The Winter Olympics Milan Cortina 2026 and the Winter Paralympics Milan Cortina 2026 will attract thousands of international businesses, sponsors, suppliers and service providers to Italy.
If your organisation incurs Italian VAT in connection with these events, you may be entitled to reclaim it.
Italian VAT legislation allows foreign organizations established in EU Member States, as well as in the United Kingdom, Israel, Norway and Switzerland, to obtain a refund of Italian VAT paid on eligible business expenses related to the Games.
Who can claim a refund?
You may be eligible to reclaim Italian VAT if:
- Your company is not established in Italy
- You are VAT registered in your home country
- The expenses were incurred for business purposes linked to the Olympic or Paralympic Games
Each claim must comply with the Italian VAT rules and be supported by valid invoices.
What expenses can be refunded?
Italian VAT can be recovered on a wide range of business-related costs, including:
- Accommodation
- Restaurant, food and catering services
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Car rental
- Costs linked to seminars, trade shows, exhibitions and conferences
- Rental of rooms and equipment
- Equipment and goods purchased locally in Italy
It is essential that these costs are directly connected to your business activity during the Games and properly documented.
What is the deadline?
VAT refund claims must be submitted no later than 30 September of the year following the year in which the cost was incurred, so for your 2026 expenses it will be 30/09/2027.
Missing the deadline may result in the loss of your refund entitlement.
How we support your VAT recovery
Managing an international VAT refund claim can be complex and time-consuming. Our VAT specialists handle the entire process on your behalf to ensure compliance and maximize recovery.
We:
- Review your operations, invoices and receipts
- Calculate the VAT amount eligible for refund
- Prepare and submit accurate VAT refund claims before the deadline
- Submit quarterly claims to accelerate the recovery process
- Liaise with the Italian tax authorities in the event of queries
- Secure and transfer the refunded amount back to you
By working with experienced VAT professionals, you minimize risk, reduce administrative burden and improve cash flow.
Why act early?
With increased economic activity surrounding the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games, early preparation is essential. Ensuring invoices are compliant from the outset and submitting claims on time can significantly reduce delays and improve the likelihood of a successful refund.
If your organization is planning to attend or operate during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games, now is the time to assess your VAT position, secure the refund you are entitled to and get your cash back!
