So often do Austrians give tips

Almost three-quarters of Austrians (72 percent) "often" give tips, 26 percent "occasionally," and only 2 percent "not at all." This is the result of a study by the hotel association (ÖHV) with 1,000 respondents. The amount varies: about a quarter of respondents pay around 10 percent on the bill, nearly another quarter pay 5 percent, and a good fifth make it dependent on the specific service.

Tipping in Gastronomy is Important

Tips are an essential part of wages in some industries. This is especially true for gastronomy, but also, for example, for taxi drivers or hairdressers. Against this background, a debate recently flared up after media reported on sometimes high back payments demanded by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) on corresponding contributions. Tips are generally subject to social security contributions.

Contributions on tips are often collected through a flat rate - this can vary depending on the industry and federal state. For waiters in Vienna, for example, it amounts to around 60 euros per month. Anything above that is subject to full social security contributions. While the amounts were previously difficult to verify, with the increasing trend towards card payments, the given tips also appear in the cash register.

WKÖ President for Exemption

The ÖGK denied focusing on tips during company audits. The topic also occupied the black-red-pink coalition, which aimed in the government program to evaluate and make the often different rules by federal states practical. WKÖ President Harald Mahrer recently called for tips to be completely exempt from taxes and contributions. The hotel association, in turn, wishes for an "end to unequal treatment" across different industries.

According to the survey, Austrians have a clear position on this: a good 80 percent are in favor of abolishing the contributions, only 17 percent would support a moderate increase. Many are also personally affected by the topic: 39 percent of respondents stated that they regularly receive tips in connection with their professional activity.

Gastronomy Leads in Tipping

Austrians were also asked where they give tips: 87 percent give them in gastronomy, 63 percent in hair and beauty salons, 48 percent in hotels, and 47 percent in delivery services. The craft sector completes the "Big Five" in tipping with 38 percent.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.