Cash register in Italy: Everything you need to know
The cash register is no longer just a simple device for printing receipts, but an advanced digital system that allows for the storage of transactions and their automatic transmission to the Italian Tax Authority (Agenzia delle Entrate). For businesses, this means ensuring transparency, reducing the risk of errors, and complying with current regulations.
Italy was one of the first countries in Europe to launch a structured fiscal digitalization process, introducing mandatory tools such as the telematic cash register (RT). This decision marked a turning point in the way companies manage payments and tax obligations.
Today, the use of telematic cash registers (RT) is an essential part of business tax management, with a direct impact both on internal organization and on legal compliance.
Regulatory Evolution of Cash Registers
Before 2019, cash registers in Italy were regulated by the Decree of March 23, 1983. With the introduction of telematic cash registers (RT) and the shift from the electronic receipt to the “commercial document,” the regulation was significantly updated, initiating the fiscal digitalization process.
With the reform:
- All devices are required to automatically transmit daily transaction data to the Italian Tax Authority (AdE).
- Merchants must use certified telematic registers, such as fiscal printers or RT servers, capable of communicating directly with the AdE servers.
Gradual Implementation of RTs
- July 1, 2019 → Mandatory for businesses with annual revenues exceeding €400,000. January 1, 2020 → Extended to all businesses, regardless of revenue. January 1, 2021 → Final deadline, after a one-year grace period granted for compliance.
From this date, all commercial activities have been required to digitally record their daily takings and transmit them electronically.
New Measures Introduced in 2025
Article 9 of the 2025 Budget Law introduced an additional step forward:
- POS systems must be connected to a cash register (digital or physical).
- Daily revenues will be automatically sent to the AdE.
Non-compliance will result in financial penalties and, in more serious cases, the suspension of the business license. This obligation will come into force on January 1, 2026.
What does a cash register do?
A cash register is a device used in retail and business settings to manage sales transactions, track revenue, and ensure accurate accounting. While the exact requirements of a cash register depend on country-specific regulations, its main purpose is to record sales transactions, calculate taxes, store payments, and print receipts.
Many cash registers can integrate with other devices, such as barcode scanners, printers, and payment terminals. This allows for streamlined operations, facilitated product inventory management and enhanced security. Modern cash registers are also able to communicate with cloud-based platforms and tax authorities, ensuring accurate transactions and easy compliance.
What are the requirements for the cash register in Italy?
As stated in the Fiscal Decree linked to the 2019 Budget Law, all cash registers in Italy must be connected to the internet for the transmission of telematic fees. This required manufacturers to modify their equipment to meet the new legal requirements.
The old paper-based register of daily takings has been replaced by the obligation to store and transmit data electronically. The fiscal logbook of the cash register has been digitalized and made accessible through a QR code on the device. Finally, the fiscal receipt has been replaced by the commercial document.
Since 2019, cash register equipment is referred to as a telematic cash register (RT). Fiscal data in telematic XML format is sent daily and automatically to the AdE, while customers receive a non-fiscal receipt (either paper or digital) as proof of purchase or payment.
What do I need to do to install a telematic cash register?
To obtain a telematic cash register (RT) in Italy and ensure compliance with the current Italian fiscal reporting requirements, the following steps are necessary:
- Choose a certified device: Select an approved RT model.
- Purchase and install: Have it installed by an authorized technician.
- Register the device: Activate it with the AdE for unique identification.
- Set up transmission: Configure automatic daily sales data transmission.
- Maintain compliance: Keep the device updated and serviced regularly.
What data does a Telematic Cash Register (RT) record?
When a customer makes a purchase, the merchant enters the amount into the cash register. The device automatically stores the transaction details and prepares them for transmission to the Italian Tax Authority (Agenzia delle Entrate).
Some of the main data an RT must collect and transmit include (non-exhaustive list):
- Total transaction amount (corrispettivo)
- Date and time of the operation
- Payment method (e.g., cash, cards, electronic instruments)
- Identifier of the RT device (serial number)
- Layout of the commercial document, including the serial number, control code, and, where applicable, the two-dimensional code for the lotteria degli scontrini (receipt lottery)
What do I need to do to install a telematic cash register?
To obtain a telematic cash register (RT) in Italy and ensure compliance with the current Italian fiscal reporting requirements, the following steps are necessary:
- Choose a certified device: Select an approved RT model.
- Purchase and install: Have it installed by an authorized technician.
- Register the device: Activate it with the AdE for unique identification.
- Set up transmission: Configure automatic daily sales data transmission.
- Maintain compliance: Keep the device updated and serviced regularly.
What are the costs of a cash register?
The main costs of adopting a telematic cash register (RT) in Italy relate to purchasing and installing the device, since no registration fees are required by the Italian Tax Authority (Agenzia delle Entrate). However, for businesses, the investment goes beyond the initial price: there are also recurring expenses that impact the annual budget.
In general, costs can be broken down into:
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Purchase of a certified RT device: prices typically range between €300 and €1,000, depending on the model and integrated features. More advanced registers may include enhanced network connectivity, compatibility with management systems, and additional functions that can increase the cost.
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Installation and activation: an authorized technician is required to configure the device and connect it to the Italian Tax Authority’s systems. This stage involves one-off expenses linked to setup.
Maintenance and updates: to remain compliant with technical and legal standards, periodic checks and software/hardware updates are required. These can amount to several hundred euros annually.
On top of these direct costs, there may also be indirect expenses, such as technical assistance in the event of malfunctions or the need to replace the device after several years of use.
In recent years, however, regulatory changes have paved the way for certified software solutions, which represent a valid alternative to physical RT devices. These solutions make it possible to:
- significantly reduce the initial investment by eliminating the need to purchase dedicated hardware,
cut maintenance and technical assistance costs, since updates are managed in the cloud, benefit from greater flexibility and scalability, adapting more easily to the needs of stores, retail chains, or e-commerce.
For many businesses, especially those looking to lower costs and adopt more agile solutions, moving to software is not only an economic advantage but also a strategic investment toward tax digitalization.
The point of sale evolves: the new cloud era
Legislative Decree 1/2024 introduces a new approach to transmitting electronic receipts via software, removing the obligation to rely exclusively on physical registers and RT devices. The transition to cloud solutions, such as fiskaly SIGN IT, is designed to simplify tax compliance, lower operating costs, and unify administrative processes.
Starting in 2026, companies in Italy will be able to choose certified software solutions to transmit fiscal data. On March 7, 2025, the Italian Tax Authority published the technical specifications needed to develop these software solutions.
fiskaly SIGN IT lite by fiskaly already enables automatic and compliant transmission of receipts by linking the cash register system to the Italian Tax Authority’s web portal. With this first step toward cloud fiscalization, businesses will be able to seamlessly transition to the full SIGN IT solution, which will meet all the requirements of the new Italian fiscal framework.
