Drinking reform: Federal government brings new flat rates and security!

Drinking reform: Federal government brings new flat rates and security!

on July 24, 2025 there was a breakthrough in the debate about the drinking area regulations in Austria. The Federal Government has agreed on a reform that will primarily affect the tax and social security treatment of drinking money. According to vol.at tips in Austria remains tax-free, as long as it is directly and voluntarily given to the service providers. This regulation applies to various industries, including gastronomy, hairdressing and beauty care as well as taxi traffic. This is intended to reduce legal uncertainty and promote uniform handling.

The newly decided regulation also provides for changes in social security that will be full power from 2026. Lockal amounts are set for certain professional groups: employees with collection activity receive 65 euros per month, while they receive 45 euros without debt collection. These flat rates, which increase gradually by 2028 and will be valorized annually, take into account the average amount of the drinking money in the respective industries and their location, as well as Gesundheitskasse emphasized.

Adaptation of the blackings

The introduction of these flat rates should make it easier for the employers to correctly book the drinking money without having to lead complex records. If, on the other hand, these flat rates, as with some companies, are missing, detailed records are required; In such cases, an examiner can determine the amount of the tip based on comparable companies. A "significant deviation" from the flat rates is assumed if the actual tips for tips are under half or above the double of the specified amount.

The reform also enables a general amnesty for non -tested cases, which means that high additional claims from already concluded cases can be renegotiated under a hardship control. This could be particularly advantageous for small businesses, which in the past felt unsafe how they should handle drinking money.

an outlook on the future

The political discussion about drinking money remains controversial. While Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer spoke out for the tax exemption of drinking money, various parties, including the Neos, are required to do an unbureaucratic solution. Ultimately, everyone involved is aware that the drinking area has a significant influence on numerous employment groups. The testing and possible adjustment of the blankets are seen as an important step in order to meet the changing conditions.

This reform testifies to a general willingness of the government to address necessary changes in the social security system and to create a legal environment for employers and employees. However, the debate about what is considered to be the customary and which amounts are taxable remains unresolved. This topic not only concerns the industry, but also the public in Austria, where tips are common in some areas and could be considered rude in others jobberie.eu .