The maneuver raises the limit from the current 8 euros. Paycheck benefits for 3.5 million citizens. The costs of the reform for the State and the profit with the increase in consumption
Electronic meal vouchers: the tax exemption rises to 10 euros. The maneuver provides for the approval of the much requested increase, from today’s 8 euros. However, the amount for paper vouchers remains at 4 euros. A reform that translates into earnings of up to 500 euros a year for 3.5 million workers. And for the State? A cost of between 75 and 90 million euros, but which could ultimately turn into an economic advantage, thanks to an increase in VAT revenue with the increase in food and restaurant consumption linked to meal vouchers.
From 2026 the exemption for electronic meal vouchers will increase to 10 euros
The Budget Law, as announced by Palazzo Chigi, will raise the tax exemption threshold from the current 8 to 10 euros for each electronic ticket. For an average worker, who uses around 220 meal vouchers per year, this will translate into a net benefit of around 440-500 euros more every twelve months. A sort of mini annual untaxed “bonus”. The meal voucher, in fact, represents one of the most widespread forms of corporate welfare in Italy. According to sector data, it affects over 3.5 million workers, of which approximately 2.8 million in the private sector and 700 thousand in the public sector, and involves a network of 250 thousand companies and 170 thousand affiliated businesses including bars, restaurants and delicatessens. With the new threshold, the potential annual value of the benefit rises from 1,760 euros (with the current ceiling of 8 euros) to 2,200 euros gross, completely tax-free. For paper vouchers, however, the exemption remains at 4 euros. A confirmation of the desire for digitalisation of
Benefits and costs for workers and the State with the 10 euro tax exemption of meal vouchers
On the workers’ front, the advantage is evident: reduced tax burden and incentive to consume. It should not be forgotten that for many Italian families, especially those with incomes between 25 and 50 thousand euros, meal vouchers are equivalent to an additional monthly payment per year. A recent survey conducted by the Edenred Group and The European House – Ambrosetti shows how 87% of Italian workers consider meal vouchers an essential support for managing their food budget, a percentage well above the European average of 81%.
But the measure does not only concern employees. Again according to the Ambrosetti-Edenred study, raising the threshold to 10 euros will entail an estimated cost of between 75 and 90 million euros for the State, linked to lower Irpef and social security contributions. However, the multiplier effect on consumption could be much higher: the estimated increase in spending varies between 1.7 and 1.9 billion euros, with increased VAT revenue of between 170 and 200 million euros. In other words, the State could even earn between 95 and 110 million net, thanks to the expansion of food and restaurant consumption linked to meal vouchers.
