The plans for the eco-tax reform: SUVs are taxed higher – without exceptions, public transport tickets, on the other hand, should be tax-favored.
The Green Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler is now taking the next steps to green the tax system. A corresponding legislative proposal was introduced to the National Council on Friday evening. That is now discussed in the competent parliamentary committee. The most important reforms concern an increase in the standard consumption tax (NoVA) for high-emission cars as well as closing the previous NoVA loopholes.
In the future, all vehicles for passenger and goods transport up to 3.5 tonnes will be subject to NoVa – including SUVs, pick-ups and vans, which are considered small trucks. The exemptions for box vans, pick-ups and vans will be removed. Only classic cars are exempt. “The stinkers are getting more expensive,” said Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler on Saturday morning when he presented the package together with Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler.
From the middle of next year until 2024, the limit value for the CO2 penalty will be reduced significantly in several steps. The penalty amount will be increased from 50 to 80 euros during this period. So the CO2 deduction amount and the maximum tax rate should also be tightened. The regulation is to come into force on June 1, 2021.
The old regulation still applies to anyone who concludes a purchase contract beforehand. According to information from the ÖAMTC, the NoVA for family vehicles such as the VW Sharan Family could even double by the recalculation by 2024.
In return, not only electric vehicles but also, for example, hydrogen-powered vehicles are now explicitly exempt from the NoVA. In principle, the exception will apply in future to all vehicles with a CO2 emission value of 0 g / km.
There are also changes to the commuter allowance. It is made clear that when you use company bicycles or electric bicycles, the flat rate is not lost even if they are used privately. Weekly, monthly or annual tickets for public transport are tax-privileged. However, this does not apply if these are seen (by the employer) as part of the wages.
Furthermore, the railway should also benefit from the reform. Specifically, “green” traction current generated by railway companies from renewable energy sources is to be completely relieved of the electricity tax. Partial relief is provided for other traction current. Ultimately, the Ministry of the Environment is also bringing the reduced tax rate of 10 percent on repair services (including repairs and changes) to parliament.
The automotive industry is angry. The draft law is “de facto a tax increase across all vehicle classes”, says Günther Kerle, spokesman for the Austrian automobile importers , “appalled” by the measures taken by the federal government.
The fact that, in the midst of a lockdown, measures would be decided through the back door that would make things even more difficult, even for an industry that was already on the ground, lacks sensitivity and appreciation of the automotive industry and is incomprehensible for the industry.
