Revolution for companies: ORF contribution only pay once!

Revolution for companies: ORF contribution only pay once!

On September 13, 2025, the Austrian government decided on a reform of the ORF contribution for companies that will provide relief in the future. So far, companies with several locations have been obliged to pay their own ORF contribution for each location. This regulation is now abolished. In the future, a contribution will only be due, regardless of the number of locations of the company. This is particularly advantageous for small and medium -sized companies, including many craft businesses and agricultural companies that often have to work with several locations.

According to a statement by the NEOS, the reform is intended to ensure that over 20,000 companies in Austria can save around 10 million euros in contributions annually. For the ORF-Fe-Zeitrags Service GmbH (OBS), the new regulation also means a significant cost relief. The effort caused by the review of goodwill applications will be omitted in the future, which significantly reduces the administrative costs. So far, these applications caused around 500,000 euros in administrative costs.

The way to the reform

The government's agreement on the last details of the reform took place on Wednesday. The project is scheduled for the constitutional committee on Monday. Even if the amount of the ORF contribution continues to measure the wage amount, the reform represents significant progress for the companies concerned. The Chamber of Commerce (WKO) describes the new regulation as "huge success" for small and medium-sized companies, which underlines the importance of the reform.

In addition, the regulator's rights are abolished when ordering the ORF state directors. This measure is intended to strengthen the independence of ORF and ensure more organizational clarity. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer emphasizes that the statutory new regulation will create clarity, legal certainty and justice in contributions.

Total economic effects

The reform aims to reduce bureaucracy and at the same time introduce more fairness into the system. Small and medium -sized companies that were particularly affected by the previous regulations can now adapt to a more practical and fairer system. The new regulation is expected to not only reduce financial burden, but also significantly reduce administrative challenges for companies.

The legal admissibility of these measures was confirmed by the Constitutional Court. From 2024, the ORF contribution will also be mandatory for all households in Austria, regardless of the actual use. This represents a further course in the ORF contribution.

In summary, the reform shows that the Austrian government takes the needs of companies seriously and is working on solutions that are advantageous for everyone involved. The comprehensive changes to the ORF contribution will soon come into force and should ensure more justice and efficiency in the system in the long term.