Private loans, debts and banking in Italy
In Italy a loan between private persons needs no form, but writing is the proof, and interest is due unless the parties exclude it (article 1815 of the Civil Code): the private loan agreement states in writing whether the loan is interest-free and how it is repaid. Someone who owes money can acknowledge it with an acknowledgement of debt, which spares the creditor from proving the underlying relationship (article 1988) and interrupts limitation, with no wording to be written by hand. When the parties agree on instalments, the repayment plan sets them, and the receipt in full and final settlement closes the debt once paid.
An unpaid sum is claimed with a formal demand for payment, by registered post or by PEC if the debtor has one: it starts default interest and interrupts limitation. Before a lawsuit, except for an order to pay, the law requires mediation in the matters where it is compulsory and, in other cases up to €50,000, an invitation to assisted negotiation. A debtor can offer a saldo e stralcio settlement and close it with a settlement agreement; anyone chased for an unknown debt can dispute it and ask for proof. Electricity, gas and water bills for consumption more than two years old are time-barred for household customers, and the limitation is raised in writing.
A bank may not charge for closing an account (article 120-bis of the Consolidated Banking Act), and anyone opening an account at another bank can use the free switching service; otherwise a request to close the account is enough. To stop a direct debit, revoke the SEPA mandate with the creditor and the bank. A complaint to the bank must be answered within sixty days, fifteen working days for payments, and opens the way to the Arbitro Bancario Finanziario. The documents are written in Italian, are up to date on 13 October 2026, and are not official forms.
The documents
12 forms available to fill out or download.
Revocation of a SEPA direct debit, formerly RID (Italy)
Many banks let you revoke a direct debit free of charge in online banking or at the branch. This document, in Italian under Italian law, is for doing it in writing, with proof: it holds two letters to send on the same day, one to the creditor revoking the SEPA mandate and one to your bank asking it to stop executing that creditor's debits (legislative decree no. 11/2010). Revocation does not cancel sums owed: the letter asks how to pay them another way.
Saldo e stralcio settlement offer to a creditor (Italy)
For anyone in Italy with a debt to a private person, a business, a finance company or a debt-collection agency who wants to propose closing it by paying a smaller sum, at once or in instalments. The letter, in Italian under Italian law, states the debt claimed, the amount offered, how it will be paid and how long the offer stands, and says payment will follow only written acceptance. It is not for tax bills from the Agenzia delle Entrate-Riscossione. Send it by registered post or by PEC.
Written complaint to a bank (Italy)
A complaint to the bank costs nothing, and many banks have an online form or a PEC address for their complaints office. This letter, in Italian under Italian law, is for writing it yourself: it describes the problem – an undue charge, an unexpected cost, a service not provided – states what you ask for and, if needed, copies of documents (article 119(4) of the Italian Consolidated Banking Act). It is the step that opens a claim to the Arbitro Bancario Finanziario, filed online for a €20 fee. Send it by registered post or by PEC.
Settlement agreement between private parties (Italy)
For ending a dispute in Italy between private persons or with a business – a contested debt, damage, poor work – by mutual concessions, including a settlement for less than the full debt (saldo e stralcio). The contract, in Italian under Italian law, describes the dispute, what each party concedes, any sum and how it is paid, and the waiver of every other claim on that dispute (articles 1965 ff. of the Italian Civil Code). It is not for employment disputes. Both parties sign two copies.
Two-year limitation defence on an electricity, gas or water bill (Italy)
For a household, micro-business or professional customer in Italy who receives an electricity, gas or water bill for consumption more than two years old, often a balancing bill. Many suppliers have a free form for raising limitation; this letter, in Italian under Italian law, does the same in writing: it identifies the bill and the amount, raises the two-year limitation (law no. 205/2017), asks for a corrected bill and announces payment of the part not time-barred. Send it by registered post or by PEC.
Receipt in full and final settlement – quietanza liberatoria (Italy)
For a creditor in Italy who receives payment of a debt – a loan repaid, a saldo e stralcio, the last instalment of a plan – and must issue a receipt, as article 1199 of the Italian Civil Code requires. The document, in Italian under Italian law, names the parties with their codice fiscale and states the amount, date and method of payment, the original debt and whether payment is in full or on account. The creditor signs it. Above €77.47 a €2 revenue stamp (marca da bollo), bought at a tobacconist's, must be affixed.
Loan agreement between private individuals (Italy)
For lending money to a relative or friend in Italy and keeping written proof of it. The agreement, in Italian under Italian law, names both parties with their codice fiscale and sets the amount in figures and words, payment by bank transfer, whether the loan is interest-free or its interest rate, repayment in one sum or by monthly instalments, early repayment and what follows a late payment (articles 1813 ff. of the Italian Civil Code). Print two copies, both signed by both parties.
Disputing a payment reminder or a debt collector's claim (Italy)
For anyone in Italy who receives a payment reminder – often from a debt collection agency, for an old, unknown or already paid debt – and wants to dispute it in writing. The letter, in Italian under Italian law, states the chosen ground (debt not recognised, already paid or time-barred), asks for the documents proving the debt and the agency's standing, including any assignment of the debt (article 1264 of the Italian Civil Code), and for access to your personal data (article 15 GDPR). Send it by registered post or by PEC.
Request to close a current account (Italy)
If you open an account with another bank in Italy, the new bank offers a free switching service that moves transfers and direct debits and closes the old account if you ask. This letter, in Italian under Italian law, is for closing the account only: it gives notice of withdrawal without penalty or charges (article 120-bis of the Italian Consolidated Banking Act), asks for linked cards and services to be closed, the balance transferred and a closing statement sent. Send it by registered post, by PEC or hand it in at the branch.
Acknowledgement of debt and promise to pay (Italy)
For someone in Italy who owes money to a private person or a business and wants to acknowledge it in writing: a loan received, an advance, an unpaid purchase. The document, in Italian under Italian law, names the parties with their codice fiscale and states the exact amount in figures and words, where the debt comes from and payment in one sum or by instalments. Under article 1988 of the Italian Civil Code it spares the creditor from proving the relationship behind the debt. The debtor alone signs it and hands it to the creditor.
Formal demand for payment – diffida e messa in mora (Italy)
For anyone in Italy who is owed money by a private person or a business – a loan not repaid, an unpaid invoice or fee – and wants to claim it formally before taking other steps. The letter, in Italian under Italian law, states where the debt comes from and the amount, sets a time limit in days from receipt, puts the debtor in default (article 1219 of the Italian Civil Code) and interrupts limitation. Send it by registered post with proof of receipt, or by PEC if the debtor has a PEC address.
Agreed repayment plan between creditor and debtor (Italy)
For a creditor and a debtor in Italy who agree to settle a debt in instalments: a private loan, a fee, rent arrears. The contract, in Italian under Italian law, acknowledges the amount owed and where it comes from (article 1988 of the Italian Civil Code), sets the number and amount of the instalments, any interest rate, the creditor's undertaking not to act while the plan is kept and what follows missed instalments. Both sign two copies. It is not for debts to the Agenzia delle Entrate-Riscossione.
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