Austria MOF Clarifies Unpaid VAT Liability on Business Transfers

The Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance Aug. 19 posted online Federal Finance Court Decision No. RV/5100638/2023, clarifying unpaid VAT liability on business transfers. The taxpayer acquired the business equipment and inventory of a restaurant, intending to continue operations at the same location. The transaction involved partial payment due to disputes over ownership and valuation of the inventory. The Tax Office held the taxpayer liable for unpaid VAT from the seller, arguing that the acquisition constituted a transfer of essential business assets enabling continued operations. On appeal, the Federal Finance Court found that: 1) the transfer satisfied the purpose of liability; ...