Italian Fiscal Code Calculation: A Complete Guide
The Italian Fiscal Code, or Codice Fiscale, is a 16-character alphanumeric identifier essential for daily life in Italy. Whether you’re a local or a foreigner, this code is required for nearly every official transaction — from signing a rental contract to accessing healthcare services. Fortunately, the process of calculating and obtaining this code has become easier, thanks to digital tools now available online.Do you need to verify a Tax Identity Number or extract its data? Go to Reverse Tax Code Online
What is the Italian Fiscal Code?
Introduced in 1973 through a presidential decree, the Codice Fiscale is Italy's version of a tax identification number. Managed by the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate), the code is generated using a person's full name, date of birth, gender, and place of birth.
In essence, it works similarly to a Social Security Number in other countries but also functions as an all-in-one ID for taxation, employment, education, and medical services.
Who Needs It?
Everyone. Italian citizens receive their code automatically, while foreigners residing in or planning to live in Italy need to apply for it. You’ll need a Codice Fiscale to:
Open a bank account
Enroll in the national healthcare system
Sign a lease or employment contract
Access public utilities
Start a business or pay taxes
Thanks to online services, generating the code is now quick and convenient, even for those born outside Italy.
How is the Code Structured?
The Fiscal Code is a 16-character string broken down as follows:
Surname (3 letters): Extracted from the consonants in your last name. If there are not enough consonants, vowels or "X" are used to fill the gap.
First Name (3 letters): Similarly derived from consonants, with adjustments for names with four or more consonants.
Year of Birth (2 digits): The last two digits of your birth year.
Month (1 letter): Each month is represented by a letter (e.g., A for January, D for April).
Day & Gender (2 digits): For men, the day of birth is used as-is. For women, 40 is added to the day (e.g., 20 becomes 60).
Place of Birth (4 characters): A code indicating the town (for Italians) or country (for foreigners).
Check Character (1 letter): A final validation letter calculated through a special algorithm.
A Real-Life Example
Let’s take Luca Bianchi, born on April 20, 1990, in Milan:
Surname: Bianchi = BNC
First Name: Luca = LCU
Year: 1990 = 90
Month: April = D
Day: 20 (Male) = 20
Place: Milan = F205
The final check character is computed based on all these segments. The complete code might look something like: BNCLCU90D20F205X (where "X" is the check character).
Duplicate Codes and Homocody
While rare, it's possible for two individuals to end up with the same code due to similar personal information. This phenomenon is known as omocodia. To solve this, the Revenue Agency modifies specific characters in the code to maintain uniqueness.
Use of the Fiscal Code in Everyday Life
Your Codice Fiscale is indispensable for a broad range of activities:
Renting or buying property
Accessing the Italian healthcare system
Enrolling children in schools
Starting a job or freelance business
Applying for residency or social assistance
Foreigners can obtain the code through Italian consulates abroad or directly through Agenzia delle Entrate offices in Italy. Online calculators have also made it easier than ever to generate and verify the code.
Integration with the Health Card
Since 2004, the Tessera Sanitaria (Health Card) has served a dual function: acting as both a national health insurance card and tax identification card. It comes equipped with a magnetic stripe and is accepted across the European Union.
The card is automatically issued to residents and mailed directly to their address. It ensures streamlined access to healthcare and other governmental services.
Modern Applications and Convenience
Originally created solely for taxation, the Codice Fiscale now supports an extensive range of functions — from contract signings to obtaining licenses. Online platforms like Calcola Codice Fiscale and other similar tools allow users to calculate and verify their code without needing to visit a government office.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re relocating to Italy or just staying temporarily, understanding and obtaining your Codice Fiscale is a vital step. It opens the door to employment, healthcare, banking, and more. With today's technology, you can calculate your code online with ease — making integration into Italian society smoother than ever.
