Tax & Financial Insights
Stay informed about Austrian tax regulations, business matters and financial developments with practical insights from TAX AUSTRIA.
TAX & BUSINESS
TAX & BUSINESS
Acquirer Group and Real Estate Company
The Budget Support Act 2025 provides for significant tightening in the area of real estate transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer, GrESt) on transfers of shares in companies whose assets include land. Two new terms have been introduced: acquirer group and real estate company.
TAX & BUSINESS
New Funding Opportunities for Photovoltaic Systems and Energy Storage
To prevent an investment halt in the renewable energy sector, new funding opportunities for photovoltaic systems and energy storage have been enshrined in law.
TAX & BUSINESS
Increase in the foundation entry tax and the interim tax from 2026
The private foundation is an established instrument for wealth management. As an owner‑less legal entity it enables assets to be tied to a defined purpose and protected from fragmentation. From 1 January 2026 tax increases will apply.
TAX & BUSINESS
Associations: Record‑keeping Obligations for Volunteer Allowances and Travel Expense Reimbursements
To support the work of volunteers, charitable organisations such as associations have been able to make tax‑free payments to their volunteers since 2024 (the so‑called “volunteer allowance”).
TAX & BUSINESS
Timing of cash outflow for credit‑card payments
Expenses incurred by an employed managing director that were paid with a credit card can only be claimed as tax‑deductible expenses in the year in which the credit‑card statement is actually debited from the bank account.
TAX & BUSINESS
No reinstatement to the previous state due to missed deadline because of holiday
A holiday does not relieve one from the duty to ensure proper representation and deadline monitoring.
TAX & BUSINESS
Application for Extension of Donation Eligibility for Associations
Formal requirements must be met for donation eligibility of associations; in particular, an existing donation eligibility must be extended each year.
TAX & BUSINESS
Distinction between discretionary and necessary private assets
Land can be included in the balance sheet as discretionary business assets if this is beneficial to the business.
TAX & BUSINESS
Changes to the Real Estate Transfer Tax – Introduction of a Re‑zoning Surcharge
The National Council has approved the extension of the real estate transfer tax liability and the introduction of a re‑zoning surcharge. The new rules will take effect from 1 July 2025.
TAX & BUSINESS
NoVA exemption for light commercial vehicles
As part of the relief package for small and medium‑sized enterprises, the National Council decided on 16 June 2025 to abolish the standard consumption tax (NoVA) for light commercial vehicles of class N1 with a maximum authorised total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes from 1 July 2025.
TAX & BUSINESS
New “Further Training Period”
The Ministerial Council presented the key points of the “Further Training Period”, which is to become effective from 1 January 2026.
TAX & BUSINESS
Prohibition of Deductions for Interest and Royalties within a Group
With regard to payments of interest and royalties to group companies, a deduction prohibition applies if these are subject to “low taxation” in the receiving entity. The Federal Fiscal Court, however, allowed the interest deduction.
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