work, so you only have 100 euros if you have been hired since January.

The amount – bonus, allowance, gift… call it what you want – will be paid with the January 2025 paycheck. Good luck.