The "SME package" decided on Wednesday by the ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS government includes an increase in the basic flat rate to 15 percent and the abolition of the receipt requirement up to 35 euros. The government is committed to a "bureaucracy brake," explained NEOS State Secretary for Deregulation, Josef Schellhorn.

SME Package: Less Bureaucracy for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

In 2025, the basic flat rate will be increased from 220,000 euros and 12 percent to 320,000 euros (13.5 percent), and in 2026 to 420,000 euros (15 percent). This means less bureaucracy, less administrative effort, and a noticeable relief for small and medium-sized enterprises, it was stated at the press foyer after the Council of Ministers. In addition, all N1 vehicles (light commercial vehicles) will be exempt from the standard consumption tax (NoVA) from 01.07.2025. This will make company cars and transporters cheaper. "We want to do the right thing for Austria," said Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), who sees jobs secured and the business location strengthened by the package of measures. As already announced by Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP), the receipt requirement for purchases up to 35 euros will be abolished. This should happen "as soon as possible". However, this is "not the abolition of the obligation to issue receipts", the cash register systems will "continue to operate", said Schellhorn. In addition, approvals for business start-ups and in the area of energy and operational facility law should be accelerated.

Business Location to be Strengthened by SME Package

In Schellhorn's state secretariat, there will also be a contact point "for all Austrians" in matters of bureaucracy. During the year - "I won't commit to a date" - the annual bureaucracy report will be presented. A particular focus in the attempt to eliminate duplications is "on the uniform enforcement of federal laws to promote legal certainty and clarity. In addition, national and European reporting obligations will be systematically analyzed to identify potential relief opportunities," it was further stated. With this package, the government "clearly commits to strengthening the business location and supporting SMEs," emphasized Schellhorn. Even as an entrepreneur, his motto was "less red tape, more freedom," which he will now continue to pursue as State Secretary for Deregulation. The fact that he is located in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as such is justified by Schellhorn by the fact that he can also take over the areas of foreign trade and foreign culture. In addition, he is the representative of Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS). "It is quite clear that I am not a secretary of mistrust, but a state secretary". In his state secretariat, "recommendations" will be developed for other ministries in the future, "there is no talk of procurement".

Positive Reactions from the Economy to SME Package

The package received positive reactions from representatives of the economy. Several industry representatives of the Chamber of Commerce saw "numerous industry demands fulfilled". Economic Association Secretary General and ÖVP Economic Spokesman Kurt Egger praised the package: "The SME package does exactly that: it provides relief, makes our businesses more competitive, and finally gives entrepreneurs more time for what they do best: doing business!". The Trade Association welcomed the package and spoke of an important first step. "Now it is important that further measures are decided that will then reach all companies," said Managing Director Rainer Will. ÖVP Tourism State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner also spoke of a "great relief for inns and tourism businesses". SPÖ Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer called it a "powerful SME package".

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