🇦🇹 EU / International

Arbeitnehmerveranlagung (Austria)

Austrian Employee Tax Assessment

Medium ~20 min TaxAustriaEmployee

/ What is this form?

The Arbeitnehmerveranlagung (ANV) is Austria's annual tax assessment for employees. While voluntary (unless you had multiple employers or received other income), it almost always results in a refund. The assessment covers work-related expenses, Sonderausgaben, and family benefits.

The Familienbonus Plus is a major tax credit worth up to €2,000 per child under 18 per year — it must be actively claimed in the ANV. Without claiming it, you lose the benefit.

Filings can be made retroactively for the past 5 years — if you haven't filed for previous years, do so immediately as refunds can be substantial.

/ Who needs this form?

All employees in Austria (voluntary but highly recommended)
Anyone with multiple employers in the same year (mandatory)
Anyone with Familienbonus Plus to claim
Anyone with significant work-related expenses

/ What you need before you start

FinanzOnline account (or paper L1 form)

Lohnzettel (annual income confirmation) from employer

Receipts for deductible expenses

Bank account IBAN for refund

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Register for FinanzOnline

Create an account at finanzonline.bmf.gv.at — you'll need your tax number (Steuernummer) from the Finanzamt.

2 Complete Form L1

Log in to FinanzOnline and complete the Erklärung zur Arbeitnehmerveranlagung (L1).

3 Enter Deductions

Add allowable deductions: commuting costs (Pendlerpauschale), childcare, Sonderausgaben, and the Familienbonus Plus.

4 Submit Electronically

Submit online via FinanzOnline. You can also file on paper at your Finanzamt.

5 Receive Refund

Most employees get a refund — typically processed within 4–6 weeks and paid directly to your bank account.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Familienbonus Plus	Up to €2,000/year per child under 18. Enter for each qualifying child.	Not claiming it — it's not automatic and must be actively entered in the ANV.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not filing at all — most employees receive a refund.

Not claiming the Familienbonus Plus — up to €2,000/child and must be actively claimed.

Not filing retroactively — you can claim the past 5 years.

/ Frequently asked questions

Is it mandatory to file?

Only if you had multiple employers, received taxable non-wage income, or received certain benefits. For others it's voluntary, but almost always results in a refund.