-
-
-
- 32-48% on your home heating bills
- 10-20% off your electricity*
- €108 per year saved by us removing the Italian TV tax from your bill
- 22% off GPL
- Annual Payment of $264 - offering cost savings and guaranteed fixed pricing for the year.
- Every Two Month Payment of $60 - providing lower upfront costs & flexibility.
- The annual fee of $264 will be charged in February 2025 and will cover the entire year (Jan 2025-Dec 2025).
- For those who may PCS mid-year, you will be able to reach out to TRO for details on prorated reimbursements.
- UTEP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Eligibility:
The Utility Tax Exemption Program (UTEP) program is designed for service members assigned to Europe, or U.S. civilians and contractors with logistical support provided by USAG Italy. Contact the Tax Relief Office (TRO) office for eligibility questions.
Anyone with a 5-month Date Estimated Return From Overseas (DEROS) will not be able to enroll within the program.
UTEP Hours of Operation:
Should you have questions or need assistance please give the Vicenza Tax Relief Office a call, Monday thru Thursday, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (10:00-16:00).
- Comm: +39 0444-71-5102 or +39 0444-71-5104
- DSN: (314) 646-5102 (314) 646-5104
UTEP Savings:
UTEP can save you hundreds of dollars annually off your utilities.
Service Percentage Discounted (Taxes)
- Electricity: 10-20% (varies depending on usage)
- Gas: 32-48%
- Removal of the Italian TV tax (€108 per year)
Utility Companies We Work With:
We only work with the following utility provider for tax-free electric and natural gas services:
AGSM AIM Note: Homes with solar panels/photovoltaic system are not currently eligible.
How Can the UTEP Office Support You?
Our office acts as the liaison between the utility companies and our clients. We initiate contract openings, receive, and pay invoices on your behalf, issue invoices in USD ($), advocate on your behalf for any billing issue, and close your utilities when it is time for you to depart.
Our services have a monthly program fee. Currently it is $22 per month (as of 1 May 2024).
What Does the UTEP Office Not Do?
The Tax Relief Office does not provide 24/7 customer support; Tax Relief Office (TRO) operates at the hours of operation listed on this page.
AGSM AIM (24/7 Support)
- GAS: 800.10.75.90
- ELECTRICY: 803.500
** THESE ARE EMERGENCY NUMBERS, NOT CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBERS**
If you fail to pay your utility bills, a late fee will be applied. The TRO office will notify your commander, suspend Tax Free privileges, start collection proceedings and garnishment of wages.
Tired of the Breaker Tripping?
Learn how you can increase your wattage. Standard wattage is usually set to 3.0 KW. We can assist you with increasing your wattage to 4.5 KW or even 6.0 KW, depending on what your requirements are. Keep in mind a request to increase wattage will result in extra fees from the utility company.
Steps To Join UTEP:
- Rollover letter (DISDETTA).
- If rolling over from the landlord, please contact Housing.
- If rolling over from you to TRO, we will print the “disdetta” out for you.
- SETAF driver’s license or US Passport
- Copy of Lease
If rolling over from the customer to TRO, these documents must also be included.
- Most recent gas bill or screenshot of your AGSM/AIM account (online)
- Picture of recent gas reading
Installment Billing:
TRO offers payments through installment billing. This can be done through Personal Credit Card or BNL Accounts.
What Exchange Rate Will Be Used to Convert My Bill?
TRO uses a fixed monthly rate that is established by the DFAS on the first of every month. This is a normal accounting procedure and it could affect the utility bill positively or negatively depending on the strength of the Dollar ($) against the Euro (€).
- Tax Relief Office MythBusters
-
MYTH: I need to wait for my first bill to arrive to sign up for the Utility Tax Exemption Program (UTEP).
TRUTH: Don’t wait for the first bill to sign up with the UTEP! All we need is proof you have established a contract with AGSM-AIM.
MYTH: I will get automatically signed up through the housing office when I sign my contract.
TRUTH: After signing the housing lease and initiating the contract with the gas company, you will need to stop by our office to sign up.
MYTH: I can’t save until I’m billed, so I should sign up after my first bill arrives.
TRUTH: Once the bill is issued to the customer, we are unable to remove the taxes. This means that you’ll need to pay the bill in full before you join. Don’t wait. Sign up and save!
MYTH: I can only save money if I sign up during the winter months.
TRUTH: UTEP not only takes off the taxes on your gas, but also on your electricity! That means you’ll save all year round.
MYTH: I need to wait until the new year or next fiscal year to sign up.
TRUTH: You can sign up at any given time during the year. No need to wait to begin saving today!
MYTH: If I enroll in the fixed price annual fee for the year, I’ll lose my money if I PCS before the year’s up.
TRUTH: You’ll not only save money by paying annually, TRO will ensure your reimbursement is pro-rated based on y our PCS timeframe!
- Sample Forms and Forms for Download
-
Document File Type IVA Letter for Mechanics
(Italian).pdf IVA Letter for Vendors
(Italian).pdf Sample Meter Pictures .pdf Example: Bad Receipt .pdf Example: Good Receipt .pdf How To: Tax Free Purchase Step-by-Step .pdf How To: Fixing When the Power Goes Out .pdf - How To Clear the Tax Relief Office
-
For clearing the Tax Relief Office, please read all of the information below:
- Come in with your Contract Termination Letter filled out with your final readings. If you do not out-process with the Housing Office, you will need to bring just a picture of the reading, including the serial number from your gas and electric meter.
- We need you bank information (name, routing and account number) for your stateside bank (for future credit return).
- We will then calculate your closing cost from your current bill up to the final reading.
- After you have received the amount due: sign the Closing Estimate, pay, and get your clearing paper signed.
- The closing estimate consists of:
- Your current balance
- Estimated cost from the most recent bill to your final reading
- Gas company closing cost
- The estimated amount will be a credit to pay the final gas bill that will arrive in about four months.
- The remaining credit will be directly deposited to your bank account by DFAS.
- In the event that something is due, you will be contacted to arrange payment.
- Darby Tax Relief Office
-
USAG Italy is happy to assist you with your Utility Tax Exemptions and IVA Exemptions! See the below info on how we can be assist our customers in the Darby Military Community:
Utility Tax Exemption Program (UTEP)
For utility tax exemptions, the Vicenza Tax Relief Office is equipped to assist customers remotely. Should you have questions or need assistance, please give the Vicenza Tax Relief Office a call on Monday through Thursday. from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (10:00-16:00).
- Comm: +39 0444-71-5102 or +39 0444-71-5104
- DSN: (314) 646-5102 or (314) 646-5104
IVA Tax Exemption Program
The Tax-Free Purchase program is available on Thursdays, from 9-11 a.m. (09:00-11:00).
- Location: Darby Community Center (Bldg. 204), Tax Relief Office
- Comm: +39 050-965-8233
- DSN: (314) 645-8233
How can we help you?
Utility Tax Exemption Program (UTEP)
Personnel residing in private rental housing may take advantage of the Tax Relief Office (TRO) Utility Tax Exemption Program (UTEP) for Methane gas (City Gas) and Electricity as well as Liquid Propane Gas (GPL). Remember that by joining UTEP you can save:
The cost of being in the program is $22.00 per month.
* Note: 10% IVA and approximately 10% or more on excise tax (varies depending on usage).
Changes at the Tax Relief Office!
We've got some great changes at the Tax Relief Office! We want you to enjoy convenience, flexibility, security, and increased efficiency while we strive to be more eco-friendly!
Contractor Eligibility
Contractor eligibility has been reinstated within the UTEP program! Contact us for more information.
Paperless UTEP Statement
Emailed UTEP Statements To streamline communication, all UTEP statements will continue to be delivered via email. If you prefer a printed copy, please request one at the Tax Relief Office.
Discontinued Del Din Services
The "Del Din Tax Free Purchases & Account Payments" will be discontinued due to low participation. We believe that focusing on other services will allow us to serve you better.
Cashless Payments
Moving forward, TRO will only accept credit card payments for your convenience and security.
Two Payment Options for the TRO Service Fees:
We understand that flexibility is key, so we will now offer two payment options:
Please note:
These changes reflect our dedication to continuously improving and providing the best possible service to our community. If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us at the Tax Relief Office.
IVA Tax Exemption Program
The IVA exemption program enables authorized individuals to purchase items for the home without paying the 22% Value Added Tax (IVA). The IVA exemption applies to household items which the customers intend to export when they leave the country. It does not apply to items to be used for commerce. The minimum purchase for receiving IVA exemption is €150.00
The IVA exemption program for buying household items on the Italian economy is provided by international agreement and Italian law to official United States (U.S.) procurement agencies, but not to individual members in their own names. In order to grant IVA exemption to authorized customers, the IVA exemption program has been established to act as the official procurement agency on their behalf.
Please keep in mind that it is voluntary for any vendor to participate in tax-free transactions.
