News and updates on the COVID-19 crisis

The COVID-19 crisis continues to strongly influence daily economic life. The variety of tax reliefs and the various support measures are not always easy to follow. The following are important Changes and New features Overview to be presented.

5% VAT

The introduction of the 5% fixed sales tax rate To support gastronomy and culture, naturally, there are many Details Some of them are listed in Explanations/FAQs and, for example, deals with the effects on cash registers and updated continuously. In addition, the BMF provided clarification on individual issues in mid- or late July. For example, the following applies: 5% VAT also for the Hotel and restaurant industry from Bakeries, butchers and confectioners. The basic idea here is that the food and drinks that are intended for immediate consumption on-site are discounted by 5%. Includes are Also die Delivery or provision for pick-up (including street sales) of warm food including salads and Open drinks. In the area Hotel industry and accommodation is clarified, for example, that the Sales from mini bars not included dem 5%% tax rate are subject to serving food and drinks at the Room service On the other hand, it already is. Accommodation of the guest as well as the fee for meals and drinks as part of breakfast and half-board (also in the form of a Flat-rate fee for the hotel stay) are subject to the preferential tax rate of 5%.

Short-time work is being extended and adapted

Before the short-time work scheme in its current form would expire at the beginning of September, significant changes were presented by the government at the end of July 2020. The current "Corona short-time work" will be extended by one month extended until the end of September. After that, one can new part-time employment model (starting on 1.October) six months are requested. A significant change occurs here in the Minimum working hours, which basically goes from 10% to 30% raised will be (the maximum working time is 80%). For those affected by the short-time work scheme Employee nothing changes in that regard, since they continue to 80% to 90% of their net income receive - the employers pay for the work actually performed, the difference, including additional wage costs, is borne by the AMS. Moreover, the so-called Staff willingness to further their education - they must therefore be prepared to undertake further training during the short-time work period if one is offered by the company (occasionally in cooperation with the AMS as well). The mandatory submission of Forecast calculations as well as overall more stringent controls should help to contribute to the Abuse According to the short-time work scheme to restrict.

Overhead cost allowance

The Information and Frequently Asked Questions under www.fixkostenzuschuss.at are continuously updated. Among other things, the topic of foreign companies with domestic establishments has now been explained. On the one hand, this Magnitude The Fixed costs only the domestic operating activity of the foreign company is to be taken into account, and on the other hand, for the assessment of the requirements for the Claiming the fixed cost allowance the entire company (including the foreign part) is significantly involved. Moreover, an example of how Loss of value at Modeware recorded, as well as details on calculating the revenue shortfall and explanations regarding profit distribution or the payment of profits are included.

Subsidies for location-specific companies

In accordance with a Regulation des BMF Companies from the fields of Transport infrastructure, energy supply or telecommunications a Site protection subsidy apply. Important prerequisites are that the company has a significant influence on the function and Competitiveness of the overall economic situation in Austria and that direct damage to the company has occurred due to the spread of COVID-19 (which Damage corresponds to Net loss and is calculated as sales loss minus avoided expenses). Companies must report the Application on the site protection subsidy until August 31, 2021 to COFAG. The maximum amount of the site protection subsidy per company is 150 million. € - moreover, the site protection subsidy is based on the amount of estimated annual deficit amount limited to the business year for which the application relates.

Tax exemption for COVID bonus payments

Bonus payments related to COVID-19 (see also KI 05/20) are not only income tax-free and exempt from social security contributions; following a National Council decision, they are also to be exempt retroactively from the DB and the local tax.

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