Tipper reform: This is how Austria's service staff benefit from 2026!

Tipper reform: This is how Austria's service staff benefit from 2026!

The Austrian federal government has decided on a far -reaching regulation for the taxes on tips. This is a central step to create uniform flat rates for social security contributions and avoid unpredictable additional payments. From 2026, the flat rates for number waiters will start at 65 euros per month and increase to 100 euros by 2028. For waiter without debt collection, 45 euros per month are planned, which will increase to 50 euros by 2028. An annual adaptation to inflation is planned from 2029. From a macroeconomic point of view, the new regulation is intended to ensure more planning security for catering operations, which previously had to struggle with frequent additional claims by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK).

Another essential element of the new regulation is that reclaims are excluded from social security. This should also alleviate the concern of many employees in the catering trade, which are often affected by subsequent exams. The NEOs had initially expressed concerns and pointed out that the proposed flat rates of the ÖVP and SPÖ were too high. However, the NEOS State Secretary Josef Schellhorn successfully achieved a reduction in flat rates by a third.

reactions from the industry

The new regulation was welcomed by the Hotelvereinigung ÖHV and the Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ). These organizations had long campaigned to relieve the catering businesses. At the same time, the union association ÖGB warned that the changes could have negative effects on the pension claims of the employees. According to the ÖGB calculations, the increase in flat rates could increase the pension claims by around 27 euros per month.

In a survey by repugika on behalf of the ÖHV, 82 % of those surveyed spoke out for a tip for an end to the taxes. Within various industries, it shows that 87 % of the catering employees regularly receive tips, while in other areas such as the craft and delivery services, tips often remain tax-free. In Vienna, Kellner pays around 60 euros per month in social security contributions, which can prove to be stressful if income increases.

the look into the future

The Federal Government emphasizes that tips in Austria remains tax -free. This means that the tax authorities do not receive a share in the voluntary benefits for service staff. The planned changes in social security contributions stipulate that the flat rates in the general social security law are reduced by about a third. In cases where the actual tip exceeds the defined flat rate, there are no additional taxes.

For detailed information on the new regulations, take a look at the articles from OE24 , Gast.at and kosmo.at .