Why and when do you need a Codice Fiscale (social security number) in Italy and Florence?

NEW: You can actually get a NOT REGISTERED sample codice fiscale at the following address www.codicefiscaleonline.com

When renting a property in Italy for over a month the rental contract must be officially registered and in order to register it a Codice Fiscale is required by both Owner and Tenant.

• When you purchase a phone number to use an Italian cell phone you are required, at times, to provide a CF even though recently I have seen using only an ID Card or a Passport.
• If you want to open a bank account in Italy you are required to provide a Codice Fiscale.

How does it look like a Codice Fiscale?

It’s a 16 digits alpha numeric card, usually in paper when first issued but you can later request a plastic version.

Where to get the  Codice Fiscale?

Ironically the process, considering being in Italy is quite simple:  you need to go to the most convenient “Ufficio delle Entrate”, the office where we go pay our taxes, to tell the truth only our accountants go because it’s practically impossible for Italians to understand how to fill tax papers on our own without being followed by fines for the rest of our lives in regards of omitted payments.

Our taxation system is probably one of the most complicated human kind could have ever thought of.

Here is a list of the Florence area Ufficio delle Entrate offices, for city center you could choose one the two:

R5G (FIRENZE 1)
Address: VIA S.CATERINA D’ALESSANDRIA, 23
CAP: 50100
Telefono: 055/505141
Fax: 055/50514365
E-mail: UL.FIRENZE1@AGENZIAENTRATE.IT

R5H (Firenze 2)
Address: VIALE SPARTACO LAVAGNINI, 29
CAP: 50129
Telefono: 055/505141
Fax: 055/50514608
E-mail: UL.FIRENZE2@AGENZIAENTRATE.IT

How to get the Codice Fiscale?

Bring your Passport and/or ID Card

Once you’ve made in front of temple of the green-blood donation you can happily grin out to Italians you aren’t there for paying taxes!  There will be an information desk and luckily if it’s the Florence 1 or2 office some English speaking person, if not, practice your Italian with *Codice Fiscale, Codice Fiscale* the best you can say it.  A form will be handed to you which you’ll have to fill out with your info and an address in Florence, you can ask for help to the people waiting in line to donate green blood, Italians will most likely be happy to help.  Once you have your paper filled out go back to the front desk again and you will be given a numbered ticket to get to your counter, wait for your turn and then you will be assisted.  It’s a very straightforward process now you will be ready to register a contract and if you wish, donate a bit of your green blood as well.

Good luck with your Italian Codice Fiscale!

Related posts:

1. Student Apartments in Florence Italy
2. Renting Property in Italy – What You Need to Know
3. Long Term Rentals in Florence – Tips and Answers