Reform of the ORF tax: This is how our companies benefit now!

Reform of the ORF tax: This is how our companies benefit now!

St. Pölten, Österreich - The reform of the ORF budget tax is intended to bring a noticeable relief for companies in Austria. The previous regulation had the unwanted consequence that companies had to pay a separate tax for each branch with several branches. This burden is reduced by the new regulation from January 1, 2024. The aim of the Federal Government is to support companies that create jobs in many municipalities in particular. Kurt Egger, MP and area spokesman for the Economics and Industry of the People's Party, welcomes the reform as an important step towards relieving the economy.

From January 2024, a device-independent ORF contribution of EUR 15.30 per month will be due, which replaces the previous GIS fee. The contribution, which is to be paid for both households and companies, amounts to 183.60 euros annually for companies. The contribution is calculated per municipality, in which the company maintains a permanent establishment, based on local tax. The key date for this calculation is April 15th.

contribution height and exceptions

The amount of the ORF contribution for companies depends on the sum of the work wages paid last year and the number of operating facilities in a municipality. The contribution model provides for a staggeration:

• up to 1.6 million euros: 1 contribution
• up to 3 million euros: 2 contributions
• up to 10 million euros: 7 contributions
• up to 50 million euros: 10 contributions
• up to 90 million euros: 20 contributions
• More than 90 million euros: 50 contributions

A maximum number of 100 contributions per year applies to all company sites of a company. Natural persons in private sphere are freed from the obligation to contribute if they already pay in the operational area. One-person companies (EPU) that are subject to municipal tax must also pay the contribution, while non-profit organizations that were released from local tax last year are exempt from the obligation to contribute.

News in the ORF reform package

The ORF reform package recently passed the National Council's constitutional committee, with the consent of ÖVP and the Greens. In the future, the ORF may also provide pure online offers, and the call duration of programs in the ORF-TVthek will be extended. The government has also announced that the reduction of text reports is introduced to orf.at, while at the same time stronger advertising restrictions apply. These changes should lead to more transparency and austerity measures within the ORF, but leave the existing independence of the ORF, which is criticized by the opposition.

Overall, the reform of the ORF budget tax is an important step to support the economy in Austria. It simplifies the obligation to contribute for companies and is part of a more comprehensive reform package that receives both the financing of public service broadcasting and the media variety in the country.