Italian VAT Refund – Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026

In the coming weeks, one of the world’s most significant international sporting events will begin in Italy.

The Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo from 6 to 22 February 2026. They will be followed by the Paralympic Winter Games, scheduled from 6 to 15 March 2026. This major international multi-sport event will bring together athletes from 92 National Olympic Committees, as well as Independent Olympic Athletes, from all over the world.

A wide range of economic operators will be involved in the event, including business service providers, official sponsors, commercial partners, suppliers, logistics operators and international broadcasters. Activities will be spread across multiple venues located in Lombardy and North-East Italy, generating substantial local expenditure.

Foreign companies and organisations participating in or supporting the Games may significantly reduce their event-related costs by claiming a refund of Italian VAT incurred on qualifying business expenses. Italian VAT recovery is available to eligible businesses established both within and outside the European Union, provided that the expenses are directly linked to their taxable business activities.

VAT recovery in Italy

Specific conditions apply depending on the claimant’s place of establishment.
EU-established businesses may recover Italian VAT under the EU VAT refund procedure (8th Directive), while non-EU businesses fall under the 13th Directive scheme. For non-EU claimants, the existence of a reciprocity agreement with Italy must be assessed, and the appointment of an Italian tax representative may be required where no such agreement applies.

Italian VAT refund claims may be submitted either on a quarterly basis or for the full calendar year, subject to minimum thresholds of EUR 400 for quarterly claims and EUR 50 for annual claims. For non-EU businesses, refund applications must be filed no later than 30 June of the year following the year in which the VAT was incurred. EU-established businesses must submit their electronic refund claims by 30 September. Late or incomplete applications are strictly rejected by the Italian Tax Authorities.

While reduced VAT rates of 4%, 5% and 10% apply to certain specific goods and services, the standard Italian VAT rate of 22% applies to most supplies and professional services. Recovering Italian VAT on these expenses therefore represents a significant cash-flow optimisation opportunity for international companies and organisations, particularly for CFOs and finance departments seeking to control event-related budgets and improve cost efficiency.

However, Italian VAT refund procedures are known for their formalism and strict documentary requirements. Particular attention must be paid to invoice compliance, mandatory wording, supplier identification details and the consistency between the expense, the claimant’s business activity and the Olympic-related operations.

BTOBNICE supports foreign businesses throughout the Italian VAT recovery process, including:

• VAT eligibility and compliance assessments under the 8th and 13th Directive rules
• Preparation and submission of Italian VAT refund claims
• Appointment and management of VAT representation before the Italian Tax Authorities
• Ongoing follow-up with the tax authorities and recovery of VAT refunds

For further information or operational support, please contact our VAT experts at: contact@btobnice.com