Codice Fiscale

[Mara]

Would anyone be able to inform me of what the codice fiscale is and how it is of benefit to have one.

Thank you:confused

[NickZ]

It's a unique ID number for almost all transactions.

You may share a name with somebody else [I do and my name isn't exactly common] but your codice will be yours only.

[sharoncafolla]

The Italian Codice Fiscale is similar to the British National Insurance number. It is issued when a child is born and it is one of the reaseons that Italian women keep their maiden names.
It also beholds a problem for british women who have changed their names when they got married..........some of the Comunes will insist that you use your maiden name which causes another type of problem when all your documents and details are from Britain and in your married name...........but hopefully you will not run into this problem.
Hope this helps.

[Helen&Francesco]

It's basically your tax code & as Nick says is used for identification in loads of transactions.

I would think that if you plan to live in Italy you shouldn't leave home without one!

[Bruno]

The codice is one of the easiest documents to obtain from Italy, you can even get one via the Italian consulates through the mail. Either call or check out the website for your consulate.

It is needed for many things like buying a cell phone, express shipments overseas (UPS, FedEx) and opening a bank account among many others.

[Sebastiano]

Originally Posted by Mara

Would anyone be able to inform me of what the codice fiscale is and how it is of benefit to have one.

Thank you:confused

The codice fiscale which is individual is obligatory for all italian citizens and non citizens resident in Italy.It is necessary for any non italians who purchase real estate in italy.
it will be required for:
opening a bank account, getting a cash card,credit card,mortage etc etc
getting a doctor,going to hospital
purchasing a car.
it will be required for large purchases or house restoration etc.
it is a requirement for tax payment, social security payment,pension schemes etc
opening any kind of business.
getting a landline phone or even a cell phone.
opening a national address for a web site (.it)
almost everything and anything to do with the public administration.
one of it's purposes is inevitably to be able to spy on you (government agencies etc) The numbers and letters are a mix of your name and sirname date of birth etc and are unique to you.I imagine that it is computer generated to avoid duplication etc.
Up to now i've never heard of any particular "benefits" in having one.