Fiscal subject related
General information
Austria is preparing to reduce VAT on selected essential food products from 10% to 4.9% starting July 1, 2026. The measure is part of the government’s broader plan to reduce inflation and ease the financial pressure on households.
The reform was confirmed in January 2026, as food prices and everyday shopping costs remain a concern for consumers. By lowering VAT on a selected basket of basic food items, the government aims to make essential groceries cheaper and provide direct relief at the checkout.
The exact list of products that will benefit from the reduced VAT rate has not yet been published. This will be important for retailers, suppliers, and VAT compliance systems, because the correct VAT rate will depend on precise product classification.
The VAT cut is expected to be funded through other measures, including a planned tax on non-recyclable plastics and fees on parcels imported from third countries, such as China. The government says this should help balance the budget while also supporting Austrian retailers that compete with low-value imported goods.
Similar VAT reductions on food have also been discussed or announced in Sweden and Denmark, showing a wider European trend of using tax measures to respond to high living costs.
Overall, the planned Austrian VAT reduction is intended to lower the cost of basic groceries, support households, and help bring inflation closer to the government’s target.
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Author: Ivana Picajkić
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Already subscriber? LoginAustria: VAT Overview 2026
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Author: Ivana Picajkić
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