Finanzamt Österreich letter explained in English
Tax office. Handles income tax and other taxes. There is one tax office for all of Austria, with local branches.
Letters you may get
- Einkommensteuerbescheid — the result of your tax return
- Ergänzungsersuchen — they need more information or proof
- Buchungsmitteilung — an update on your tax account
- Säumniszuschlag — a late fee because you paid tax late
What to do
- You can object (Beschwerde) within one month after delivery. Objecting does not stop the payment — ask for a pause (Aussetzung der Einhebung) if you need it.
- If you use FinanzOnline, letters in your Databox usually count as delivered when they arrive there. Check it often.
- Find the deadline. Look for “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“Beschwerde”, “Vorstellung”, “Einspruch”, “Beschwerde”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Bescheid
- Official decision. It becomes final if you don’t object in time.
- Beschwerde
- Objection to an official decision (Bescheid). Usually within 4 weeks; for tax decisions within one month.
- Säumniszuschlag
- Late payment charge, for example when you pay tax too late.
- Aussetzung der Einhebung
- A pause in collecting a disputed tax until your objection is decided. If you lose, interest may be added.
- FinanzOnline
- The tax office’s online portal. Letters can arrive in its Databox instead of by post.
Questions
What is the Finanzamt Österreich?
Tax office. Handles income tax and other taxes. There is one tax office for all of Austria, with local branches.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Finanzamt Österreich?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb” — they mark the deadline. In Austria, an official letter sent by normal post usually counts as delivered on the 3rd working day after it was posted. A registered letter (RSa or RSb) counts as delivered on the day you get it — or, if you were not home, usually on the first day you can pick it up at the post office. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“Beschwerde”, “Vorstellung”, “Einspruch”, “Beschwerde”).
Can I read a Finanzamt Österreich letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in German. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Austria
Familienbeihilfe (Finanzamt Österreich) · AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice) · Magistrat / Bezirkshauptmannschaft · MA 35 / Niederlassungsbehörde · Meldeamt / Meldeservice · ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse) · SVS (Sozialversicherung der Selbständigen) · Pensionsversicherungsanstalt (PVA)