How wealth tax works in Austria
Austria levies no net wealth tax on individuals. Shares, bank balances, fund units, homes and business interests face no annual Austrian wealth charge in 2026.
Property owners pay land tax to municipalities and transfer tax on purchase instead. Rates are modest beside income and capital taxes, and no yearly net-worth return exists.
Wealth still meets tax when it earns or moves. Dividends, gains, rents, property sales and foundation entries are all taxed even though holding costs nothing yearly.
Tax rates at a glance
- Net wealth tax
- 0%Zero
- Net worth tax
- 0%
- Annual asset tax
- 0%
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
InvestorsFamily officesHigh earnersCrypto holdersRemote founders
Watch out for
- No wealth tax does not mean no property bills. Land tax, transfer tax and foundation entry tax surround real estate and structures.
- Private foundations pay interim tax of 27.5% from 2026 on retained income. Parking wealth in a foundation defers but does not erase tax.
- Bank and depot reporting is comprehensive. Undeclared foreign holdings surface through automatic exchange with penalties beyond the tax.
- Wealth-tax revivals are debated in every coalition negotiation, but none is law. Plan on statutes, not manifestos.
Frequently asked questions
Does Austria have a wealth tax?
No. Austria abolished wealth tax in 1994 and has not reintroduced it.
Is property taxed as wealth in Austria?
Not as wealth tax. Owners pay municipal land tax, buyers pay 3.5% transfer tax, and sellers pay 30% gains tax outside the home exemption.
Is Austria good for wealth planning?
Holding wealth costs no yearly tax and succession is free, but income, gains and foundation layers are taxed firmly at 23% to 55%.