Gewessler brings in a bill. Bonus for public transport and commuter flat rate for company bikes.
Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler is taking the next steps to green the tax system. A corresponding bill has now been introduced in parliament. The most important thrust is an increase in the standard consumption tax (NoVA) for high-emission cars and the closing of the previous NoVA loopholes.
In the future, all vehicles for passenger and goods transport up to 3.5 tons will be subject to NoVa – including SUVs, pick-ups and vans, which are considered small trucks. Only classic cars are exempt. “The stinkers are getting more expensive,” said Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler at the presentation of the plans on Saturday morning.
The limit value is lowered
The limit value for the CO2 penalty will be reduced significantly in several steps from the middle of next year to 2024. The penalty amount will be increased from 50 to 80 euros during this period. The CO2 deduction amount and the maximum tax rate are also being tightened. The regulation is to apply from June 1, 2021. The old regulation still applies to those who conclude a sales contract beforehand. According to the ÖAMTC, the recalculation could even double the NoVA for family vehicles such as the VW Sharan Family by 2024.
Green exemption
In return, not only electric vehicles are now explicitly exempted from the NoVA, but also, for example, those powered by hydrogen. In principle, the exception will in future apply to all vehicles with a CO2 emission value of 0 g / km.
Commuter flat rate for company bicycles
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 a means of mass transport are tax-privileged. 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.
Environmental organizations: “first step”
The environmental protection organizations Global2000, WWF Austria and VCÖ rate the greening package as a first step, which urgently needs to be followed by further measures and, above all, an overall concept by the federal government. “The entire tax system must be geared towards climate protection and energy efficiency in order to achieve the climate goals. This not only requires a persistent environment minister, but above all the full commitment of the Federal Chancellor and Finance Minister, ”said environmentalists Karl Schellmann (WWF), Johannes Wahlmüller (Global200) and Michael Schwendinger (VCÖ).
Automotive industry angry
As expected, the automotive industry reacted angrily. 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. That in the midst of a lockdown measures would be decided through the back door, which are still once tightening, namely for an industry that is already on the ground, lacks sensitivity and appreciation of the automotive industry and is incomprehensible for the industry.
