Whether you're new to Austria or have been here for years, tax season often feels like a confusing maze of forms and fine print. But it’s worth taking the time to understand what you can claim - because you might stand to save hundreds of euros.
Here are some key tax tips from the Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK) that could help you save money when filing your employee tax assessment (Arbeitnehmerveranlagung), especially if you're a salaried worker, parent, commuter, or working from home.
Negative tax for low income
Even if you didn’t pay income tax - because you were working part-time, had an internship, or took parental leave - you might still get money back. That’s because Austria offers a negative tax, or social security bonus, for low earners.
This is especially relevant if you earned so little that no wage tax was withheld. You could get part of your social security contributions refunded - and even more if you’re entitled to the commuter allowance.
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Tax relief for single parents and single earners
Austria offers annual deductions for single parents and single earners, depending on how many children you have and whether your partner earns below a certain threshold (€7,284 in 2025).
You can claim:
- €601 for one child
- €813 for two children
- €268 for each additional child
These deductions also apply as negative tax, meaning you can benefit even with low or no tax liability. The key requirement: You must receive family allowance for at least one child for more than six months.
Family Bonus Plus and additional child allowance
The Family Bonus Plus is one of Austria’s most valuable deductions for working parents. It directly reduces the income tax you pay by:
- €2,000.04 per year for each child under 18
- €650.04 per year for each child over 18
It can be split between parents or claimed entirely by one, depending on your arrangement. But be aware: This isn’t a negative tax, so if you don’t owe much tax, you might not benefit from it directly.
If you don't qualify for the full bonus, you might still receive the additional child allowance of up to €700 per child per year, depending on your income and work activity.
Claiming maintenance and alimony payments
If you pay child support for children living outside your household, you can claim a maintenance deduction - provided the payments follow legal obligations.
In 2025, you can claim:
- €37 per month for the first child
- €55 for the second
- €73 for each additional child
The children must live in Austria, the EU/EEA, or Switzerland. For children in other countries, only €50 per month or half the maintenance payment is considered.
Donations and church contributions
Donations to registered charities and church contributions of up to €600 per year are deductible. Most recognised organisations report these contributions directly to the tax office, so they’re automatically included in your tax assessment.
You can also claim church contributions made on behalf of your partner or children if you receive family allowance for them.
READ ALSO: Five tax benefits to help you save money in Austria
Commuter allowance
If you travel a long way to work, you may be entitled to the Pendlerpauschale, or commuter allowance.
- The small commuter allowance applies from 20km if public transport is reasonable.
- The large commuter allowance starts from 2km if public transport isn’t a viable option.
In both cases, you may also get a commuter euro: €2 for each kilometre of one-way commute. If your employer covers public transport costs through a tax-free Jobticket, that’s deducted from your allowance, but you can still claim the difference.
Job-related training and education
If you're building your career in Austria, any job-related training or education expenses you cover yourself may be deductible.
This includes course fees and materials, travel expenses to the course site and exams and certificates.
Even language classes may qualify - if you need the language for work.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about filing taxes in Austria
Home office deductions
Working from home? You can claim a home office lump sum of €3 per day, up to 100 days per year. If your employer already reimburses some of these costs, the lump sum is reduced accordingly.
Beyond that, if you bought digital work equipment (like a computer or internet service), you can deduct the actual costs. You can also deduct up to €300 annually for ergonomic furniture - if you worked from home at least 26 days during the year.
From 2025, the home office lump sum will be renamed the teleworking lump sum, but the rules remain the same.
Works council levy
The works council levy (Betriebsratsumlage) is usually deducted from your wages automatically, but it doesn't reduce your taxes unless you declare it.
Make sure to enter the full amount under “other income-related expenses” in your tax assessment. Union dues that are already accounted for monthly through payroll cannot be claimed again.
Disability, illness or special diets
If you have a disability or require a special diet due to illness, you may qualify for flat-rate allowances and extraordinary expenses.
The amount depends on the degree of disability (starting at 25 percent). For dietary needs, monthly allowances range from €42 to €70, depending on the condition.
Expenses like medications, medical aids (such as wheelchairs), hospital stays or treatments can also be claimed - with or without a recognised disability.
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