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Self-employed (Selbständig / Gewerbe) – Austria

Estimate Austrian net pay (2026): SV on BMG (incl. graduated unemployment), ESt tariff + optional Kirchenbeitrag. Not Lohnsteuer tables - verify with BMF/payroll.

Methodology & sources

Austria salary calculator methodology (2026)

Figures follow 2026 statutory orientation (BMF, SV). Always confirm with payroll and Finanzamt.

Social insurance (Angestellte)

BMG: min(gross, €6,930). Employee: pension 10.25%, health 3.87%, chamber (AK) 0.50%, housing levy 0.50% (0.75% in Vienna), graduated unemployment (0% / 1% / 2% / 2.95% from gross/BMG thresholds).

Employer cost

SV on BMG (incl. pension, health, ALV, accident, IESG), BV 1.53% (from month 2 in the model), DB 3.7%, DZ by Bundesland, Kommunalsteuer 3%.

Income tax

Taxable base: 12× gross − 12× employee SV − €132 WerbungskostenPendlerpauschale (Werbungskosten, if any). 2026 tariff (0 / 20 / 30 / 40 / 48 / 50 / 55 %). The computed tax is then reduced by Steuerabsetzbeträge (tax credits): Verkehrsabsetzbetrag €496/yr (raised €853 with Pendlerpauschale, phasing out between €15,069–16,056), Zuschlag zum VAB up to €804/yr (phasing out €19,761–30,259), and Pendlereuro if entered. Annual tax ÷ 12 — not the official Lohnsteuertabelle; Sonderzahlungen (13th / 14th salary) use a simplified Jahressechstel.

Church contribution

Optional 1.1% of the annual taxable base (Lohnsteuerbemessungsgrundlage), with a minimum of €35/yr for employees; deductible as Sonderausgabe up to €600/yr. It is billed separately by the religious community — not withheld via Lohnsteuer. Shown as a separate line in the result.

Net → gross

Binary search on the gross→net function (employee mode only).

Freie Dienstnehmer

Annual / quasi-annual estimate from the entered base: SV and tax per form toggles—not a payslip. Net→gross is disabled in the UI for this mode.

Self-employed (Selbständig)

Turnover / revenue / profit inputs: SVS and income tax as a simplified annual estimate—indicative only. Gross→net direction only in this mode.

Frequently asked questions

Austria - self-employed / Gewerbe

Basispauschalierung vs. Kleinunternehmerpauschalierung - which to pick?
Basispauschalierung (§17 EStG 2026): flat costs 12% of turnover (max €26,400) or 6% (specific services, max €13,200). Kleinunternehmerpauschalierung (for turnover < €55,000): 20% of turnover for services (max €11,000) or 45% for trade/production (max €24,750). The second is more generous but restricts activity type. The calculator offers both.
SVS - when do I pay and how much?
GSVG via SVS (Social Insurance for the Self-Employed): provisional base from the latest Einkommensteuerbescheid - quarterly advances. Rates (2026): KV 6.8%, PV 18.5%, UV €12.76/month flat, SVS fund 1.53%. Once the final bescheid arrives SVS adjusts (top-up/refund). Start-ups use a lower Mindestbeitragsgrundlage for 3 years. The calculator applies simplified rates.
Do I pay Umsatzsteuer (VAT)?
Kleinunternehmer-Regelung: VAT exemption for turnover ≤ €42,000/year (from 2025, previously €35k). Above that threshold you charge 20% (standard) / 10% / 13% VAT on invoices and file a quarterly UVA. You can voluntarily waive the exemption (Verzichtserklärung) - this lets you deduct input VAT. The calculator does NOT model VAT - separate tax.
Gewinnfreibetrag - how does it work?
Gewinnfreibetrag: 15% relief on profit (max €4,950 for the Grundfreibetrag without investment, €46,400 combined with the investitiver Teil up to €33,000 profit, phased down above that, ending at €580,000 profit). The Grundfreibetrag (15% × first €33,000 profit) is automatic - nothing required. The calculator applies the Grundfreibetrag when you tick the option.
Do I need a Gewerbeschein?
A Gewerbeschein is required for most regulated activities (trade, hospitality, construction, personal services, craft). Freie Berufe (doctors, lawyers, artists, IT consulting within limits) do not. WKÖ (Economic Chamber) is mandatory for Gewerbetreibende + Grundumlage €125-500/year. The calculator includes neither WKÖ fees nor Gewerbeschein costs.
What does the model NOT cover?
Excludes: investitiver Gewinnfreibetrag (after investing in eligible securities), Mitarbeitergewinnbeteiligung, Sachbezüge, Lohnverrechnung if you hire, Kommunalsteuer when you employ, Immobilienertragsteuer, Investitionsfreibetrag IFB 10-15%. Models: simplified SVS contributions, ESt §32a with Basis-/Kleinunternehmerpauschalierung or actual, Grundfreibetrag.