Tipped under pressure: New rules for gastro and hotel!

Tipped under pressure: New rules for gastro and hotel!

In Austria, the topic of tips is once again on the agenda, because the discussion about a possible new regulation becomes louder. According to an ORF report, the Chamber of Commerce demands that tips remain released from taxes and taxes. This would be a step that many would welcome in the hospitality industry, because the tip is an important part of the income for service staff. The political debate could lead to clear and uniform regulations in the near future.

Currently considering the abolition of drinking money and the introduction of fixed service flat rates. Such solutions could facilitate everyday work in gastronomy and hotel industry, since long working hours, physical exertion and constant need to friendliness are the challenges of the industry. Nevertheless, there are also many who fear that such a regulation could destroy the previous culture of the tip. A consensus between employers and employees is still pending.

The legal foundations of the drinking area regulation

tip is not always tax -free, as many think. The tax liability depends on whether the tip goes directly to an employee or is handled by the employer, which means that it is then considered a wages. G-Gastro declared that certain conditions must be met for the tax freedom of a tip, and must not be handed over directly to the employees. An important point here is § 3 No. 51 EStG, which says that drinking money is tax -free if you meet these requirements.

From the possible changes from 2025, there could be new challenges for employers. Under certain conditions, drinking money is tax-free, but Shiftbase pointed out that incorrectly posted drinking funds can lead to additional payments. In practice, this means that if you handle drinking money via the payroll, you have taxable income. Another problem could be stricter documentation obligations in connection with pooling systems and electronic tips of tips.

The future of tip

The unions require uniform regulations, while employers warn of the high social security contributions. The exchange of ideas about the advantages and disadvantages of drinking money and service flat rates remains intense. According to ORF , health insurance companies can also request additional payments with regard to drinking funds. The increase in card payments means a better insight into tip payments for the authorities, which also heats up the debate.

So what does the future look like for the catering trade? The introduction of service flat rates could certainly bring advantages, but whether this can replace the traditional tip of tips remains questionable. Perhaps the audience is even invited to express his opinion on what the discussion makes even more alive. It remains to be seen how the political landscape and the regulations around the tip will develop.