Austrian bank levy – annual tax return

Important date: The deadline for filing the Austrian bank levy return for the year 2025 is coming up on October 31, 2025.

The obligation to file a tax return applies even if the bank levy is nil and thus also affects institutions for which the calculation of the bank levy does not result in a tax burden.

In general, credit institutions and investment management companies are affected that are granted a license by the Financial Market Authority (FMA) under the Austrian Banking Act (independent entities and branches of credit institutions from a third country) or that operate in Austria under the freedom of establishment (branches from EU/EEA countries).

The tax return can be filed electronically via the online portal of the Austrian tax authorities (FinanzOnline) under "Eingabe/Erklärungen" if a corresponding authorization exists or if one is logged in as a supervisor. In addition, it is possible to transmit the data as an xml-file using the data stream procedure.

The Austrian bank levy has to be calculated by the credit institution or investment management company itself and has to be paid quarterly (January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31).

If a difference between the estimated tax amount and the actual tax amount of 2025 is discovered in the course of preparing the annual bank levy return, the prepayment for the last quarter has to be adjusted accordingly.

Increase of Bank Levy and Special Payment 2025 and 2026

Starting in 2025, the percentages for the bank levy, as well as the levy ceiling (Belastungsobergrenze) and threshold of reasonability (Zumutbarkeitsgrenze), have been increased. Additionally, a special payment is required alongside the ongoing bank levy for the calendar years 2025 and 2026.

The special payment, as well as the differences arising from the increase in percentages for the ongoing bank levy, must be paid by October 31, 2025, at the latest. No additional information is needed in the declaration for the special payment – the corresponding form remains unchanged compared to the previous year.

We are happy to support you in calculating the Austrian bank levy and special payment 2025 and in filing the tax return for you. Do you have questions or require further information? We are here to help.