Tax & Financial Insights
Stay informed about Austrian tax regulations, business matters and financial developments with practical insights from TAX AUSTRIA.
HR & PAYROLL
Tax‑free Participation in Company Events
The Federal Fiscal Court (BFG) has ruled that monetary benefits from company events that exceed the tax‑free amount of EUR 365 per employee do not give rise to wage tax liability when they are granted in the predominant own‑business interest of the employer.
VAT
Reporting obligation for agricultural and forestry side activities
Agricultural and forestry operators may carry out a range of self‑employed "additional activities" in connection with their farming business, for which they do not need a trade licence within certain limits. Operators who carry out such agricultural and forestry side activities must report their annual gross income (including VAT and without deduction of expenses) to the Social Insurance Institution for the Self‑Employed (SVS) by no later than 30 April 2025.
TAX & BUSINESS
Parliament passes tax changes
National Council and Federal Council have passed the Federal Renovation Measures Act 2025 to increase tax revenues in the short term. The changes listed below as examples mostly came into force at the beginning of April 2025.
TAX & BUSINESS
Tightening in the Financial Criminal Law Area
The Fraud Prevention Act 2024 introduced a new financial regulatory offence, which also makes the creation and use of dummy and covering invoices punishable.
TAX & BUSINESS
Tax aspects from the government programme
With the 2025‑2029 government programme the new administration presented the key points of measures for budget consolidation, as well as growth‑ and employment‑promoting measures. Below some of the planned measures are summarised.
VAT
Medical Centre: Rental or Comprehensive Service Package?
Anyone wishing to practise as a doctor in a medical centre may, in certain cases, choose between using the premises on the basis of a rental agreement or taking a full service package. The distinction has VAT consequences.
TAX & BUSINESS
Dividends in the GSVG Contribution Base?
Dividends paid to managing shareholders of a Chamber of Commerce‑affiliated GmbH must be taken into account when calculating the contribution base for the GSVG compulsory insurance.
TAX & BUSINESS
Charitable status of an association
Charitable associations receive tax benefits when they undertake tasks in the public interest. However, associations are only classified as charitable if they pursue certain purposes that promote the public good.
TAX & BUSINESS
Flat-rate business expenses for managing directors
Since managing directors usually have no significant business expenses, they can apply the flat-rate business expense allowance of 6% of net turnover to reduce their taxable profit. At the same time, social security contributions can be claimed as an additional deductible business expense.
TAX & BUSINESS
Withdrawal of Items from Business Assets
Withdrawals of assets initially acquired and used for business purposes can have tax consequences.
TAX & BUSINESS
Thermal‑energetic renovations for rented residential properties
The eco‑special‑expenses lump sum has been extended by the eco surcharge for rented residential properties.
TAX & BUSINESS
Corporation tax surcharge due to failure to name recipients
If a taxpayer cannot provide the tax office with the recipients of his payments, the authority must disallow these business expenses.
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