Suche
Mein Konto
Donation deductibility in danger: Austria's helpers are fighting for support!
ÖNZ warns of cuts in the tax deductibility of donations. These could cause financial strain on households and social services.
Donation deductibility in danger: Austria's helpers are fighting for support!
In Austria there is great concern about the possible removal of the tax deductibility of donations, which is being promised by a future government made up of the FPÖ and ÖVP. The Austrian Civil Society Network (ÖNZ), which includes over 30 organizations, warns that this would place a heavy financial burden on donors and that the number of donations could decrease significantly. Such a decline could jeopardize vital services provided by aid organizations, which are particularly crucial in times of crisis. Ursula Bittner, spokeswoman for the ÖNZ, emphasizes that the tax deductibility of donations, which has existed since 2009, has helped to increase the willingness to donate in Austria.
In 2022, around 800 million euros were donated in Austria, with around 63% of the population saying they donate regularly. Around 3.73 million people do voluntary work, which corresponds to added value of 12 billion euros. These donations are often important financial help, especially where the state does not provide sufficient funds. According to an analysis by ÖNZ, the FPÖ and ÖVP's plans to abolish deductibility could have direct and negative consequences for society, especially for the protection of vulnerable groups and the environment.
Major donations in the federal election campaign
Critics of such large donations warn that this could lead to inequality in political competition. Sarah Schönewolf from the MPs Watch platform criticizes the fact that parties gain more reach and visibility in election campaigns through large donations, but this does not automatically lead to electoral success. Andreas Polk, an expert on party donations, suggests that a cap on donations would make sense to create a fairer playing field. This situation clearly shows how closely the topics of donations in Austria and Germany are linked - both in the discussion about deductibility and in terms of massive influence in the political system.