Higher property tax possible
Different variants of a higher property tax, that currently flushes just over 600 million euros in the public purse per year, are projected. The problem is that they accrue to the communities so far, so a new concept has to be developed, if a transformation to pure federal taxes is aimed.
Theoretically possible is an increase in the capital gains tax (it is 25 percent). Politically, however, this is difficult. First, it is constitutionally protected. It also must not make up more than half of the top tax rate (50 percent). If it should be changed parts of the opposition are needed - who would not give their consent without concessions on other issues. Secondly, you should probably create exceptions for small fortunes, to counteract the allegations that the government is aiming for the personal savings and bankbooks. This variant is therefore not considered considered realistic by negotiators circles.
Environmental taxes have to wait
Little movement can also be found in the, ecological tax reform that can be found in party programs regularly. Environmental taxes would thus indeed be a possibility of reciprocal financing to relieve work - especially in the form of a higher tax on (currently cheap on the world market) fossil fuels. "Green taxes currently make only two and a half percent of gross domestic product - which has in the last 20 years, not one bit is moved upward," complained on Monday Michael Getzner, a professor of finance at the University of Vienna, at a press conference of the Forum Science & Environment.
This group of scientists has arisen following the Hainburg movement 30 years ago and has dealt intensively with suggestions for greening the tax system - with the result that there are clear positive employment effects from energy taxes while the burden of labor. President Reinhold Christian calculates that the taxation of diesel and gasoline alone equality would lead to revenue of 600 million euros, a tax on aviation fuel would bring 340 million euros, a surcharge on gasoline by 20 cents per liter would bring 360 million. It is emphasized that environmental taxes should not be introduced without a plan. One would have to look at the industry as where rapidly rising energy costs - the Forum on Science & Environment suggests about 100 Euros per tonne of CO2 - prove locational disadvantage. It is important to provide predictability and introduce charges long foreseeable and at a predictabl point in time, says Getzner. In almost all industries, the exchange risk in energy prices is important as a predictable energy tax.
(Günther Oswald, Conrad Seidl, derStandard.at, 09/02/2015)
Article: http://derstandard.at/2000011462957/Hoehere-Immosteuer-und-Registrierkassenpflicht-duerften-kommen (German)
Tax reform in Austria
Higher property taxes possible, even conceivable environmental taxes.
Although there are officially no statement, but initial information is already available.
