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PhrasesAt the TobacconistHo bisogno di una marca da bollo.
B1

Ho bisogno di una marca da bollo.

I need a revenue stamp.

Pronunciation

MAR-ca da BOL-lo — two separate stress points; the double 'l' in 'bollo' is a geminate consonant, held slightly.

When to use it

Use this when an official document requires a revenue stamp. Documents like lease contracts, applications to public offices, and some legal certificates require a marca da bollo of a specific value.

What it means

The marca da bollo is a fiscal stamp sold exclusively at tabaccherie and equivalent to a government tax. The standard value is €16,00 (since 2013). Some documents require multiples. The shopkeeper will ask what it's for to confirm the correct denomination.

Variations

Ho bisogno di due marche da bollo da sedici euro.

I need two sixteen-euro revenue stamps.

Specifying quantity and denomination upfront

Per un contratto di affitto, quante marche da bollo servono?

For a rental contract, how many revenue stamps are needed?

Shopkeepers often know the requirements for common document types

La marca da bollo vale anche in digitale?

Is the revenue stamp also valid in digital form?

There is now a digital marca da bollo — relevant for online submissions

Mini Dialogue

— Ho bisogno di una marca da bollo. — Per quale documento? — Per un contratto di locazione. — Allora ne servono due da sedici euro ciascuna. — Va bene, le prendo entrambe.

— I need a revenue stamp. — For which document? — For a rental contract. — Then you need two at sixteen euros each. — Fine, I'll take both.

Cultural Note

The marca da bollo is a uniquely Italian institution with roots going back to the 18th century. It represents a government tax on legal acts and documents. Tabaccherie are the sole authorised retail sellers, making them essential bureaucratic partners for everyday Italians.