The VAT Farce

Tax Cut Means Less Refund on Deposits

As of July 1, the returnable deposit on milk bottles and yogurt jars has changed.(Bild: Pressefoto Scharinger/Daniel Scharinger)

Customers who bought milk bottles and the like before July 1 and are only returning them now will have to pay a little extra—even if it’s just a few cents. That’s because, along with the VAT, the associated returnable deposit rate has also dropped. However, there’s still a chance to get a refund by the end of the month—the “Krone” knows how.

A surprise at the deposit machine: Customers who, for example, bought a milk crate at the discount store Hofer before July 1 paid a 5.50-euro reusable deposit. Since July 1, however, they’ve only been getting 5.25 euros back, so they’re left to cover the difference.