Record value in reported gifts: 12.5 billion euros changed hands in Austria in 2025

The vast majority of transactions took place within families: around 31,000 of the approximately 36,000 reports concerned relatives, accounting for 11.59 billion of the total 12.57 billion euros in reported gifts. Gifts to non-relatives, on the other hand, only become reportable if the value exceeds 15,000 euros within a five-year period; occasional gifts under 1,000 euros are completely exempt.

The data comes from surveys by the Federal Ministry of Finance, which the department provided to the newspaper "Der Standard" upon request. The previous peak value of gifted financial assets was reportedly reached in 2024 with more than 14 billion euros, confirming the preliminary 14.5 billion euros of the comparison year. In this respect, 2025 ranks as the second-highest year in this development.

Political debate on inheritance and wealth tax

In parallel with the new figures, the political debate about inheritance and wealth tax has reignited. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) has repeatedly advocated for the introduction of an inheritance tax in view of growing budget pressure. The SPÖ had already called for a general wealth tax and the reintroduction of inheritance and gift tax during the election campaign for the National Council. Chancellor and ÖVP reject such a tax, as does the FPÖ; the Neos also appear hesitant on this issue. The Greens have recently spoken out again in favor of higher taxation of large fortunes. Currently, no majority for reintroduction is in sight in the National Council.

At the same time, Marterbauer emphasizes that the government has spoken out against an inheritance tax. Austria abolished inheritance and gift tax in the past. Currently, gifts and inheritances are not taxed in Austria, which underscores the sensitivity of the discussion about a possible reintroduction.

The statistics only reflect a portion of the actual asset transfer in Austria. Real estate, which constitutes a significant part of private wealth in Austria, is not recorded. Furthermore, smaller gifts among relatives and all gifts to non-relatives under 15,000 euros within five years remain completely outside the reporting obligation. Occasional gifts under 1,000 euros are also exempt.

Contextualizing the figures

The reporting obligation applies exclusively to gifts made during one's lifetime (inter vivos). Inheritances, i.e., asset transfers upon death, are not recorded in the statistics but are also not subject to taxation. Thus, the gift statistics represent only a snapshot of the total asset transfer but provide the most accurate insight into financial contributions made during one's lifetime.

Overall, the new figures show that large sums continue to be transferred between private individuals in Austria – mostly within families. As long as no political majority for the reintroduction of inheritance or wealth tax is in sight, gifts will remain untaxed. However, the upcoming budget negotiations are likely to fuel the debate again.

Article author: Jakob Pflügl, Publication: June 3, 2026.