Coronavirus: Special regulations and relief measures for companies affected by the coronavirus

The SARS-CoV-2 virus (2019 novel Coronavirus) is holding the world spellbound. In order to also manage the drastic economic consequences, To get a grip on the consequences caused by the fight against Corona, the Austrian authorities have already supportive measures initiated for the economy. This way, a €4 billion immediate aid package to ensure companies' liquidity and solvency. Further means and methods are continuously being developed. The following outlines key aspects of already known steps Overview to be presented.

COVID-19 Fund

Through the up to £4 billion endowed„COVID-19 Crisis Management Fund“The following goals should be achieved in Austria as quickly as possible:

• Stabilising healthcare provision,
• Revitalisation of the labour market (particularly through reduced working hours),
• Maintenance of public order and safety,
• Measures in relation to requirements for educational institutions,
• Mitigation of revenue shortfalls due to the crisis,
• Measures in connection with the Epidemic Act 1950,
• Economic recovery.

Tax relief as rapid and unbureaucratic assistance

Provided credible is to be done, that Liquidity shortages tax reliefs can be attributed to the company's Corona situation through Demotion from advance payments, Non-determination of interest on claims, payment facilitations (by deferral or instalment payments) as well as the non-assessment or reduction of Late payment penalties can be applied for. For the combined application form and further information, see https://www.bmf.gv.at/public/informationen/coronavirus-hilfe.html.
Further tax reliefs, which are still to be announced, could include the suspension or deferral of Audits lie as well as in reliefs in the case of Failure to appear by taxpayers.

Installment payments and contribution deferrals in social insurance

The Social security the self-employed (SVS) allows entrepreneurs, farmers and the self-employed who are directly or indirectly affected by business losses and payment difficulties due to the coronavirus, to have their social security contributions, upon application, postponed or can be paid in instalments. Furthermore, a Reduction of the contribution base be possible as well as complete or partial remission of late payment interest. Further information at https://www.svs.at/cdscontent/?contentid=10007.857657&portal=svsportal&viewmode=content.
Comparable, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) has put together a package of measures to effectively support employers in the event of short-term liquidity bottlenecks. This includes, for example, deferrals or instalment payments of contributions, leniency with late payment surcharges, and Suspension from Enforcement applications and insolvency applications. Further details at https://www.gesundheitskasse.at/cdscontent/?contentid=10007.857778&portal=oegkportal&viewmode=content.

Short-time working model since 1 March 2020

Exceptional hotel booking cancellations, cancellation of sporting and cultural events due to official bans, cancellation or Supply chain disruption or loss of earnings due to changes in consumer behaviour mean that companies, from a business management perspective, also have to consider Reduce staff must. This measure contributes to the Working hours to a maximum of 0 hours reduced will but still the Maintain employment relationship can beTerminations and consensual terminations of employment are thereby avoided). Due to the Short-time work model it should be ensured that the working hours of employees are reduced and that they for the Loss of earnings one Financial support payment provided by the employer (in the sense of a net wage guarantee). The employer, in turn, shall from the Public Employment ServiceAMS) receive a subsidy in the form of short-time work allowance. The (new) short-time work (period) model can, in principle, be used for A maximum of 3 months to be concluded, with the possibility of an extension for a further 3 months if required.

Special childcare leave

By the end of May 2020, the option should be available, up to three weeks a voluntary, but paid Leave of absence („Special care period“) to apply for childcare. In addition to the fact that the regulation for children bis to the completed 14th year of life If this is the case, a key prerequisite is that the Childcare facility partly or entirely due to regulatory measures Closed even if childcare continues to be provided there. The employer is entitled to one-third of the remuneration paid during the special childcare period within the meaning of the Continued Remuneration Act.

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