Can I donate €1M in cash?

Legally yes, but must be registered with notary with bank transfer. Not in pure cash (money laundering risk).

Can I donate real estate?

Yes, real estate can be donated, registered at land registry via notary, and counts toward exemption value.

Mediumfisco

Donation benefits: taxes, registration, exemptions

If you want to donate money or property to your child or spouse, there are important tax exemptions. A spouse can receive €1 million tax-free; a child can receive €1 million per child tax-free. This guide explains how and what to avoid.

Authority

Agenzia delle Entrate

Time

1-2 ore

Updated

Apr 2026

What you need

✓Donor and recipient tax code
✓ID document
✓Value of property to donate (if real estate, land registry report)
✓Notary (for registration)

Step-by-step procedure

Check exemptions (€1M per spouse/child)

Spouse: total exemption up to €1,000,000. Child: total exemption €1,000,000 per child. Sibling: €100,000 exemption. If you donate within these limits, you pay NO donation taxes.

Exemptions are cumulative: if you donate €500k then €600k to the same child, the child owes taxes on the €100k excess.

Donation must be registered with a notary (not just a private contract). Notary drafts the donation deed and registers it with Revenue Agency. Cost: €500-1,500 depending on complexity.

Without notary registration, the donation is not legal. Avoid undeclared transfers.

Calculate taxes if you exceed exemptions

If you donate more than €1M to a child, you pay tax on the excess: 4% rate (for spouses/direct children). Example: donate €1,500,000 to child → €500,000 over exemption × 4% = €20,000 tax.

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Guida Donazioni — Agenzia delle Entrate

Agenzia delle Entrate

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Agenzia delle Entrate

Phone

800.90.96.96

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.

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