Tourist tax in Tuscany: what it is, when to pay it, and how it works
If you rent out a holiday home or tourist accommodation in Tuscany – even for short stays – you’ll eventually have to deal with the tourist tax, also known as the city tax. But what exactly is it? And what should hosts know when renting in places like Lucca, Pisa, or Pistoia?
What is the tourist tax?
The tourist tax is a local tax that can be applied by Italian municipalities to guests staying in any type of accommodation, including short-term rentals and holiday homes.
It was introduced by Legislative Decree No. 23 of March 14, 2011, and can be applied by municipalities identified as tourist destinations or cities of art.
Each municipality can independently decide whether to apply it, how much to charge, and for how many nights.
The maximum amount set by national law is €5 per person per night, although some exceptions may apply for certain types of accommodations.
Who pays the tax and when?
The tourist tax is paid by the guest, and the host is responsible for collecting it.
It’s usually paid at check-in or before departure, depending on local regulations.
The host must:
- collect the tax from guests;
- submit the required information through the local municipality portal;
- pay the collected amount to the municipality within the given deadlines.
There are often exemptions for certain categories, such as children, people with disabilities, accompanying persons, police officers, and emergency volunteers.
How much is the tourist tax in Tuscany?
Here’s what you need to know if you’re hosting tourists in some of the most popular destinations in Tuscany:
- Lucca: € 3.50 per person per night, for up to 3 nights per stay.
- Viareggio: € 1.50 per person per night, for up to 10 nights.
- Camaiore: € 1.50 per person per night, for up to 7 nights.
- Massarosa: € 1.50 per person per night, for up to 5 nights.
- Pistoia: € 1.00 per person per night, for up to 5 nights.
- Vicopisano: no tourist tax currently applies.
Rules and amounts vary from town to town. Always check the official website of your local municipality or get in touch with the local tax office.
How is it managed?
Most Tuscan municipalities provide an online platform where hosts can:
- register their property;
- access guides and regulations;
- report guest stays;
- make payments, often via the PagoPA system.
In conclusion
If you rent out a holiday home or tourist apartment, managing the tourist tax correctly is a must. The process is now mostly digital and fairly straightforward, but it’s still important to stay compliant to avoid fines and offer a professional experience to your guests.
If you’re unsure how to handle the tax or need help managing your rental property, feel free to contact us — we’re here to help!