New coalition negotiations, old demands: Community Association President Johannes Pressl (ÖVP) demands a fair share for Austria’s municipalities for Co₂ Tax, but also digital tax. Moreover, he also pretends to request municipal tax reform for home office regulations. What’s behind it.
For the municipal association president Johannes Pressl, the municipal elections on Sunday in Ardagger (Lower Austria) are about the office of its mayor. Before and after, Austria’s mayor is all about the big picture for the communities. He calls for a quick agreement from the Coalition negotiations, but especially “financial resources”. According to the Pressl, the 2092 red and white municipalities are currently missing from the health insurers.
So money should flow into the treasury
Money, for example for childcare, for which the municipalities pay one billion from their own budget. In the future, money may be flushed into the cash register due to the elimination of the climate monus and digital tax. Currently, 100 percent of the revenue from the CO₂ Tax and Digital Tax still flows to the federal government.
The municipalities want to distribute the funds over the financial equalization – and therefore their shares of approximately twelve percent each. Pressl makes you listen with the proposal of a municipal tax split for home office workers. This means: if an employee works from home two days a week, aliquot should also end up in the future.
“Clear commitment” required
“We call for a clear commitment to communities and rural areas. This requires a fair distribution of funds,” says the lower Austrian. Pressl is also ready to reform. To reduce bureaucratic efforts and costs, tax associations can be strengthened at an inter-municipal level. According to the Pressl, an increase in property taxes for property owners should also be “discussed without value.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
