I just got this book http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_1/103-8148421-6254227?v=glance&s=books It doesn't have any info on CGT of course but it says freelancers have to register their activity with the INPS ( SS administration) and pay social security contributions that amount to several thousands of dollars per year. It's exactly the same in Belgium where I am currently staying. In all likelihood a trader would be subject to the same contributions. That's why considering CGT alone or even income tax alone is a flawed approach. In the US I would only pay about $ 100 per month to be covered with Blueshield and I would have no obligation to have coverage. I am hoping to hear from someone here that there is a way around for traders but combine this with CG possibly taxed at income rate and Italy no longer looks like a viable option if it ever was.
If you are legally resident in Italy, I can't say about tourists, you are entitled to full health coverage under the SSN (National Health service). This is basically inclued in your right to stay in Italy... Also, if you are trading you are not into a business and therefore need not pay social security (i.e. public retirement plan).
My book says they aren't great . " Long wait and decrepit facilities" The authors are American and reviews on Amazon said some of the problems described in the book are exagerated. I would not expect the quality of say France or Belgium but that doesn't matter to me as long as I don't have to contribute thousands to the system . The book says Italians MUST contribute to the system but can get additional private coverage. There is no such thing as free healthcare as Americans often think. It is surprising a trader or someone living exclusively from investments does not have to contribute. In the UK such person does not have to contribute either, at least according to the info I got at a local IR office.
"Long wait and decrepit facilities" is certainly wrong for most part of Italy; however, hospitals, as well as most public services (roads, trains...) are a lot better in north than they are in southern Italy. I agree about better French health services having personally tested. Contribution is due but still in quite affordable amounts, also probably not due in all regions. Just an example, 35 Euro would cover a specialist visit (for anything from dermatholgy to hearth surgery). Further, in hospital treatment is always free. Basically, it is true that healthcare is not totally free, but still extremely affordable. Also, chronic patients are usually exempt. Dental care, OTOH, is quite expensive by our standards and is generally not given under the public shield.
I am quoting the book : " the electricity company provides services that range from 1.5 to 6 Kilowats for private homes and higher wattages for businesses that need it. Most italian households run on 3 kilowatts .... your washing machine alone can use 3 kilowatts which means you must turn off every other appliance before washing clothing .... make sure you know where the fuse box is and how to reset the system if you overload it " Is this true for recent apartment buildings?
This book is not worth the price you paid for it, no matter how cheap it was! Listen, from your postings on this forum you seem to be a well educated person of above average intelligence: do you really think I have to turn off the light every time my wife has the washing machine running? I don't even remember my mother doing it back in the '60s in the countryside...
LOL I was hoping this was greatly exaggerated. I certainly could see that happening in old neighbourhoods, there a lot of old houses in Italy . And when I was in London in a brand new neighbourhood this happened too , 2-3 times in about 6 months the power would go down because of the toaster or some other appliance blowing a fuse and shutting down my computer during market hours .