Commentary on Judgment No. 11464 of 2024: Compensation of Tax Credits in Insolvency Proceedings

The recent judgment No. 11464 of April 29, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, addresses a crucial issue regarding the compensation of tax credits, particularly VAT, in bankruptcy situations and other insolvency proceedings. This ruling fits into a complex regulatory framework, where the rights of creditors and the prerogatives of the Tax Administration must be carefully balanced.

The Context of the Judgment

The case at hand concerns the request for a refund of a VAT credit accrued during an insolvency proceeding and subsequently transferred. The Court established that the Tax Administration has the authority to oppose "homogeneous" tax credits in compensation, meaning credits that also arose after the commencement of the insolvency proceeding. This decision has significant implications for parties involved in insolvency procedures, as it clarifies the position of the Administration regarding the compensation of tax credits.

Analysis of the Ruling

The Tax Administration, if a request for a refund of a VAT credit accrued during an insolvency proceeding and subsequently transferred is presented, may legitimately oppose in compensation to the transferee claimant "homogeneous" tax credits, i.e., those also accrued after the commencement of the insolvency proceeding, with the effects of discharging debts related to the closure of the proceeding not hindering compensation; in this case, furthermore, the Tax Administration has the burden of providing evidence in court of the existence of the tax credits opposed in compensation, as mere production of simple role extracts is not sufficient.

This ruling highlights some fundamental aspects:

  • Legitimate Compensation: The Court confirmed that the Tax Administration can exercise the right of compensation, even in the presence of a VAT credit requested for a refund.
  • Homogeneity of Credits: It is necessary that the opposed credits are homogeneous, meaning they also accrued after the commencement of the insolvency proceeding, to justify compensation.
  • Burden of Proof: The Administration has the duty to demonstrate the existence of the tax credits in compensation, and cannot limit itself to presenting simple role extracts.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 11464 of 2024 represents an important ruling for Italian jurisprudence in the field of tax law and insolvency proceedings. It clarifies the position of the Tax Administration and the rights of transferees of VAT credits, establishing a fundamental principle: compensation is possible, but it must adhere to well-defined criteria, and the Administration is required to adequately demonstrate its claims. This balance between the rights of creditors and the powers of the Administration is essential to ensure proper management of insolvency proceedings and the protection of the interests of all parties involved.

Bianucci Law Firm