VAT in Austria

1. What is the VAT in Austria?

VAT in Austria is also known as “Umsatzsteuer” or “Mehrwertsteuer”. The standard rate is 20%, but there are also reduced VAT rates that apply in Austria. Reduced rates of 19%, 12% or 10% apply to several goods and services in Austria, such as food, books or accommodation. The special rate of 19% is available only for Jungholz and Mittelberg. Besides, there are also goods that are zero-rated, so the VAT is quite flexible in Austria.

2. How can I get a VAT refund in Austria?

Passenger vehicles and entertainment expense are not subject to VAT refund in Austria. Also, business sectors such as banking or holding companies cannot recover their VAT either. However, in order to apply for VAT refund, the claim must refer to a period between three months and one year. There is the possibility to file the application electronically by an Austrian Certified Public Accountant. The electronic form must also have the invoices scanned and enclosed. A confirmation is received immediately, but the VAT refund in Austria can be waited for up to four months.

3. How can I register for VAT in Austria?

Registration procedure for VAT in Austria can last up to three weeks. When the company proceeds with the registration at the Company Register in Austria, the institution automatically informs the Tax Authorities about the new company. They also send documents for the tax authorities to begin the procedure and, in addition to that, the owner or a representative must also provide the articles of association, an opening balance sheet, an excerpt of the company register, an identification card and a specimen signature of one of the members. VAT number is issued at the same time with the tax number.

4. How does intra-community VAT work in Austria?

Austria is a member state of the European Union. In order to make an intra-community supply from Austria without charging VAT from the receiver, it is important to make sure that the receiver is registered for VAT in his own country which is also a member state of the European Union. VAT numbers must be mentioned on the invoice. In Austria, the VAT number consists of nine digits after the country code AT.

BridgeWest offers Company Registration in Austria