FPÖ is fighting for tax -free drinking money: an outcry from the catering trade!

FPÖ is fighting for tax -free drinking money: an outcry from the catering trade!

Christoph Steiner, the FPÖ tourism spokesman, expresses sharp criticism of the latest interventions of tax offices and regional health insurance companies in the drinking money of service workers in the hospitality and the tourism industry. He describes these measures as a difficult attack on tourism in Austria and warns that the taxation of drinking money in the industry could seriously harm. As ots sees the development with concern, especially in view of the increase in card payments that the drinking flow for financial authorities and make the Austrian health insurance (ÖGK) more transparent.

tips are an important additional additional additional additional additional additional additional additional additional additional, since their salaries are often low. Steiner criticizes the current tax -free upper limit of 40 euros per month for drinking money as not sufficient. In his opinion, these payments should generally remain tax-free and tax-free. In this context, he emphasizes the importance of cash, since this is often the preferred form to give and receive drinking money.

Tax provisions for drinking money

However, the tax treatment of drinking money is complex. In general, in the catering trade it applies that drinking money is usually assumed as tax -free, but there are numerous exceptions. According to G-Gastro , for example, tax exemption depends on whether the customer is given directly by the customer to the employee. If the employer passes on the tip to the employee, these amounts are subject to tax and social security. This obligation is also subject to tips in which collected tips are distributed.

The regulations for drinking money are determined in Germany by § 3 No. 51 EStG, which says that drinking money is tax -free as long as they are paid voluntarily and in addition to the amount owed. However, university graduates and all independent entrepreneurs must tax drinking money as part of their operating income, which means that these funds are subject to VAT. It is important to carefully lead the corresponding accounting documents and to regularly observe changes in tax law, such as "https://www.shiftbase.com/de/lexikon/trinkgeld-versteinen"> ShiftBase explained.

The social importance of drinking money

The discussion about the taxation of drinking money not only shows the complex tax framework conditions, but also raises questions about their social importance. For many employees in gastronomy and in the service sector, tips are not only a sign of appreciation, but also an indispensable part of their income. Negative developments could lead to fewer people working in these industries or worsening the quality of services.

Steiner's skepticism about the statements of the ÖVP and its efforts to solve this problematic situation illustrates how urgent clarification in the tip of the tip is. According to him, the most urgent step is to protect the rights and income of service staff and continue to recognize drinking money as tax -free income.