FinanzOnline further expands service: representation by a trusted person Since January 2026, FinanzOnline has offered the option of having a trusted person help you with tax matters
'Not everyone finds the digital world easy to navigate. With the new 'free representation' service, we are expanding our offering to include those who prefer to receive support from a trusted person when using digital services. We are creating a transparent and secure system in which it is clear who has worked for whom in FinanzOnline, and where the proxy arrangement can be revoked by either party at any time. This is in the interests of people who are unsure about using digital media and therefore prefer to trust others in this context," says Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer.
How does free representation work?
Since January 2026, individuals have been able to appoint another person of legal age to represent them free of charge in all tax matters in FinanzOnline — for example, a family member, friend or acquaintance. State Secretary of Finance Barbara Eibinger-Miedl adds: 'With the new option of being represented by a trusted person in FinanzOnline free of charge, we are making access easier for those who cannot or do not wish to deal with their matters digitally themselves. It is now very easy to authorise a trusted person to provide the necessary support — transparently, securely, and with the option of revocation at any time. In this way, we are taking advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation while ensuring that no one is left behind.'
Who can act as a proxy and what are the conditions?
Representation is only permitted free of charge. Both the person being represented and the representative must be of legal age. The representative must have an ID Austria or an EU eID and may represent a maximum of four people. The person being represented must only have income from employment or a pension.
Simple, classic and official: this is how the power of attorney is granted
The representation is announced using the "FONUV1 Unentgeltliche Vertretung in Finanz Online" form. This form is available at www.bmf.gv.at/formular or from the tax office. The representative uploads the signed form via their own FinanzOnline access under 'Manage representation relationship'. A significant advantage is that: The person being represented does not need an ID Austria or EU-eID.
What can the representative do in FinanzOnline?
Once the check has been completed, a message is sent to those involved and the representative can take action. For example, tax returns can be submitted immediately, instalment payments can be applied for, and credit balances can be refunded. This is possible even if the person being represented has never had access to FinanzOnline, or has no access at all. All actions are clearly labelled as representative actions. If the represented party has their own FinanzOnline access, they can continue to take action themselves.
Scope, duration and delivery
Representation free of charge includes everything that is also available to the represented party in FinanzOnline and cannot be limited to individual actions. It can be granted for a limited or unlimited period of time. However, it does not include a power of attorney for delivery, so notices and letters will continue to be delivered directly to the represented party. In the case of electronic delivery, these can also be viewed by the representative.
Revocable at any time
The power of attorney can be revoked at any time, either by post or via FinanzOnline, by either the represented party or the representative themselves. This means that the represented party retains full control at all times.
Please note that the traditional method of submitting forms will of course remain possible.
How many people use FinanzOnline?
Over 6.7 million people use FinanzOnline, Austria's internationally recognised e-government flagship. This free-of-charge e-government portal is available 24/7 and does not require any special software.
You can find more information on this topic at www.bmf.gv.at/vertretung (in German only)