Tax Return Austria 2026: How to File & Get Up to €1,000 Back

Important Notice: This guide is for general information only and does not replace individual tax advice. Information was carefully researched but may change. Last updated: February 2026.

Austrian Tax Return 2026: Why Filing This Year Is Especially Worthwhile

The employee tax return (Arbeitnehmerveranlagung) for 2025 can be submitted via FinanzOnline starting March 2026. With the new tax changes – particularly the tripling of the Pendlereuro from €2 to €6 per kilometer – employees in Austria can claim back more money than ever before.

Key changes at a glance:

• Pendlereuro increases from €2 to €6 per kilometer (+200%)
• Tax-free threshold raised to €13,539 (2025: €13,308)
• Overtime bonuses: Up to €170/month tax-free (first 15 overtime hours)
• Sunday/holiday bonuses: Up to €400/month tax-free

Important Deadlines for Tax Return 2026

As of February 2026. Deadlines may change.

Step-by-Step Guide: Filing via FinanzOnline

Step 1: Log into FinanzOnline

Visit finanzonline.bmf.gv.at and log in. If you don't have access yet:

1. ID Austria (recommended) – also works with Handy-Signatur (mobile signature)
2. Initial registration via post office or tax office
3. Access credentials will be sent by registered mail

For expats: If you have a Meldezettel (residence registration), you can register for FinanzOnline. The interface is primarily in German, but you can use browser translation tools.

Step 2: Check Your Payslip Data

Your employer automatically submits the annual payslip (L16) to the tax office. Check under "Meine Daten" → "Lohnzettel" if all data is correct.

Step 3: Complete the Tax Return

Navigate to "Eingaben/Anträge" → "Arbeitnehmerveranlagung" and select year 2025.

Key sections to fill out:

• Werbungskosten (Work-related expenses): Work equipment, professional literature, training
• Sonderausgaben (Special expenses): Church tax (max €600), donations, housing costs
• Außergewöhnliche Belastungen (Extraordinary burdens): Medical costs, disability
• Pendlerpauschale (Commuter allowance): Plus the new Pendlereuro

Step 4: Submit and Wait

After submission, you'll receive your tax assessment within 2-8 weeks. The refund is automatically transferred to your bank account.

The New Pendlereuro 2026: How Much You Can Save

With the tripling of the Pendlereuro from €2 to €6 per kilometer, commuters with longer distances to work benefit significantly.

Important: The Pendlereuro is a tax credit that is directly deducted from your tax liability – not just from taxable income.

What Expenses Can You Deduct in 2026?

Work-Related Expenses (Werbungskosten)

• Work equipment: Computer, office furniture (proportionally for home office)
• Professional literature: Books, magazines related to your profession
• Training & education: Courses, seminars, study fees (job-related)
• Travel costs: Business trips (if not reimbursed by employer)
• Double household: If you have a work-related second residence

Special Expenses (Sonderausgaben)

| Expense | Maximum 2026 | |---------|--------------| | Church tax | €600/year | | Donations to registered charities | 10% of income | | Tax advisor fees | Unlimited | | Personal insurance (contracts before 2016) | €2,920 |

Extraordinary Burdens

• Medical costs: Above the deductible (2.5-12% of income)
• Disability: Flat-rate allowances based on degree
• Natural disaster damage: Fully deductible
• Funeral costs: Up to €6,000

Family Bonus Plus: Up to €2,000 Per Child

The Familienbonus Plus is the biggest tax benefit for families in Austria:

• Children up to 18 years: €166.68/month = €2,000.16/year
• Children over 18 (in education): €58.34/month = €700.08/year

The Familienbonus Plus can be split between parents (50:50 or 100:0).

Austrian Income Tax Brackets 2026

For a detailed breakdown of all tax brackets and how they affect your take-home pay, see our complete income tax brackets guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who needs to file a tax return in Austria?

Generally, the employee tax return is voluntary – but almost always worthwhile. It's mandatory only if you:

• Had income over €730 besides your salary
• Had multiple employers at the same time
• Incorrectly used a tax-free allowance
• Are requested by the tax office to file

How far back can I claim tax refunds?

You can file the employee tax return 5 years retroactively. This means: In 2026, you can still file tax returns for 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

What's the difference between Pendlerpauschale and Pendlereuro?

• Pendlerpauschale: A tax-free amount that reduces your taxable income
• Pendlereuro: A tax credit that is directly deducted from your tax liability

Both can be claimed simultaneously if you meet the requirements.

What's the average tax refund in Austria?

The average refund is around €500-1,000 per year. With the new Pendlereuro and other deductions, this amount can be significantly higher in 2026.

Tips for Maximum Tax Refund

1. Collect all receipts: Even small amounts add up
2. Use the commuter calculator: The BMF Pendlerrechner confirms your eligibility
3. Request donation receipts: Only donations to registered charities are deductible
4. Check home office deduction: Deductible if at least 50% business use
5. Don't forget childcare: Up to €2,300 per child deductible

Conclusion: Don't Miss Out on Your 2026 Tax Refund

With the 2026 changes, the employee tax return is more worthwhile than ever. Especially the tripled Pendlereuro brings several hundred euros extra for many Austrians. Use FinanzOnline for quick and uncomplicated filing.

Our tip: Submit your tax return as early as possible – the earlier you file, the faster you'll receive your refund.

---

Related Articles

• Income Tax Brackets Austria 2026 - Complete breakdown of all tax rates
• Everything That Changed in Austria 2026 - New laws and regulations
• Cost of Living in Austria 2026 - Comprehensive expense guide
• Loan Comparison Austria 2026 - Compare credit options

---

Sources: BMF, WKO, Austrian Chamber of Labour. Updated: February 2026.