Order No. 10760 of 2024: Prescription and Bankruptcy in Tax Litigation

The recent order No. 10760 of April 22, 2024, from the Court of Cassation provides important insights into the theme of tax litigation and, in particular, the consequences of notifications of payment notices in proceedings involving bankrupt individuals. In this article, we will analyze the main aspects of this decision, aiming to clarify its effects on the protection of the rights of the bankrupt individual who has returned to good standing.

The Context of the Ruling

The central issue addressed by the Court concerns the validity of the notification of payment notices made solely to the bankruptcy trustee. According to the Court, when the tax authority decides to notify the payment notice exclusively to the trustee, this notification is not enforceable against the bankrupt individual who has returned to good standing. This means that if the bankrupt individual subsequently receives notification of an act based on the payment notice, they have the right to contest the validity and legitimacy of the latter.

  • The bankrupt individual can raise the prescription of the tax credit.
  • The notification to the trustee does not interrupt the prescription against the bankrupt individual.
  • The bankrupt individual has the right to proper information regarding acts against them.
In general. In the context of tax litigation, the tax authority that discretionarily decides to notify the payment notice only to the bankruptcy trustee cannot subsequently benefit from such notification against the bankrupt individual who has returned to good standing, who, if they have received notification of a subsequent act that is based on that payment notice, can contest the validity and legitimacy of the precursor act, which is inadequate to interrupt the prescription of the tax credit against them. (In this case, the Supreme Court annulled the contested ruling, canceling the payment order opposed by the bankrupt individual who had returned to good standing, as it was based on notices sent to the trustee, resulting in the legitimacy of the prescription exception for the taxes in question).

The Practical Implications of the Decision

This ruling has important practical consequences for bankrupt individuals who have returned to good standing. In fact, it establishes that, in the case of notification of the payment notice only to the trustee, the bankrupt individual has the opportunity to assert the prescription of the tax credit, even if they subsequently receive notifications related to subsequent acts. This aspect represents significant protection for the bankrupt individual, who can contest the legitimacy of the tax claims, avoiding finding themselves in a disadvantaged position.

Conclusions

In conclusion, order No. 10760 of 2024 marks an important step in the protection of the rights of bankrupt individuals in tax litigation. The Court of Cassation, with this decision, clarifies that notifications made only to the trustee cannot be used against the bankrupt individual who has returned to good standing, thereby strengthening the principle of defense and procedural fairness. It is essential for those in similar situations to seek qualified legal assistance to best protect their rights.

Bianucci Law Firm