Are you a 24-hour caregiver? What you should know about your tax return!

For many 24-hour caregivers, filing a tax return can be a challenge. However, it offers a valuable opportunity to improve your financial situation by taking advantage of the tax benefits available to caregivers. With the right information, you can claim certain expenses as operating costs or extraordinary expenses. This article shows you the tax basics, deductible expenses and gives you tips on how to complete your tax return stress-free - so you can keep more of your income for yourself.

Tax basics for caregivers

Most care workers are self-employed, which means that they have to manage both their income and their taxes themselves. In Austria, caregivers must file a tax return if their annual income in 2024 is over €11,693 (BMF, 2024). As self-employed persons, they can claim numerous expenses in order to reduce their taxable income. These costs, known as business expenses, can be deducted directly from income, which offers tax advantages.

Deductible expenses: What you can claim for tax purposes

Travel expenses

Travel to clients can be a significant cost factor. These costs can either be deducted as a lump sum or according to the actual travel costs with detailed receipts. Travel to training courses or for work-related errands can also be deducted as business expenses (BMF, 2024).

Working Materials

All necessary work materials such as first aid kits, specialist literature or office supplies are considered business expenses. In Austria, the lump sum for office supplies is up to €300 per year, which allows you to make tax savings (BMF, 2024).

Advertising costs

Advertising costs such as fees for customer acquisition or networking are also deductible. Furthermore, for example, account management fees for business accounts or telephone costs, if these are used for work.

Exceptional loads

Special expenses that go beyond the usual cost framework, such as high travel costs or special work-related medical expenses, can be claimed as extraordinary expenses. Care costs for 24-hour care can also be taken into account as a tax benefit under this category (BMF, 2024).

Tax advantages for 24-hour care

In Austria, 24-hour caregivers can benefit from special tax breaks. In principle, care costs can be claimed as extraordinary expenses, which reduces taxable income. Some regions also offer local subsidies for care workers. The availability of these regional benefits depends on where the caregiver lives or works, and specific conditions apply. Up-to-date information on the conditions can be found at the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs (BMASK, 2024) or with a tax advisor.

Tax return support

Filing a tax return can be a challenge for the self-employed. Consulting a tax advisor is therefore often a valuable investment, as tax advisors are always up to date with the latest regulations and ensure that all deductible expenses are claimed. If a tax advisor is not an option, there are special tax programs for the self-employed that guide you step by step through the deductible costs and calculate the tax burden. There are also free advice services that specialize in tax issues for caregivers (BMF, 2024).

Social security and taxes: What you should know

As a self-employed caregiver, you are responsible for your social security contributions, including health, pension and accident insurance. Contributions to these insurances are partially deductible as they are considered pension expenses. Self-employed care workers also have the option of voluntarily joining the statutory health insurance scheme, which provides additional cover and can be claimed as a deductible item on your tax return (BMASK, 2024).

Practical tips for tax returns

Keep receipts

Keep all expense receipts for at least seven years, as they may be needed for auditing by the tax authorities.

Note deadlines

In Austria, the tax return for the previous year must be submitted by 30 April. April, for electronic submission via FinanzOnline the deadline is June 30 (BMF, 2024).

Get advice early

If there are any uncertainties, consult a tax advisor at an early stage to avoid errors or omissions.

Nora's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are many ways for 24-hour care workers to reduce their tax burden. From travel expenses to extraordinary expenses to business expenses, careful tax planning can offer caregivers significant benefits. Although tax returns may seem complex at first, the right information and support can help you keep more of your income. Take advantage of your tax benefits and secure maximum tax relief!

• Operating expenses: Expenses that are directly related to self-employment and can be deducted from taxable income.
• Exceptional loads: Not typical, above-average costs that can be claimed as tax relief.
• Social Security: Austrian insurance covering health, pension and accident insurance.
• Advertising-costs: Deductible costs for acquiring new clients or for professional networking.