Germany vs Austria
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
π° Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country β side by side.
π©πͺ Germany β Trade Tax (Gewerbesteuer) & Church Tax
Germany's 16 BundeslΓ€nder apply federal income tax rates uniformly β no state income tax variation. Municipalities levy Gewerbesteuer (trade tax) on business profits at ~7β17% effective. Church tax (Kirchensteuer) of 8β9% of income tax applies to registered members. The solidarity surcharge (Soli) now only applies to the top ~10% of earners.
π¦πΉ Austria β Municipal & Church Taxes
Austria's 9 BundeslΓ€nder (states) do not set separate income tax rates β this is federal. However, municipalities levy Kommunalsteuer (municipal payroll tax) at 3% on wages paid by employers, and a Dienstgeberabgabe (employer levy). Church tax (Kirchenbeitrag) is compulsory for registered Catholics at ~1% of income. Vienna and other large cities have additional levies. Property tax (Grundsteuer) rates are set by municipalities within federal parameters.
Germany vs Austria: Key Tax Differences (2026)
π° Income Tax: π¦πΉ Austria has a higher top income tax rate (14β45% vs 0β55%). π©πͺ Germany is more favourable for high earners.
π VAT/Sales Tax: Austria has a higher consumption tax (7β19% vs 10β20%).
π’ Corporate Tax: π¦πΉ Austria offers a lower corporate rate (21% vs 29%), which can influence business location decisions.
π Capital Gains: π©πͺ Germany taxes investment gains at a lower rate (25% vs 27.5%), benefiting investors.