# Vienna Expands Employer Levy for Subway Growth

October 8, 2026 at 09:17 AM

> Finance Councilor Barbara Novak announces tax expansion to freelancers and older workers to fund U2 and U5 subway line extensions.

[Vienna](<https://austriareport.com/entity/vienna-q1741>) is expanding its employer levy to fund subway expansions, including the [U2](<https://austriareport.com/entity/u2-vienna-u-bahn-q873397>) and [U5](<https://austriareport.com/entity/u5-vienna-u-bahn-q1329518>) lines. Finance Councilor **Barbara Novak** ([SPÖ](<https://austriareport.com/entity/social-democratic-party-of-austria-q179111>)) announced that the tax will now apply to freelance contracts and employees aged 55 and older, removing previous age limits.

The levy rate remains at 2 euros per employee, but the new scope aligns with municipal tax regulations. City Hall reports a rise in older workers, and these adjustments are expected to generate approximately 17 million euros in additional annual revenue.

The draft law is currently under review, with implementation planned for the first quarter of next year. Established in 1970, this earmarked tax ensures the continued growth of Vienna's transit infrastructure by requiring employers to fund the network.


[#Vienna](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/vienna>) #PublicTransit #SubwayExpansion [#UrbanPlanning](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/urbanplanning>) #Infrastructure

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