In 2026, the INPS tax inspection system will change and the objective is clear: to increase checks on absences from work due to illness and speed up checks. The numbers from the Institute’s latest monitoring speak of almost 400 thousand home checks carried out in the second half of 2025, with a constant increase destined to grow further in the coming months. Behind this tightening are the increase in medical certificates sent to INPS and the desire to make the verification system more efficient, especially after the introduction of the new measures provided for by the Budget Law.
Equal hours for public and private employees
One of the most important innovations concerns the availability time slots, which are now identical for all workers, regardless of the sector they belong to. Anyone who is ill must be available at the address communicated to INPS from 10am to 12pm and from 5pm to 7pm, every day of the week, including Sundays and holidays. The historical distinction between public and private employees was eliminated after the implementation of a decision by the Lazio Regional Administrative Court. This means that tax visits can be arranged on any day and for the entire duration of the medical certificate.
The new digital platform debuts
Alongside the unification of timetables, a new technological infrastructure also arrives. Through the National Digital Data Platform, employers can now request tax visits more quickly and directly. With the aim of creating faster and centralized management of medical checks, the new system allows companies to:
INPS certificates and checks are growing
As mentioned, data from the INPS Statistical Observatory show a significant growth in absences due to illness. Over 14 million medical certificates were transmitted in the second half of 2025, an increase of 2.8% compared to the previous year. Most concern the private sector, which accounts for almost 80% of communications. At the same time, inspection visits have also increased: over 399 thousand home checks in six months. In the public sector, the number of checks is even higher than in the private sector in proportion to the certificates issued.
How the sickness procedure works
The worker who becomes ill must contact his doctor, who will send the certificate electronically to INPS within the day following the start of the prognosis. Subsequently, the employee must communicate the protocol number of the certificate to the employer, so as to allow the company to verify the documentation on the Institute’s portal. If the worker changes domicile during the illness, he is obliged to promptly notify it via the dedicated online service.
Severe sanctions in case of absence
The consequences for those who are not found at home during the tax visit can be serious. In case of unjustified absence, the worker risks total or partial loss of sickness benefit and, in the most serious cases, even disciplinary proceedings. Upon first absence, the allowance may be revoked for several days; in the event of a repeat offense, the economic sanctions progressively increase until the benefit is completely suspended. However, exceptions are foreseen: the worker can leave his home for medical visits, tests, therapies or to purchase medicines, as long as he is able to document the move.
The INPS strategy against absenteeism
The increase in checks is part of a broader strategy to combat absenteeism and strengthen health checks. INPS is now focusing on a wider network of medical inspectors and on digital tools capable of making checks more rapid, frequent and widespread. For millions of Italian workers, the relationship with certified illness is thus changing: more controls, uniform rules and a system that increasingly focuses on digital traceability.
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