The Italian Supreme Court, with Decision n. 237 of 9 January 2009 re-affirms a principle stated in a previous ruling (Decision n. 23031 of 9 October 2007), according to which circulars and resolutions adopted by the tax administration and interpreting whatever tax provision, are not binding, as they must be regarded only as an advise of the financial administration on the controversial issue. The Supreme Court therefore, in the new ruling reiterates that circulars and resolutions, even if providing instructions or directives to the dependent offices, can be disapplied by the latter, as well as by taxpayers.
(continues ... in Italian)