Finance Minister Brunner today presented details on the NEW donation deductibility – for the first time, organizations from all non-profit sectors are eligible to apply.
Vienna (OTS) – The Non-Profit Reform Act – the most comprehensive package of measures for the benefit of the third sector in Austria – has been in force since January 1st. For the first time, the opportunity to deduct donations from taxes will be made available to all non-profit organizations in the country, regardless of the purpose of the donation. At today’s information event, Finance Minister Magnus Brunner provided insights into the details of the new regulation and symbolically gave the starting signal for applications under the new legal situation.
While supporters of many charitable causes, such as humanitarian aid or research into rare diseases, have been able to deduct their donations from taxes for years, areas such as animal protection or the promotion of education have previously been excluded from this advantage. After many years of effort by the entire NPO sector, the Nonprofit Reform Act 2024 has finally brought fairness for all non-profit causes and their donors.“Since January 1st, all charitable donation purposes in Austria have been treated equally under the law through access to tax deductibility. The third sector also benefits from less bureaucracy, simpler procedures, improvements for volunteers and internationally comparable top conditions for charitable foundations. A significant strengthening of the culture of giving in this country.”
, emphasized Ruth Williams, Managing Director of the Fundraising Association Austria.
Deductibility for 2.1 million more donors!
Experts expect the expansion of the tax deductibility of donations to significantly increase the number of beneficiary organizations and the number of donations. According to the BMF’s estimate, the law could give up to 45,000 clubs access to charitable donations. There are currently only 6,000 facilities on the BMF’s list, including around 4,500 volunteer fire departments. For the first time, 2.1 million donors will be able to deduct their donations from taxes – including for clubs that support local schools or for the promotion of culture and sport. According to BMF calculations, the measures will bring additional relief of up to 100 million euros for taxpayers. “The volume of donations sold for important social projects is expected to increase by around 250 million per year – a very important contribution for the entire non-profit sector in times of great social challenges.”
, so Ruth Williams.
Applications possible now
NPOs can now submit applications to the BMF for a decision to grant donations – see all information about this Ministry of Finance website. If this application is submitted by the end of June 2024, all donations in 2024 will be deductible, including those made before recognition.
As part of the reform, the waiting time for the first deductibility notice was shortened from three years to one year. Instead of an annual new application, the decision will be automatically extended in the future, which means significantly less bureaucracy for all non-profit organizations!
Advice to all decision-makers at non-profit institutions Ruth Williams: “Find out more now and take advantage of the newly created framework so that your donors can benefit from the tax advantage of deductibility.”
In order to familiarize all clubs with the innovations of the legal reform and the requirements for applying for benefits, the Fundraising Association Austria invites you to the event from April 15th to 17th Online Knowledge Bootcamp for NPOs.
Questions & Contact:
Dr. Andreas Anker, Press Fundraising Association Austria, M: 0676/4214706, E: press@fundraising.at