What is 5×1000 and How to Donate it to a Charity of Your Choice

If you live and work in Italy, you may have heard of 5×1000 (cinque per mille), a unique way to support charities and non-profit organizations without any additional cost to you. But what exactly is it, and how can you donate your 5×1000 to a cause you care about? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is 5×1000?

The 5×1000 is a tax measure introduced by the Italian government that allows taxpayers to allocate 0.5% (hence the name five per thousand) of their income tax (IRPEF – Imposta sul Reddito delle Persone Fisiche) to a registered non-profit organization, research institution, or charity.

This system is similar to the 8×1000, which funds religious institutions, and the 2×1000, which supports cultural organizations and political parties. However, the 5×1000 is specifically designed to benefit social causes, scientific research, healthcare, environmental protection, and humanitarian aid.

The best part? Allocating your 5×1000 does not cost you anything. Whether you choose to donate or not, the tax will be deducted from your income, so it’s simply a question of directing those funds to a meaningful cause instead of letting them remain with the government.

Who Can Donate Their 5×1000?

Anyone who files a tax return (Modello 730 or Modello Redditi – ex Unico) in Italy can allocate their 5×1000. This includes foreign residents working in Italy who pay income tax (IRPEF). Even if you are not an Italian citizen, as long as you are a tax resident, you have the option to choose where your 5×1000 goes.

How to Donate Your 5×1000

Donating your 5×1000 is easy and can be done when you file your annual tax return. Here’s how:

1. Find a Registered Beneficiary

Only organizations registered with the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) can receive 5×1000 donations. You can check the official list of eligible organizations or select one that is publicly promoting their participation.

2. Fill in the Tax Declaration Form

On your Modello 730 or Modello Redditi, look for the section labeled “Scelta per la destinazione del cinque per mille dell’IRPEF”. This section includes different categories, such as:

• Non-profit organizations and charities
• Scientific and medical research
• Universities and educational institutions
• Cultural and environmental protection groups

3. Enter the Tax Code (Codice Fiscale) of Your Chosen Charity

Each eligible organization has a unique Codice Fiscale (tax identification number). To direct your 5×1000 to a specific charity, write their Codice Fiscale in the appropriate box and sign the form.

4. Submit Your Tax Return

If you use an accountant (commercialista), a tax assistance center (CAF), or file your taxes online through the Italian Revenue Agency’s website, simply ensure that your 5×1000 selection is included before submission.

What Happens If You Don’t Choose a Beneficiary?

If you don’t designate a recipient, the 5×1000 portion of your taxes will remain with the state. By selecting a charity, you make sure that your money goes directly to a cause you support.

Support St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor with Your 5×1000

If you’re looking for a charity to support, consider donating your 5×1000 to Fondazione Corti, which provides life-saving medical care at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor in Uganda. The Corti Foundation has been Easy Milano’s charity partner for over 15 years. Founded by Piero and Lucille Corti, the hospital serves hundreds of thousands of people each year, offering essential medical treatment regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

To donate your 5×1000 to Fondazione Corti, simply enter their Codice Fiscale: 91039990154 in your tax return form.

Learn more about the Corti Foundation here or visit their website.

By taking this small step, you can make a big difference in the lives of those in need.