Transfer of Surpluses within the Group: Commentary on Ordinance No. 10810 of 2024

The recent Ordinance No. 10810 of April 22, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides significant reflection on the methods of transferring surpluses within a corporate group, highlighting the necessary conditions for such transfer to be considered effective with respect to the Tax Administration. The ruling focuses on Article 43-ter of Presidential Decree No. 602 of 1973, which specifically regulates this type of operation.

The Regulatory Context

Article 43-ter, paragraph 2, of Presidential Decree No. 602 of 1973, as amended over time, establishes that the transfer of surpluses can occur even in the absence of certain formalities provided for in Articles 69 and 70 of Royal Decree No. 2440 of 1923. This aspect is of fundamental importance, as it simplifies procedures for companies operating within a group, reducing bureaucratic burdens.

  • The transfer of surpluses must be indicated in the income tax return.
  • It is necessary to provide the details of the transferors and the amounts transferred.
  • The omission of formalities does not preclude the effectiveness of the transfer.

Analysis of the Ruling's Principle

Transfer of surpluses within the group - Art. 43-ter, paragraph 2, of Presidential Decree No. 602 of 1973 - Compliance with the formalities of Articles 69 and 70 of Royal Decree No. 2440 of 1923 - Omission - Effectiveness - Conditions. Regarding the transfer of surpluses within the group, pursuant to Art. 43-ter, paragraph 2, of Presidential Decree No. 602 of 1973, as amended by Art. 11, paragraph 1, letter e), no. 1, of Presidential Decree No. 542 of 1999 and in the text prior to the introduction of paragraph 2-bis, added by Art. 2, paragraph 3, of Decree Law No. 16 of 2012, converted with modifications by Law No. 44 of 2012, the transfer without compliance with the formalities of Articles 69 and 70 of Royal Decree No. 2440 of 1923 is effective with respect to the Tax Administration, provided that the transferring company has already indicated in the income tax return the details of the transferors and the amounts transferred.

This principle clarifies that, although formalities are important, their omission does not compromise the effectiveness of the transfer. However, it is essential for the transferring company to correctly complete the income tax return, as this constitutes the basis for the validity of the operation.

Conclusions

Ruling No. 10810 of 2024 represents a significant step towards simplifying tax procedures for companies operating in groups. It provides a clear framework of the conditions that must be met for the transfer of surpluses to be considered effective. Companies must pay attention to the correct completion of tax returns to ensure full compliance with current regulations and to prevent any disputes with the Tax Administration.

Bianucci Law Firm