Adjustment of Interest Rates by the Tax Authorities

Da die Höhe der Stundungs-, Anspruchs-, Aussetzungs-, Beschwerde-, Umsatzsteuer- und Rückerstattungszinsen jeweils vom Basiszinssatz abhängig ist, erhöhen sich diese Zinssätze demnach um 0.5 percentage points.

Deferment Interest

Taxpayers may apply for a deferral of payment or payment by instalments in respect of outstanding tax liabilities. Approved payment arrangements are subject to deferment interest, which is calculated at 4.5 percentage points above the base interest rate. The deferment interest rate therefore increases from 6.03% to 6.53%.

Claim Interest

Tax refunds and additional tax assessments arising from income tax or corporate income tax assessments accrue interest from 1 October of the following year. Interest runs until the issuance of the relevant tax assessment notice, although the interest period is limited to a maximum of 48 months. It should be noted that claim interest amounting to less than EUR 50 is not assessed.

The rate of claim interest is based on the base interest rate plus a surcharge of 2 percentage points. The new claim interest rate therefore amounts to 4.03% (previously 3.53%). To avoid or reduce the assessment of claim interest in cases where an additional income tax or corporate income tax liability is expected, taxpayers are advised to make an appropriate advance payment.

Suspension Interest and Appeal Interest

Where an appeal is lodged against a tax assessment and collection of the disputed tax amount is suspended pending the outcome of the appeal proceedings, suspension interest may be charged. Conversely, where the tax has already been paid and is subsequently reduced as a result of a successful appeal, appeal interest may be granted upon application. In both cases, the new interest rate amounts to 4.03% (previously 3.53%; the EUR 50 de minimis threshold also applies).

VAT Interest

Additional VAT liabilities and VAT credits arising from VAT assessments or VAT returns may likewise give rise to interest. In the case of VAT credits, interest accrues from the 91st day after submission of the annual VAT return or VAT return and ends upon notification of the assessment notice or, in the case of VAT returns, upon posting of the credit balance. In the case of an additional VAT liability arising from an annual VAT assessment, interest accrues from 1 October of the following year until the assessment notice is issued. Where a VAT return is submitted late, interest accrues from the 91st day after the due date until the return is received. The new VAT interest rate also amounts to 4.03%. The interest period is not limited to 48 months; however, the EUR 50 de minimis threshold also applies.

Refund Interest

Refund interest pursuant to the COFAG-NoAG also amounts to 4.03% (or 3.03% for state aid purposes). Amounts below EUR 50 are likewise not assessed in the case of refund interest.