by InTrieste
Interview: Everest Bertoli, Trieste Councilor for Finance and Budget
The city of Trieste plans to waive penalties on unpaid municipal taxes dating from Jan. 1, 2017, to April 30, 2026, in an effort to help residents and businesses facing financial difficulties after years of economic strain.
The measure, presented by Mayor Roberto Dipiazza and Finance Councillor Everest Bertoli, would apply to taxes already in enforced collection, including property taxes such as IMU and TASI, waste taxes like TARI, and the municipal advertising tax.
Under the proposal, taxpayers would still be required to pay the full original amount owed, along with notification costs, enforcement expenses and late-payment interest, but administrative penalties would be canceled.
“This is not a tax amnesty,” Mr. Bertoli said during a City Hall news conference. “The principal amount is still due, but not the penalties.”
City officials said the initiative responds to the financial pressure created by the Covid pandemic, inflation and recent geopolitical instability. Mayor Dipiazza said the measure recognizes that many citizens and businesses struggled to meet obligations during those years.
The plan, already approved by the municipal executive, now moves to the City Council for final approval.
Taxpayers will be able to apply between July 1 and Nov. 30, 2026, either by paying in full or through a structured installment plan. Those who fail to meet payment terms would lose access to the benefit and return to their original debt position, including penalties.
Officials said the goal is to reduce tax disputes, simplify debt recovery and improve overall collection rates.
