Vienna is raising fees massively: Why dog ​​owners now have to dig deep into their pockets!

Vienna is raising fees massively: Why dog ​​owners now have to dig deep into their pockets!

The city of Vienna is planning a comprehensive increase in numerous fees and charges that have not been adjusted for decades. This measure aims to take into account the increased costs in city administration. A collective amendment is to be passed in the next state parliament, which will provide for an increase in the maximum amount for administrative fees from 1,500 to 4,000 euros. Around 300 items, including official or commission fees, are affected by this change. An adjustment to the fees for the sale of goods in front of shops, building material storage and porches is also being considered. The fees for concert ticket sellers who appear in costumes will also rise significantly from around 170 euros to almost 350 euros per month in the future Small newspaper reported.

A central point of the new fee schedule is the adjustment of the dog tax. The maximum amounts will be increased significantly: the tax for the first dog increases from 72.67 euros to 120 euros annually, while the tax for each additional animal is increased from 109 euros to 160 euros. From 2027, a uniform tariff of 120 euros will apply to all dogs. However, exemptions are provided for low-income people and for dogs from animal shelters. Fees for listed dogs will also be increased, as rates have remained unchanged since 1989.

Changes in detail

The planned increases do not only apply to Vienna. There are also new dog tax regulations in the municipality of St. Georgen. The local council has decided to increase the dog tax by up to 150 percent. The tax for the first dog increases from 96 euros to 120 euros, while the tax for the second and each additional dog is doubled to 240 euros. It will be particularly expensive for owners of fighting dogs, who will in future be taxed at 700 euros per animal. This decision was made in view of the increase in personnel costs of over 30 percent since 2011 Black Forest messenger reported.

There are currently 527 first dogs and 57 second dogs registered in St. Georgen, which puts the community in a position where it can expect an estimated additional income of around 19,000 euros in 2026 as a result of the new tax rates. The tax exemption for dogs from animal shelters, which will last for one year, was also introduced to relieve the burden on these facilities.

Overview of dog tax rates

A nationwide survey by the Taxpayers' Association found that tax rates for dogs vary in different municipalities. The tax rates for additional dogs are usually higher than for the first dog, which in practice has a steering effect. The survey covered a total of 231 cities and municipalities and their municipal dog tax rates. taxpayer has summarized the information in its database.

The innovations in Vienna and St. Georgen show a clear tendency towards higher taxes with regard to dog tax and other fees, which adjust the financial framework in the municipalities to the current costs. The changes have already sparked debate among citizens reacting to the impending financial burdens.