Commentary on Judgment No. 9536 of 2024: the Principle of Consolidation of the Tax Criterion

The recent Judgment No. 9536 of April 9, 2024, of the Court of Cassation provides an important clarification regarding the principle of consolidation of the tax criterion, a crucial aspect in the context of indirect taxes, particularly the registration tax. This principle, as established by the Court, requires the Tax Administration not to reconsider the qualification of a deed already registered beyond a certain deadline, except under specific conditions. Let us examine in more detail the content and implications of this judgment.

The Principle of Consolidation of the Tax Criterion

NOTION - IN GENERAL Registration tax - Principle of consolidation of the tax criterion - Applicability - Conditions - Case. The so-called principle of consolidation of the tax criterion, by virtue of which it is prohibited for the Tax Administration, after the deadline set by Art. 76 of the Presidential Decree No. 131 of 1986, to proceed with a different qualification of the deed submitted for registration and consequently demand a different tax, applies when, with the applicability of the registration tax being undisputed, its amount is in question, not when the taxpayer is contested for having settled a tax of a different kind than that due, since in the case of alternative taxation, the taxpayer is obliged to pay the tax provided by law and not the one chosen based on subjective considerations. (In applying the stated principle, the Supreme Court deemed legitimate the correction of the VAT declaration made within the longer deadline set by Art. 57 of the Presidential Decree No. 633 of 1972, for undue deduction of the VAT paid - and not of the registration tax - due to the transfer of individual assets of a business complex, whose suitability for the exercise of the business had not been assessed).

The Court established that once the deadline set by Art. 76 of the Presidential Decree No. 131 of 1986 has elapsed, the Tax Administration cannot reconsider the type of the registered deed, unless the amount of the registration tax is in dispute. If, on the other hand, it is contested whether the taxpayer has settled a different tax, the principle of consolidation does not apply. This is a fundamental point for ensuring legal certainty and stability of taxpayers' tax positions.

Practical Implications of the Judgment

The consequences of this judgment are manifold and relevant for taxpayers and professionals in the sector. In particular:

  • Clarity in the determination of taxes: The judgment provides clear guidance on how tax authorities should proceed in cases of disputes regarding the applicable tax, avoiding unilateral changes in the qualification of deeds.
  • Protection of taxpayer rights: The principle of consolidation acts as a safeguard for taxpayers, preventing the Tax Administration from reversing decisions already made.
  • Correction of the VAT declaration: The Court confirmed that the correction of the VAT declaration is legitimate if made within established deadlines, further clarifying the procedures for managing indirect taxes.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 9536 of 2024 represents an important step forward in the protection of taxpayers' rights, clarifying the principle of consolidation of the tax criterion and its practical applications. It is essential that professionals in the legal and tax sectors take note of these indications to ensure proper management of tax practices and effective defense of their clients' rights. Legal certainty in tax matters is essential for a fair and just tax system.

Bianucci Law Firm