Tip-up debate in Austria: Politicians are calling for the end of taxes!

Tip-up debate in Austria: Politicians are calling for the end of taxes!

In Austria, the taxes on drinking money are currently being discussed intensively. Politicians of all parties and the economy require abolition of these taxes, which leads to a broad consensus among those responsible. However, the discussion that has relaxed about tips is referred to by the Vida union as a "sham debate". Roman Hebenstreit, Chairman of Vida, criticizes the political inflation of the topic and emphasizes that drinking money should continue to belong voluntarily, tax -free and exclusively to employees. 5min reports that Johanna Mikl-Leitner, party colleague of the ÖVP boss, works for a tax-free drinking regulations and Returning of other ÖVP state.

The Vox populi shows that the majority of the population is against the taxation of drinking money. A survey by the Austrian hotel association underpins this request. At the same time, SPÖ state captain Hans Peter Doskozil calls for a quick solution to take into account the needs of employees. This is supported by other politicians: inside, such as the Carinthian Governor Peter Kaiser from the SPÖ, who argues that drinking money does not make any significant contribution to the state budget.

tip and social security contributions

The debate is based on the questions of social security contributions on drinking money. Heben dispute emphasizes that such social security contributions are important in order to ensure social security in an industry with high fluctuation, which also brings employer representatives into the defensive pose. Mario Kunasek from the FPÖ also calls for a tax and tax exemption for drinking money and is supported by the Austria Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ). WKÖ President Harald Mahrer emphasizes that tips must belong to the employees.

Another problem is the different regulations on tips for tips in the different federal states. The height of the flat rates varies between 13 euros in Vorarlberg and up to 59 euros in Vienna. Employers are freed from the obligation to lead tip records if such a flat rate is applicable. Otherwise you have to manage precise records. The health insurance company explains that when applying tips of tips, these amounts are to be settled in terms of contributions, which increases the complexity of the topic.

The debate about the drinking money is not only a simple tax question, but intervenes deeply into the social security of the employees in the hospitality industry. While unification of the flat rates could ensure more justice and simplicity, it remains to be seen to what extent political demands will be heard. The conclave of those responsible and trade facilities will play the crucial role as to whether the specific step can be realized in the direction of tax freedom for drinking money.