Taxes

Moving from the US to Italy: questions to ask a cross-border CPA

Updated September 30, 2026

A checklist covering the impatriati exemption, the Foreign Tax Credit vs. the FEIE, PFICs, FBAR and Italian asset reporting.

Before the meeting, gather

Proof of Italian citizenship (if any) and AIRE status
3+ years of US federal and state returns, plus proof of US residence
Your job plan: Italian employer, remote US employer or freelance; role, degree and salary
Every account: bank, brokerage, 401(k), IRA, Roth, HSA and crypto, with rough balances
Your planned move date, current state and family details

Impatriati (Italy)

Can I prove 3+ years abroad without AIRE registration? What does the Agenzia delle Entrate accept?
How does moving by December 31, 2026, rather than in 2027, change my options under Decree-Law 38/2026?
Do I qualify for 60% instead of 50%? Does staying with my current employer extend the lookback?
Who withholds Italian tax if I work remotely for a US employer?
What triggers a clawback if I leave early?

US side

With half my income exempt in Italy, will I owe residual US tax? Please model the Foreign Tax Credit vs. the FEIE.
How do I cut ties with my US state so it stops taxing me?
Do I need a US–Italy Totalization Certificate of Coverage for Social Security?

Investments & reporting

European ETFs are PFICs for US purposes, and US ETFs are taxed unfavorably in Italy. Are individual stocks and bonds the cleanest option?
How does Italy tax my 401(k), IRA and Roth withdrawals? Should I do anything before becoming resident?
FBAR and Form 8938 for Italian accounts; Quadro RW and IVAFE for US accounts. What will I owe?
Which decisions are irreversible (FEIE revocation, the impatriati election, the residence date), and what are the deadlines?

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change often. Verify with official sources, your consulate, a licensed Italian lawyer or a cross-border tax professional.