The President of the Austrian Federation of Trade Unions (ÖGB) has suggested that the income tax on low income employees should be significantly reduced. He suggested that the government should decrease the starting rate of income tax from the current 36.5 percent and make the income tax structure more progressive. This would have the effect of helping those on lower incomes. The government has already appointed a tax reform working group and the President called on the group to produce proposals before the end of 2014 so the changes could be implemented by the beginning of 2015. The Austrian Finance Minister has clarified that the government first needs to rebalance the finances, which will require until 2016. Only then would tax cuts be possible.
Related Posts
Austria: Parliament approves draft VAT reform introducing reduced rate on staple foods
The Austrian Parliament (Nationalrat) approved on 21 May 2026 a draft bill introducing a reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) rate on staple foods. The measure forms part of the Austrian Value Added Tax Reform Act 2026 and still requires approval by the
Read MoreAustria: Government approves tax reform bill with anti-fraud measures, new reporting rules
The Austrian government approved a draft bill introducing amendments to various tax laws on 20 May 2026. The draft bill is intended to promote tax fairness and combat tax fraud, while also reducing the tax burden on workers and simplifying
Read More
Austria consults parcel tax for large online retailers under draft bill
The Austrian Ministry of Finance has published a draft bill for consultation introducing a new parcel tax on domestic deliveries from online shopping. The proposal aims to support planned VAT reductions on selected food items while also encouraging
Read MoreAustria: Parliament considers VAT cut on essential food items
The Austrian Parliament is reviewing a draft bill amending the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (Umsatzsteuergesetz 1994) to introduce a reduced VAT rate of 4.9% on selected basic foodstuffs. The measure was approved by the Finance Committee on 12 May 2026
Read MoreAustria, Uzbekistan sign amending protocol to tax treaty
Austria’s Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs announced that Austria and Uzbekistan signed an amending protocol to the 2000 income and capital tax treaty on 7 May 2026. The protocol was signed by officials from both countries
Read MoreAustria consults on major tax law reform draft for 2026
Austria’s Ministry of Finance has published a draft bill introducing amendments to various tax laws and has opened a public consultation. The proposal aims to improve tax fairness, combat tax fraud, reduce the tax burden on workers, and simplify
Read More