How to Italy

I've just been interviewed by a journalist on the Observer for a piece she is writing on the cost of living in Italy and the new tax laws that are being discussed in parliament.

Of course, I was glad to help, and not only because I've been there and done that and know how hideous it is at times to write an article on a subject you know nothing about. I read the Italian papers and watch the Telegiornale every day but it's complicated enough even for me and I live in Itay.

In case you weren't aware of the new tax bands, here they are:

Income up to Eur15k per annum: 23 per cent
Income between Eur15-28k per annum: 27 per cent
Income between Eur28-55k per annum: 37 per cent
Income between Eur55-75k per annum: 41 per cent
Income over Eur75k per annum: 43 per cent

If this law is approved, the old tax bands will no longer be valid:

Income up to Eur26k per annum: 23 per cent
Income between Eur26-33.5k per annum: 33 per cent
Income between Eur33.5-100k per annum: 39 per cent
Income over Eur100k per annum: 43 per cent

With 50 per cent of the Italian economy held up by the black market, it's a drastic step to get the country back in line with the rest of Europe and to recoup the Eur35billion lost through tax evasion.

Emma Bird is the director of www.howtoitaly.com

. Out now!