In Brief (TL;DR)
The stamp duty on Postepay Evolution is a €2 tax paid once a year for the issuance of the statement.
The charge is automatically applied in January and can be verified through the Postepay app or the online statement.
To avoid the tax, you can choose a prepaid card without an IBAN or close your Postepay Evolution.
The devil is in the details. 👇 Keep reading to discover the critical steps and practical tips to avoid mistakes.
Do you have a Postepay Evolution and noticed a €2 charge on your balance? Don’t panic! It’s the stamp duty, a tax that can be applied to various financial products, including your Postepay Evolution. In this complete guide, you’ll find all the answers to your questions about the Postepay Evolution stamp duty: what it is, when and how it’s paid, how much it costs, and how to avoid it. Additionally, I’ll provide useful tips for managing your card and information on how to contact Poste Italiane customer support if needed.
What is the Postepay Evolution Stamp Duty?
Stamp duty is an indirect tax applied to certain documents and financial products. In the case of Postepay Evolution, the stamp duty is due for the issuance of the annual statement. This is because the Postepay Evolution, unlike other prepaid cards like the standard Postepay or Postepay Junior, comes with an IBAN code and offers the option to receive a periodic statement.
Reference Legislation
The application of stamp duty on the Postepay Evolution is regulated by the Presidential Decree No. 642 of October 26, 1972 (Consolidated Stamp Duty Act) and subsequent amendments. Specifically, Article 13 of this decree states that stamp duty also applies to statements issued by financial institutions.
When is the Stamp Duty Paid?
The stamp duty on the Postepay Evolution is charged once a year, usually in the first few days of January. The charge occurs at the same time the statement summarizing the previous year’s transactions is issued.
Special Cases
- Joint Account: In the case of a joint Postepay Evolution account, the stamp duty is charged only once, regardless of the number of joint holders.
- Minor Account Holders: The stamp duty also applies to Postepay Evolution cards held by minors.
- Residents Abroad: Postepay Evolution cardholders residing abroad are also required to pay the stamp duty.
How is the Stamp Duty Paid?
The stamp duty is charged automatically to your Postepay Evolution balance. If the balance is insufficient to cover the tax amount, your card will have a negative balance, and the amount due will be collected upon the next top-up.
How to Verify the Charge
You can verify that the stamp duty has been charged by checking your Postepay Evolution statement. You can access the statement:
- Through the Postepay app
- By logging into the Poste Italiane website
- By visiting a post office
How Much is the Stamp Duty?
The stamp duty for the Postepay Evolution is €2. This amount is fixed and does not depend on the card’s balance, provided that the average annual balance does not exceed €5,000. If the average balance exceeds this threshold, an additional stamp duty of €34.20 is applied, as required by current regulations.
How to Avoid the Postepay Evolution Stamp Duty
If you want to avoid paying the stamp duty on your Postepay Evolution, you have a few alternatives:
- Choose another prepaid card: Opt for a prepaid card without an IBAN, such as the standard Postepay or Postepay Junior, which do not issue statements and are therefore not subject to stamp duty.
- Close your Postepay Evolution: You can close your Postepay Evolution and transfer the balance to another card or bank account.
Stamp Duty and Other Prepaid Cards
The Postepay Evolution is the only prepaid card issued by Poste Italiane that requires payment of stamp duty. Other cards, such as Hype, N26, and Revolut, do not charge stamp duty for statements. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the features of each card before choosing one, considering costs, limits, and services offered.
Postepay Evolution vs. BancoPosta Current Account
If you need a more comprehensive payment tool, you might consider opening a BancoPosta current account. Unlike the Postepay Evolution, the BancoPosta current account offers additional features such as direct deposit for salaries, automatic bill payments, and the ability to request a checkbook. However, the BancoPosta current account is subject to a stamp duty of €34.20 if the average annual balance exceeds €5,000.
Tips for Managing Your Postepay Evolution
- Monitor your balance: Regularly check your Postepay Evolution balance to avoid a negative balance due to the stamp duty charge or other fees.
- Set spending limits: Customize your card’s spending limits based on your needs to keep your finances in check.
- Activate security services: Use the security services offered by Poste Italiane, such as SMS alerts or two-factor authentication, to protect your card from fraud and unauthorized use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking stamp duty only applies to cards with high balances: The €2 stamp duty applies to all active Postepay Evolution cards, regardless of the balance.
- Confusing stamp duty with the annual fee: The Postepay Evolution has both an annual fee and a stamp duty.
News and Updates
Stamp duty regulations can change over time. I recommend checking this guide periodically to stay updated on any news or changes.
Support and Contacts
For any questions or issues regarding the stamp duty on your Postepay Evolution, you can contact Poste Italiane support:
- Toll-free number: 800.00.33.22
- Website: www.poste.it
- Post office: Visit any post office.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the stamp duty on the Postepay Evolution is a cost to consider. If you are looking for a prepaid card without this expense or want to compare different options, I invite you to visit the prepaid cards section on TuttoSemplice.com. You will find a selection of the best cards available on the market, with detailed information on costs, limits, and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the stamp duty is charged regardless of card usage, as long as it is active and has an end-of-period balance greater than €77.40.
No, the stamp duty is non-refundable.
If you close your Postepay Evolution before January, you will not have to pay the stamp duty for the current year.
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