A big annoyance for entrepreneurs who have to pay per stall. The reason for this is an inaccuracy in the new law. He’s not the only one affected.
The demand for the new ORF contributions probably didn’t make anyone jump for joy. For Helmut Piringer, an ice cream seller from Eisenstadt, the anger is particularly great. Last year he had a total of three stalls in three different communities. He has now received a letter from the ORF contribution service center OBS. Piringer must pay the full annual fee for each of the three locations.
“I don’t even have a radio.”
And this despite the fact that one of the locations has been permanently closed since this year. In addition, the (remaining) locations are only open during the season and closed at the beginning of October at the latest. According to the entrepreneur, this also concerns mobile sales containers that are taken away at the end of the season. Piringer does not see that he still has to pay for the whole year and several times at the same time. “We don’t even have a radio at the stalls, the billing is done via a mobile phone,” says the boss of the “Eisdealer”.
Reached Dunning stop
As a private individual, he must also pay the ORF fee additionally. The entrepreneur is angry: “This whole arrangement has simply not been well thought out.” Many others feel the same way he does. After contacting OBS, he at least managed to stop the dunning. It is not yet clear how much he will ultimately have to pay.
Also encounter chestnut stalls and Christmas tree sellers
According to the Chamber of Commerce, there are several sectors that are affected by this scheme: from temporary workers, to cleaning and inspection companies, to fruit traders, chestnut roasters and Christmas tree sellers. Simply put, every municipality with a sales stand is considered a business location. For example, if an entrepreneur has two stalls at two different locations, he has to pay twice. If he has four stalls in one place, he pays only once.
Even construction sites are subject to contributions
Even construction sites that last longer than six months are considered permanent establishments for which premiums are due. However, the Chamber of Commerce assumes that the law will be improved in the form of a decision. In the meantime, those affected could go to the Chamber of Commerce’s service center.
Understanding dissatisfaction
The ORF contribution bureau also points out that multiple charges are not actually intended by the law and they understand the dissatisfaction that has arisen. Discussions are already underway to find a suitable solution. “In a first step, the collection of contributions this year should provide relief in the sense of a refund or a correction of the contribution obligation,” it is emphasized. Affected companies could contact the OBS (kam@orf.teil.at), which would temporarily suspend the dunning process.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
