{"id":5899,"date":"2026-09-21T14:44:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T12:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/?p=5899"},"modified":"2026-10-16T14:36:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T12:36:28","slug":"new-kest-rules-for-shareholder-clearing-accounts-from-2027-what-shareholders-need-to-know-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/news\/new-kest-rules-for-shareholder-clearing-accounts-from-2027-what-shareholders-need-to-know-now\/","title":{"rendered":"New KESt rules for shareholder clearing accounts from 2027 \u2013 what shareholders need to know now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">troduction: why the new KESt rules matter to you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shareholder clearing accounts are widespread in Austrian corporations. They make it easier to handle withdrawals or ongoing settlements between the company and its shareholders. From the 2027 financial year, however, new tax rules will apply that may have significant financial consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Budget Accompanying Act 2027\u20132028 introduces a new deemed distribution rule in \u00a7 8 para 2a of the Corporate Income Tax Act (KStG). If open clearing account balances are not settled in time or converted into an arm&#8217;s-length loan, withholding tax on capital income (KESt) of 27.5 per cent is triggered automatically, even though no profits have actually been distributed. In this article, you will find out exactly what is changing, who is affected and how you can prepare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">What is the new deemed distribution rule under \u00a7 8 para 2a KStG?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the new deemed distribution rule, receivables of a corporation (e.g. a GmbH) from a natural person who is a shareholder \u2013 or from a person closely related to them \u2013 must, by the respective balance sheet date, either be settled in full or converted into an arm\u2019s-length loan. If this does not happen, the company\u2019s receivable is treated as if it had been distributed to the shareholder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In concrete terms, this means that KESt of 27.5% is payable on the open clearing account balance even if no profit has actually been distributed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caution:<\/strong> this is purely a fiction for tax purposes. Under company and commercial law, the receivable continues to exist and must therefore still be repaid by the shareholder in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">What counts as an arm&#8217;s-length loan under this rule?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An arm\u2019s-length loan must meet certain criteria in order to be recognised as such for tax purposes. The requirements are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Written form:<\/strong> The loan agreement must be concluded in writing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Market-rate interest:<\/strong> The interest rate must withstand an arm\u2019s-length comparison.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Repayment obligation: &nbsp;<\/strong>A binding repayment must be agreed, for example through a fixed repayment schedule.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Appropriate term:<\/strong> The agreed term must correspond to what would be customary between unrelated third parties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collateral:<\/strong> Appropriate collateral must be agreed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether these requirements are met is assessed on the basis of an overall assessment. Blanket solutions or purely formal agreements that are not actually implemented are not sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">Who is affected by the new KESt rule for clearing accounts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The deemed distribution rule covers not only direct shareholders but also indirect shareholders. The size of the shareholding is irrelevant \u2013 even minority shareholders are affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">How does taxation work for indirect shareholdings?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of indirect shareholdings, taxation takes place step by step along the chain of shareholdings. For example: if natural person A holds an interest in B-GmbH, which in turn holds shares in C-GmbH, and A maintains a clearing account with C-GmbH, a step-by-step distribution must take place \u2013 from C-GmbH to B-GmbH and from B-GmbH to A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">What tax consequences arise in the event of non-compliance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If, as at the balance sheet date, the clearing account has neither been settled nor converted into an arm\u2019s-length loan, the deemed distribution rule applies automatically. The open receivable is then deemed to have been distributed to and received by the shareholder on the day after the resolution on the preparation of the annual financial statements \u2013 but no later than five months after the balance sheet date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In that case, the corporation must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>file a KESt return within seven days, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pay withholding tax on capital income of 27.5% on the company\u2019s open receivable from the shareholder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> This tax liability arises automatically \u2013 regardless of whether a profit distribution has actually been resolved or made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">Is there a de minimis threshold for shareholder clearing accounts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, the law provides for a de minimis threshold of EUR 50,000.00 per shareholder. The deemed distribution rule only applies if the total receivable from the clearing account exceeds this amount as at the balance sheet date. In this case, only the portion exceeding EUR 50,000.00 is taxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smaller clearing account balances therefore remain unaffected for the time being. Nevertheless, it is advisable to review these regularly as well and to document them properly, so that you are prepared should the de minimis threshold be lowered in future or in the event of a tax audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">When does the new rule come into force?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new provisions apply for the first time to financial years ending in the calendar year 2027. For a financial year that corresponds to the calendar year, the relevant reference date is therefore 31 December 2027. For a financial year that deviates from the calendar year, the new rule applies correspondingly earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is still some time left until then \u2013 but it should be used to review existing clearing accounts and, where necessary, to settle them in good time or convert them into proper loan agreements so as not to trigger a deemed distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">What should shareholders do now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shareholders who regularly settle accounts with the company via their clearing account in particular are well advised to analyse their current situation promptly. The following steps help to avoid unintended tax consequences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Take stock:<\/strong> Check the current balance of your shareholder clearing account as at the next balance sheet date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review arm\u2019s-length loans:<\/strong> Have existing agreements reviewed for arm\u2019s-length compliance \u2013 written form, interest, term and collateral are decisive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan settlement:<\/strong> Consider whether open balances can be settled by the balance sheet date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seek professional advice:<\/strong> The overall evaluation required by law calls for an individual tax and legal analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">Conclusion: act in time and avoid a KESt charge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new deemed distribution rule under Section 8 (2a) KStG brings significant changes for many Austrian corporations and their shareholders. Anyone who fails to settle open clearing account balances in time or to convert them into an arm\u2019s-length loan risks a KESt charge of 27.5% \u2013 without any profit actually having been distributed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sooner you act, the easier it is to avoid unintended tax consequences. Our team of tax advisers, court-certified experts and forensic analysts will be pleased to assist you in analysing your existing clearing accounts and in structuring arm\u2019s-length loan agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Would you like to know how the new rules apply to your situation? Contact us \u2013 we will be happy to advise you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9d260ee2 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mayr_portrait_Marlis_Wenninger_0046_2000x3000-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mayr_portrait_Marlis_Wenninger_0046_2000x3000-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mayr_portrait_Marlis_Wenninger_0046_2000x3000-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mayr_portrait_Marlis_Wenninger_0046_2000x3000-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mayr_portrait_Marlis_Wenninger_0046_2000x3000-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mayr_portrait_Marlis_Wenninger_0046_2000x3000-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mayr_portrait_Caroline_Toifl_0075_2000x3000_v2-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6041\" srcset=\"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mayr_portrait_Caroline_Toifl_0075_2000x3000_v2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mayr_portrait_Caroline_Toifl_0075_2000x3000_v2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mayr_portrait_Caroline_Toifl_0075_2000x3000_v2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mayr_portrait_Caroline_Toifl_0075_2000x3000_v2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mayr_portrait_Caroline_Toifl_0075_2000x3000_v2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9d260ee2 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/team\/marc-julian-mayerhoefer\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/teamkindl.com\/team\/marlis-wenninger\/\">Marlis Wenninger &#8211; KINDL.trusted<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/team\/caroline-kindl\/\">Caroline Kindl &#8211; KINDL.trusted<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From 2027, open shareholder clearing accounts may be subject to KESt at a rate of 27.5 per cent. Find out how the new deemed distribution rule works and how to take action in time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":5897,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5899","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5899"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5899\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6057,"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5899\/revisions\/6057"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teamkindl.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}