Three times the mobility support instead of the climate bonus
The Austrian government has decided to completely abolish the "climate bonus" starting this year, which affects about 1.3 million people who were receiving up to 290 euros annually. As compensation, the government is now announcing a new package of measures aimed at supporting mobile income earners, especially those who commute daily to their workplaces.
One of the most prominent measures is the decision to triple the "Pendlereuro". This tax support will increase from 2 euros to 6 euros for each kilometer of the simple daily distance between home and workplace. This means that someone traveling 30 kilometers one way will receive 180 euros annually instead of 60 euros. The value of the negative tax increase received by some workers will also be raised.
To receive this support, it is required to commute to work at least 4 days a month. Those who commute between 4 to 7 days receive one-third of the amount, and those who commute from 8 to 10 days receive two-thirds, while those who commute 11 days or more monthly receive the full amount.
Austrian automobile clubs such as ARBÖ and ÖAMTC welcomed this step, with ARBÖ President Peter Reizar considering it "an important relief for mobile workers, especially in rural areas." ÖAMTC deemed the increase fair as it is based on actual distance and not linked to income.
But not everyone is satisfied with this step. Jacob Schwartz, the spokesperson for the Green Party on financial affairs, harshly criticized the reform package, stating that the government "cuts from the climate and from the weaker groups." The environmental organization "VIRUS" also expressed its dissatisfaction, considering that the government ignores old calls to abolish environmentally harmful subsidies and replaces them with new support that does not take climate considerations into account.
The Pendlereuro will be automatically paid to anyone who receives the "Pendlerpauschale" either monthly through their employer or through the annual tax refund.