Startup tax credit: the complete guide for accelerators and investors

Supporting the growth of an innovative startup requires vision and strategy, but also the ability to seize the concrete opportunities that the legislation makes available. Tax incentives, such as the tax credit, are not just a benefit, but a strategic lever that can make a difference in a company’s journey.

Understanding how these tools work, who can benefit from them and what steps to take is fundamental to transform an opportunity into a real competitive advantage. With this goal, we have prepared a clear and pragmatic guide to navigating the requirements and procedures, and to make the most of the benefits offered to those who invest and those who innovate.

Reference regulatory framework

Support for the startup ecosystem in Italy is based on a solid legislative framework, recently strengthened to further stimulate innovation. Key regulations, such as Laws 193/2024 and 162/2024, define the contours of incentives, introducing tools aimed at facilitating the meeting between capital and entrepreneurial ideas. One of the most significant elements of this architecture is the introduction of the figure of the certified accelerator, a qualified subject that plays a crucial role in selecting and supporting the most promising startups, guaranteeing high qualitative standards and acting as a catalyst for investment. These laws are part of a broader strategy, also supported by PNRR funds, which aims to make Italy a competitive hub for innovation, capable of attracting talent and financial resources.

Who are the beneficiaries of the tax credit

The tax credit for investments in startups was designed for a well-defined audience of subjects, with the aim of stimulating both the offer of qualified services and the injection of private capital.

The benefit can be accessed by certified accelerators, i.e., those structures that have obtained formal recognition for their ability to support the growth of startups. To be certified, these subjects must demonstrate that they possess specific requirements in terms of skills, network and results achieved, acting as a seal of guarantee for the entire ecosystem.

Alongside accelerators, the benefit extends to investors, who represent the financial engine of innovation. The measure is accessible to both natural persons and legal persons who decide to invest directly in the risk capital of innovative startups. This dual channel allows for the mobilization of a wide range of resources, from individual business angel investments to more structured funds and corporates, creating a fertile environment for the development of new businesses.

How the tax credit for startups works

The tax credit mechanism has been structured to be a concrete and measurable incentive for those who invest in innovative startups. The benefit consists of a tax credit equal to 8% of the investment made. To ensure an equitable distribution of resources and a widespread impact, precise limits have been established. Each investor, whether natural or legal person, can benefit from a maximum annual credit of 40,000 euros.

In parallel, for each single innovative startup, the overall amount of eligible investments cannot exceed 500,000 euros per year. Investments granting the right to the tax credit must consist of cash contributions recorded within the share capital and the share premium reserve. It is fundamental that such investments are maintained for a minimum period of three years, to ensure stable and long-term support for the startup’s growth.

The procedure to access the benefit

To access the tax credit, it is necessary to follow a structured procedure that ensures transparency and correct allocation of funds. The process begins with the presentation of a pre-application by the startup or the accelerator to the Revenue Agency, which must contain all the documentation necessary to describe the investment project.

Once the completeness of the application has been verified, the Agency communicates the data to INAIL (National Institute for Insurance against Workplace Accidents), which has the task of evaluating the consistency of the project with the purposes of the regulations. Subsequently, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, in agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development, issues an implementing decree that defines the operational methods and terms for the use of the credit. It is a path that requires attention to detail and impeccable documentation, essential elements to ensure that the request is successful and to transform the regulatory opportunity into a concrete advantage.

Conclusions: how Gruppo AQ can support you

Navigating the complex world of tax incentives requires expertise, strategic vision and a reliable partner by your side. The opportunities introduced by the new regulations for innovative startups are significant, but to fully seize them, a meticulous and multidisciplinary approach is essential. In this scenario, Gruppo AQ stands as the ideal strategic partner to transform regulatory challenges into concrete growth opportunities.

Our strength lies in the synergy between different areas of specialization. With AQ TAX, we offer tailored tax and corporate consultancy, supporting startups and investors in the correct interpretation of regulations and the optimization of the tax burden. Our Audit Quality team guarantees the transparency and reliability of accounting data, a crucial aspect for the preparation of solid business plans and for due diligence activities. Through AQ Transaction, we support businesses in all phases of extraordinary operations, from company valuation to capital raising, ensuring that every strategic choice is supported by rigorous financial analysis. Finally, with our investment vehicle Nostrum, we do not limit ourselves to providing consultancy, but invest directly in high-potential startups and SMEs, believing in innovation as an engine for development. Choosing Gruppo AQ means relying on an ecosystem of integrated skills, capable of accompanying your business in every phase of its journey, from certification as an innovative startup to consolidation on the global market.

Did you know that…?

• The “accelerator certificate” is a new feature introduced by Law 193/2024 to qualify operators who support startups, ensuring quality and reliability standards.
• Eligible investments must be maintained for a minimum period of three years so as not to lose the tax benefit, thus encouraging long-term support.
• The PNRR allocates a significant part of its resources to the strengthening of the innovation ecosystem, of which these tax measures are a fundamental component.
• Innovative startups also benefit from other facilities, such as simplified access to the Guarantee Fund for SMEs and derogations from ordinary corporate law.
• The procedure for requesting the tax credit is entirely electronic, to ensure speed and traceability of the process.
• The limit of 500,000 euros of eligible investments per startup is designed to concentrate resources on projects with high growth potential.

FAQ

• Who can apply for the tax credit? The tax credit can be requested both by certified accelerators and by investors (natural and legal persons) who make cash contributions to innovative startups.
• What is the maximum amount of the tax credit? The investor can benefit from a maximum credit of 40,000 euros per year, corresponding to 8% of a maximum investment of 500,000 euros.
• Which investments are eligible? Cash contributions for the acquisition of share capital (shares or quotas) of innovative startups are eligible.
• What is meant by “certified accelerator”? It is a subject that has obtained formal certification from the Ministry of Economic Development, attesting the possession of specific requirements of competence and reliability in supporting startups.
• Is it necessary to present specific documentation? Yes, the presentation of a pre-application to the Revenue Agency is required, accompanied by a detailed business plan and all documentation certifying the validity of the investment project.
• What happens if the investment is sold before three years? In case of transfer of the quotas before the minimum three-year term, the investor forfeits the tax benefit and is required to return the tax credit used, plus interest.

Sources

• Law June 21, 2024, no. 193
• Decree-Law May 15, 2024, no. 162
• Ministry of Economy and Finance – Incentives Section