2027 Getting started...company, partnership?

[QUOTE=Macy]Hi

My husband and I are already a UK registered partnership for tax, vat etc.

We eventually want to start up here, as a partnership preferably or a company, in Italy, but would like to know exactly what is required paperwork wise to get going, if there is a threshold for VAT and what is required of us post setting up for taxes etc. Will we require an accountant to finalise accounts, submit the accounts, to do the vat returns,etc etc. I'm a UK accountant but don't have the confidence to tackle the Italian company laws by myself from the outset. If anyone could give me a website or where to source other information, preferably in English I would much appreciate it, just to get me started?

Are there any special rules for the construction industry that anyone knows of?

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]

For a general idea about business rules and different types of company, have a look at [url]www.notariato.it[/url], under the "business" section (it's in english)

[QUOTE=Macy]Hi

My husband and I are already a UK registered partnership for tax, vat etc.

We eventually want to start up here, as a partnership preferably or a company, in Italy, but would like to know exactly what is required paperwork wise to get going, if there is a threshold for VAT and what is required of us post setting up for taxes etc. Will we require an accountant to finalise accounts, submit the accounts, to do the vat returns,etc etc. I'm a UK accountant but don't have the confidence to tackle the Italian company laws by myself from the outset. If anyone could give me a website or where to source other information, preferably in English I would much appreciate it, just to get me started?

Are there any special rules for the construction industry that anyone knows of?

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]
Whilst it is relatively easy to start up an enterprise it would be unwise to do so without having previously found a decent commercialista (accountant)to handle all your business affairs.I've been here for over 30 years and can assure you that it is an absolute jungle of laws which change like quicksand.
imagine the new simplified version of the tax return form had with it a handbook of instructions of over 200 pages!!the accountant will inform you of all or any requirements that your line of business may require (which i believe does)no, vat payment unlike the uk is not regulated the small business concept with exemption of vat as far as i'm aware does not apply here.Do not expect to find the real/whole story through internet.You may find it easier than you imagine to find a competent and even english speaking accountant these days.Nevertheless this won't be simple at a distance you'll have to come out and spend some time talking to the appropriate person/people..face to face, it really is the only way and will save you time/energy in the long runand problems.The fiscal insitutions here are like a snake pit.....please believe me!!!

Many thanks for your information. It makes a change for us to be forewarned. Deep end is generally where we are.

We are here in Puglia so I guess the first step is an Accountant after I've had a look at the various web sites on offer.

Any further information or warnings will be of major interest. We are definately going for it. Can't keep travelling back tot he UK for work. It's costly and time-consuming.

[QUOTE=Macy]Many thanks for your information. It makes a change for us to be forewarned. Deep end is generally where we are.

We are here in Puglia so I guess the first step is an Accountant after I've had a look at the various web sites on offer.

Any further information or warnings will be of major interest. We are definately going for it. Can't keep travelling back tot he UK for work. It's costly and time-consuming.[/QUOTE]

Where in Puglia ? I know a very good english speaking accountant in Bari

Hi Macy

Where are you based in Puglia?

[QUOTE=notaio]Where in Puglia ? I know a very good english speaking accountant in Bari[/QUOTE]

Hi there and to Susan P

Where based near Ostuni. I would prefer to have an accountant nearby, like Ostuni, Martina Franca, Locorotundo. Maybe even Brindisi. If you know of someone who has some English that would be useful so I don't have to keep asking for help from our Italian friends. They are very willing but I don't want to push it and I do have to get to grips with the language sooner or later.

Thanks once again.

[QUOTE=Macy]Hi there and to Susan P

Where based near Ostuni. I would prefer to have an accountant nearby, like Ostuni, Martina Franca, Locorotundo. Maybe even Brindisi. If you know of someone who has some English that would be useful so I don't have to keep asking for help from our Italian friends. They are very willing but I don't want to push it and I do have to get to grips with the language sooner or later.

Thanks once again.[/QUOTE]

We started off with a commercialista in Bari (we`re in Martina Franca) but soon found it was best to have a local person. You really need someone that you can pop in to see really easily especially when you`re starting out as you`ll have so many things to ask and it`s always better to ask questions and have explanations face to face. Try asking around in Ostuni.

[QUOTE=The Smiths in Puglia]We started off with a commercialista in Bari (we`re in Martina Franca) but soon found it was best to have a local person. You really need someone that you can pop in to see really easily especially when you`re starting out as you`ll have so many things to ask and it`s always better to ask questions and have explanations face to face. Try asking around in Ostuni.[/QUOTE]

Did you eventually find an accountant closer to you? and do they speak some English?

On another note, as your from the area, did you get any stationery printed and was it of good quality? Where and how do you advertise?

Don't wish to burden you with numerous questions, we really are in the start up period but are keen to be up and running with the basics by the New Year.

My husband's going crazy not being here at home on a full time basis, working in Le Marche or Abruzzo or Puglia to name but a few, are more acceptable than getting his tools together and flying back to the UK, lugging them around on trains, the metro etc then living in and out of hotels. Not the life we had envisaged together when arriving in Puglia.

At least he can get in a van and have a few comforts on the way; Italian cooking, Italian wine, Italian way of life, need I say more.

[QUOTE=Macy]Did you eventually find an accountant closer to you? and do they speak some English?

On another note, as your from the area, did you get any stationery printed and was it of good quality? Where and how do you advertise?

Don't wish to burden you with numerous questions, we really are in the start up period but are keen to be up and running with the basics by the New Year.

My husband's going crazy not being here at home on a full time basis, working in Le Marche or Abruzzo or Puglia to name but a few, are more acceptable than getting his tools together and flying back to the UK, lugging them around on trains, the metro etc then living in and out of hotels. Not the life we had envisaged together when arriving in Puglia.

At least he can get in a van and have a few comforts on the way; Italian cooking, Italian wine, Italian way of life, need I say more.[/QUOTE]

Yes, we did find a Martina Franca commercialista (recommended by a friend). He doesn`t seem to speak any English but I think he did some studying in Scotland - maybe he`s just being coy!! We find it very useful to have him nearby - we can even walk to him from the practice. He handles everything - we just give him our receipts every now and then and he tells us what to do and when to do it.

We had some business cards printed but Martin isn`t allowed to advertise here so we rely on word of mouth. We just chat everybody up. A lot of his `customers` are people that work in the shops and businesses that we use, plus friends etc. It is very slow trying to get known here - don`t expect it to happen overnight. It`s just a matter of plugging away and being patient. Good luck!