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In an information letter (GZ 2020-0.457.789 dated 20.07.2020), the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) answered further detailed questions on the temporary introduction of the reduced VAT rate of 5% from 1 July 2020 in the restaurant, hotel, cultural and publication sectors.

Effective for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2019, IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty Over Income Tax Treatments’ (‘the Interpretation’) requires entities to consider the potential for adverse tax determinations being made by taxing authorities while under a hypothetical tax review – and record a liability (and expense) where such a finding is considered “probable”. Many entities may not experience a financial impact as a result of this, but the Interpretation remains applicable and certain disclosures may be appropriate.

The impact of COVID-19 is expected to have a significant impact on the going concern assumption for a large number of entities. Some entities which were previously a going concern may no longer be. Many entities will need to apply significant judgement and will be required to consider the impact of material uncertainties in assessing the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Austrian Social Partners have agreed to extend short-time working. As of October 1, 2020, phase 3 of short-time working can be applied for, currently for another 6 months until March 31, 2021. According to the Austrian Social Partners, an extension beyond this for another six months from April 1, 2021 will become necessary and is being planned due to the particular impact on certain sectors.

The Austrian Social Partners have agreed to extend short-time working. As of October 1, 2020, phase 3 of short-time working can be applied for, currently for another 6 months until March 31, 2021. According to the Austrian Social Partners, an extension beyond this for another six months from April 1, 2021 will become necessary and is being planned due to the particular impact on certain sectors.

Preparers of financial statements are now having to think about how, where and what form they should report COVID-19 in their financial statements. We believe it is important to not only comply with the guidance set out in IFRS, but also ensure the financial statements are an effective part of the wider communication with stakeholders.

The retail industry is currently in a period of disruption unique in its scale and severity. The global outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted parts of the industry in different ways. While businesses in the grocery sector grapple with supply chain issues, those selling consumer goods and apparel have been challenged by store closures and rapid growth of online sales

The aviation industry has been significantly impacted by the disruption and travel restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. With a huge portion of the global fleet of passenger aircraft sitting idle and airlines, lessors, airports and support businesses facing a drop in revenues, we look at the steps businesses can take to survive and adapt.

The hotel industry is dealing with an unprecedented crisis due to the disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. With hotels shut or operating at severely reduced capacity and with customers in lockdown, we look at the steps businesses can take to not only survive but also put themselves in the best position for reopening.

The temporary introduction of a 5 % VAT rate for areas particularly affected by COVID-19 was unanimously approved by the National Council on Tuesday, 30 June 2020. An amendment - also adopted unanimously - also clarified and extended the areas benefiting.

If the widespread impact of COVID-19 began during the entity’s reporting period, the impact will be reflected in its financial statements for that period. However, to the extent that the widespread impact of COVID-19 occurred during the entity’s ‘subsequent events period’ (ie the period between the end of the reporting period and the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue), management must determine how material developments after the year-end should be reflected in the entity’s financial statements for the period under audit or review.

In order to support the areas of gastronomy, culture and publications, which are particularly affected by COVID-19, an initiative motion on the temporary introduction of a reduced VAT rate of 5% was submitted to the National Council on 18 June 2020. The National Council is expected to pass a resolution on this on 30 June 2020 and the Federal Council on 2 July 2020. We have compiled some information on this subject. (Status: 24.06.2020)

As a result of COVID-19 entities are generally expecting to experience significant declines in revenue and decreases in progress of delivery of performance obligations for long-term contracts. These declines in revenue may arise from decreases in volume and changes in variable consideration. This article highlights key aspects of IFRS 15 ’Revenue from Contracts with Customers’, that are expected to be particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The German Government has agreed on a business activity support programme, which consists of 57 measures and contains a volume of EUR 130 billion. The agreement stipulates, that the VAT rates shall be reduced from 19 % to 16% respectively from 7% to 5 %. The reduced VAT rates shall be applied between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

Vienna’s position on the doorstep of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) make it the ideal location for international businesses to take advantage of new trading opportunities opening up between the western and eastern Europe.

We are pleased to share an update regarding the application procedure for short-time work as a result of the Corona Virus situation: