Sometimes we get lost among the many economic incentives available to citizens. Arriving at a paradox: almost no one knows some of them, very few ask for them. It happens in part because there is institutional communication that is not entirely effective, even when they can be used automatically and without submitting an application to get the money you are entitled to. Among the various bonuses expected in 2026 there are some that seem almost “hidden”, or which in any case are much less requested and taken into consideration than others. Let’s go in order: here are the 5 bonuses still active this year, less known and used, with their respective requirements.
The rental incentive
Let’s start with the rental bonus aimed at under 31s. Young people who want to rent a house can benefit from an Irpef deduction if they meet some specific requirements. There are three: an age between 20 and 31 years of age, a total income not exceeding 15,493.71 euros and a registered rental contract for a property other than the parents’ residence. The deduction in question is calculated by applying 20% of the annual rent and concerns a recognized minimum of 991.60 euros per year (if 20% is lower) and a maximum of two thousand euros of deduction per year.
The measure can be used for up to four consecutive years, provided that the age, income and contractual requirements continue to exist. The deduction must be declared in the tax return, in the section dedicated to rental expenses. It is not necessary to attach any documentation to the declaration, but the documents must be kept in case of checks. It is advisable to keep aside the registered rental contract, the registration receipt, the residence certificate or a self-certification, in addition to the payments made.
Among other things, university students who attend a degree course in a university located at least one hundred kilometers from the municipality of residence can obtain a tax deduction for part of the rent. However, only students enrolled in universities that do not have university residences or that have an insufficient number of them compared to the application can obtain it. The bonus is not limited only to students of public universities: those enrolled in private universities, music conservatories and dance institutes can also benefit from it, provided they are officially recognized by the ministry.
Waste tax reduced by 25%
The Tari bonus is also little used by Italian citizens. Families who have an ISEE below 9,530 euros, or under twenty thousand euros for families with four or more children, are automatically entitled to this contribution, which is essentially a 25% reduction on the waste tax. The discount is recognized once a year and the access conditions are the same as those already provided for the social bonuses for electricity, gas and water.
The fact that it is not necessary to submit an application does not mean that citizens do not have to do anything: being a bonus linked to the ISEE, the single self-declaration (DSU) must be presented every year, the document that contains the personal, income and asset data of a family unit, necessary to obtain the calculation of the ISEE. The benefit is then recognized the following year.
In most cases the TARI discount appears directly in the tax payment notice issued by the manager. But it may also happen that the bonus is paid with a direct payment to the beneficiary, for example by bank transfer, check or other traceable instrument.
Home automation in the ecobonus
This year there is also an incentive for home automation. This is a tax benefit designed for those who choose to use building automation systems, useful for remotely managing domestic systems by intelligently controlling heating, air conditioning and hot water production, limiting waste and reducing overall consumption. It is not a specific bonus, but is part of the broader ecobonus. In 2026 the rates have been reduced compared to the past and change based on the type of property. For the main residence the deduction is 50%, while for other properties it stops at 36%.
Also in this specific case the discriminant is linked to the “income quotient” which can reduce expenses. For incomes up to 75 thousand euros there are no limitations, while for those between 75 thousand and one hundred thousand euros the maximum deductible ceiling is reduced proportionately. For incomes exceeding one hundred thousand euros, however, the maximum deduction undergoes a drastic cut up to a limit of around eight thousand euros in total, mitigated only by the presence of dependent children.
The water incentive
And who knows about the drinking water bonus? This is a 50% tax credit for the purchase and installation of filtration, mineralization, cooling or carbon dioxide addition systems to improve domestic water quality. It incentivizes the reduction of single-use plastic, with spending limits of up to one thousand euros for individuals and five thousand euros for businesses. Private citizens can obtain it for their first or second home, businesses, organizations and professionals. Eligible expenses include filters, purifiers, water softeners, cooling and carbonation systems, as well as installation costs. To obtain it, it is necessary to communicate the expenses to the Revenue Agency (usually by 28 February of the following year) and keep the electronic invoices and traceable payments.
The contribution for pets, not for all
There is also a bonus designed for seniors over 65 who pay veterinary expenses for their pets, which are therefore kept for private and non-commercial purposes. It is recognized from 1 January 2024 until 31 December 2026 directly by the region to which it belongs and until the funds are exhausted. It is financial aid dedicated to those over 65 years old and with an ISEE of less than 16,215 euros, to cover the veterinary expenses incurred for their regularly registered pet.
It is managed directly by the regions, which decide the methods, amount and deadlines. The reimbursement can vary between 200 and 300 euros per year. It should not be confused with the more classic Irpef deduction of 19% on veterinary expenses, to which the deductible of 129.11 euros and a maximum expenditure ceiling of 550 euros applies.