Attack on tips

Restaurateurs demand: “Hands off the tips!”

The waiter would have to deduct 20 percent from the tip - an additional payment usually affects the employer.(Bild: Markus Tschepp)

The health insurance fund is vehemently calling for taxes on tips. Thanks to card payments, the money given by customers is clearly traceable. Now angry victims have contacted the "Krone" - and it's not just restaurateurs who are at risk. 

The attack on tips by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) has made waves. As reported by the "Krone" newspaper, restaurateurs are faced with high additional payments, because although tips are tax-free, a social security contribution must be paid.