School construction to get tax benefit

(ANSA) - Rome, July 23 - The cabinet on Wednesday examined a decree adding school construction as one of the beneficiaries of Italy's so-called 8 x 1,000 personal income tax devolution.
    Under the 8 x 1,000 system, Italian taxpayers can choose to devolve a compulsory 0.8% ('eight per thousand') from their annual income tax return to an organised religion recognised by Italy or, alternatively, to a social assistance scheme run by the Italian State.
    The decree would add "school renovations, upgrades and improvements" to the list, which also includes fighting world hunger, natural disaster assistance, refugee aid, and cultural heritage conservation.
    In addition, taxpayers can choose to devolve 0.5% or "five per thousand" of their annual personal income tax to a charity or NGO of their choice.
    Lawmakers in May approved a package by Premier Matteo Renzi aimed at reducing housing shortages and boosting the struggling construction sector, which included investment in school buildings in support of economic recovery.