Austrians Ditching the Church in Droves: Here’s How to Officially Resign and Stop Paying Church Tax
vienna, Austria – A growing number of Austrians are formally leaving the Catholic and Protestant churches, seeking to end their obligation to pay the country’s controversial church contribution ( Kirchenbeitrag). The process, while straightforward, requires specific steps to ensure official recognition and cessation of payments.
for decades, Austria has operated a system were citizens registered as members of a recognized religious body are automatically assessed a contribution, typically around 10.7% of annual income tax. This system, rooted in historical agreements, is now facing increasing scrutiny and a rising tide of resignations.
How to resign: A Step-by-Step Guide
Austrians wishing to officially sever ties with the church can do so through a formal declaration. The process can be completed either online or in person.
Online Resignation: The most convenient method involves submitting a declaration through the digital platforms of the respective district office (Bezirkshauptmannschaft). This is a free service.
In-Person Resignation: Applying in person at the district office incurs a small administrative fee of €2.10 for an official transcript.
Crucially, submitting your resignation requires providing documentation proving prior church membership. This can include confirmation documents, or evidence of church contribution payments (or requests for payments). This ensures the declaration is correctly processed and forwarded to the appropriate religious institution.
What Happens Next? The ‘Ohne Bekenntnis’ Status
Once the declaration is submitted, the district office forwards it to the relevant church. You will then be officially registered as having “no religious affiliation” – denoted as ohne Bekenntnis (o.B.) in official records.
This status promptly ends your obligation to pay the church contribution. Though, it also means forfeiting access to church sacraments and ceremonies like baptisms, confirmations, and church weddings, unless you choose to rejoin the church at a later date. The decision to resign also impacts eligibility to serve as a godparent.
Documentation & Fees: Knowing Your Options
While the resignation itself is free online, obtaining official confirmation can incur costs:
Uncertified Copy: €11
Certified Copy: €21
These copies can be valuable when dealing with church offices or disputing ongoing contribution claims.
Beyond Finances: The Long-Term Implications
The decision to leave the church isn’t solely a financial one. It represents a shift in personal belief and carries social implications within Austrian society.
Checking Your Status & Potential Exemptions
Individuals can verify their current status by contacting the kirchenbeitragsstelle (church contribution office) associated with their parish. Alternatively, those linked to FinanzOnline (Austria’s tax portal) can check their records there.
It’s significant to note that exemptions from the church contribution exist for students and low-income earners, but these require annual declaration.
Evergreen Insights: The Historical Context & Future of Church Tax in Austria
The Austrian church tax system dates back to the Concordat of 1933 with the Vatican, a treaty establishing the legal framework for the relationship between the state and the Catholic church. Similar agreements exist with Protestant churches. While the system has been revised over the years, it remains a point of contention, with critics arguing it violates principles of religious freedom and state neutrality.
Recent years have seen a significant increase in resignations, fueled by scandals within the Catholic Church and a broader trend of secularization in Austrian society. Discussions about reforming or abolishing the church tax are ongoing, but any significant changes would require complex negotiations and possibly constitutional amendments.
For those considering resignation, understanding the full implications – both financial and social – is crucial. The process is relatively simple, but the decision itself is a personal one with lasting consequences.
What are the specific differences in the deregistration process between the Catholic and Protestant Churches in Austria?
Exiting the Church in Austria: A Complete Guide
Understanding church Membership in Austria
In Austria, the vast majority of the population is historically registered as members of either the Catholic or Protestant Church. This registration ofen happens at birth, and many individuals remain officially affiliated even if they no longer actively practice or identify with the faith. Leaving the Church ( Kirchenaustritt ) is a legal process with specific requirements. Understanding these is crucial for anyone considering deregistration.
Reasons for leaving the Church
Individuals choose to leave the Austrian Church for a variety of personal reasons. Common motivations include:
Loss of Faith: A declining belief in religious doctrines.
Disagreement with Church Teachings: Conflicts with the Church’s stance on social or ethical issues.
Financial Considerations: Avoiding the Kirchensteuer (Church tax), although this is not a direct tax levied by the Church itself (see section on Church Tax).
Personal conviction: A desire for freedom from religious affiliation.
Changing Life Circumstances: Marriage to a non-member, or a shift in personal values.
The Deregistration Process: Step-by-Step
The process for Kirchenaustritt differs slightly depending on whether you are leaving the Catholic or Protestant Church.However, the core steps are similar.
1. Determine the Correct Authority:
Catholic Church: You must apply to the local parish office (Pfarramt) were you are registered.
Protestant Church: Contact the relevant Protestant parish or regional church office (Superintendentur).
2. Formal Declaration:
You must make a formal declaration of your intent to leave the Church. This must be done in person, or via a notarized written statement (beglaubigte Erklärung). A simple letter is generally not sufficient.
3. Required Documentation:
Typically, you will need to provide:
Official Identification: Passport or Austrian ID card (Personalausweis).
Proof of Registration: If you have it, bring any documentation confirming your Church membership. The parish office can usually verify your registration with your personal details.
Birth Certificate: May be required in some cases, particularly if there is any ambiguity regarding your identity.
4. The Interview (Often required):
The parish priest or a designated representative will often conduct a brief interview. This is not intended to dissuade you, but rather to confirm your understanding of the implications of leaving and to offer pastoral support if desired. You are not obligated to discuss your reasons in detail.
5. Processing and Confirmation:
Once your declaration is accepted, the parish office will forward the facts to the relevant diocesan or regional authority. You will receive written confirmation of your Kirchenaustritt (deregistration). This process can take several weeks.
Church Tax (Kirchensteuer) in Austria: What you Need to Know
Austria does not have a direct “Church tax” likewise as some other European countries.though, the Church receives funding through a system linked to income tax.
Automatic Deduction: If you are registered as a member, a portion of your income tax is automatically allocated to the church.
No Direct Payment: You do not directly pay the Church tax. It’s a deduction from your income tax refund or a reduction in your tax liability.
Savings after deregistration: Leaving the Church means this allocation stops,possibly resulting in a slightly higher tax refund or lower tax bill in the future. the amount saved varies depending on your income and the specific region.
Potential Complications and Considerations
Children: If you are leaving the Church with minor children, the process may be more complex. You may need to demonstrate that your decision is in the best interests of the child, and the other parent might potentially be consulted.
Marriage: If you were married in a Church ceremony, leaving the Church does not automatically invalidate your marriage. Though, it may have implications for certain Church-related services (e.g., funerals).
Inheritance: In certain specific cases, Church membership might potentially be a requirement for certain inheritance rights within a family. This is rare but worth considering.
Regional Variations: While the general process is consistent, there may be slight variations in requirements between different dioceses or Protestant regional churches.
Legal Resources and Further Information
Austrian Federal Ministry of Justice: https://www.justiz.gv.at/ (General legal information)
Diocese Websites: Search for the website of your local Catholic diocese (e.g., Diocese of Vienna: https://www.erzdioezese-wien.at/)
Protestant Church Websites: Find the website of your regional Protestant church (Superintendentur).
* AK (arbeiterkammer – chamber of Labour): The AK provides legal advice to employees and can offer guidance on related financial implications. [https://www.arbeiterkammer.at/](https://www.arbeiterkammer
