Austrian VAT returns

Once registered for value added tax (VAT), businesses must declare taxable transactions and pay any VAT due.

VAT returns are required monthly or quarterly depending on the business’s turnover. Businesses with annual taxable turnover exceeding €100,000 must file monthly returns. Businesses with annual turnover between €35,000 and €100,000 generally file quarterly. An annual VAT return is also required for all VAT-registered businesses.

Periodic VAT returns (monthly or quarterly) are due by the 15th day of the second month following the end of the reporting period. For example, a return for January is due by 15 March; a Q1 return is due by 15 May.

The annual VAT return must be submitted by 30 June of the year following the tax year if filed electronically. If filing by paper (where applicable), the deadline is 30 April.

Returns must be based on accurate accounting records maintained according to Austrian VAT law. Businesses are required to retain invoices, transaction records, and bookkeeping data for seven years. These records must support all input VAT claims and output VAT declarations.

VAT due must be paid by the same deadline as the periodic return — the 15th of the second month after the reporting period. Late payment may incur penalties or interest.

Input VAT can be deducted for goods and services used for taxable business activities, provided they are supported by valid Austrian VAT invoices. Certain expenses, such as passenger cars for mixed use, entertainment, and some employee benefits, are excluded from deduction.

VAT returns must be filed electronically through FinanzOnline, the Austrian tax authority’s digital portal. Paper filing is allowed only in exceptional cases.

Failure to file or pay VAT on time can result in penalties and interest. Late filing may lead to a surcharge of up to 10% of the VAT due, while late payments are subject to interest charges.

If input VAT exceeds output VAT, the surplus can be refunded or carried forward to the next reporting period. Refunds can be claimed via periodic returns or the annual VAT return. Refunds are typically processed electronically through FinanzOnline.