The summer high season has begun: the gastronomy is happy with good grades. But there is still resentment around the tip. M turned off the “crown”, the front crumbles for a load. But of all things, the Union – supported by the Minister of Finance – goes against a liberation.
Holiday season is the high season. Especially for gastronomy. And shortly before the political summer vacation, a hot topic will be on the table: tips. Political and representatives have been in the violent dispute for months. Because, as reported, tips are not taxed in Austria, but are subject to social security contributions. How to deal with the delivery? Get rid of that, according to the central tenor.
But: with the wrong step, waiters would stay more in their pockets, but in the end they would look through their fingers at the pension. Recently completed Minister of Finance Markus Marterbauer (Spö) about the “Krone”.
“A fog’s grenade”
Trade Unionist Roman Hebenstreit (Vida) is also on this rail. He warns of “pilot Robbery. The debate about leading the Chamber of Commerce and parts of politics is a fog grenade.” There is contradiction, not just from the Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s about appreciation and motivation for our employees. The possibly 20 euros more about a pension in a partly distant future will not improve this,” says host spokesperson Alois Rainer. The Minister of Finance can continue to reconsider and remain pragmatism instead of ideology. The host receives well -known support from politics.
“A sign of appreciation”
Lower Austria’s ÖVP State Captain Mikl-Leitner, the Spat State Captain Doskozil (Burgenland) and Kaiser (Carinthia) and the styrician FP-State head are Kunaseek for the abolition of the levy. The Neos also goes out: “Tipping must stay with the waiter,” says spokesman Markus Hofer. “Austria is a country of tip. For many guests it is a sign of appreciation – a personal thanks for good service.”
But what is meant when a friendly gesture becomes an increasing problem for companies and employees: although tips are tax -free, social security contributions are made. “Nine out of ten Austrians give tips – you want the money to arrive at the waiter and you are not used to connect holes of health insurance. In most neighboring countries, tips are free, why not with us?”
In Austria, on the other hand, every euro tips de facto 20 cents go to health insurance and for employers, the current regulation means bureaucratic madness and the constant fear of high extra payments.
In such a hot summer 2025, a subject that is probably mentioned more that will remain more than the heat. It will be interesting to see if, when and how the mind cools and which solution is found. Ideally in the sense of the affected.
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.
