What is a declaration of succession?
In cases where there are multiple heirs to the estate, only one submission declaring succession is required. If real estate is involved, recording the transfer of deeds in a land registry is also necessary, and involves a series of taxes. The declaration of succession is a legal obligation, and if the 12-month deadline is missed, the heirs may be subject to different types of sanctions.
Exemptions from Declaring Succession
Renouncing one’s inheritance is also an option provided by Italian law. In these cases the heir automatically renounces both the possessions and debts held by the testator. Those renouncing their inheritance are no longer referred to in the succession, as if they had never been called on to receive it. However, this renunciation must take place comprehensively, without conditions. There is no chance, for example, of renouncing only part of the inheritance, such as debts, while holding on to other assets.