SVS contributions for the self-employed: what you pay and why

What is the SVS?

The SVS is Austria's social insurance for the self-employed. With a trade licence or as a "neue Selbständige", membership is mandatory.

The three main contributions

• Health insurance: 6.8% of the contribution base.
• Pension: 18.5% — the biggest item.
• Accident insurance: a fixed monthly amount (~€11–12, indexed).

Plus the self-employed severance scheme (1.53%).

Beginner discount and retroactive reassessment

In the first years the SVS bills you on a minimum base — but once your tax return arrives, contributions are recalculated retroactively on real profit ("Nachbemessung"). Set money aside, or year three hurts.

Practical tips

• Contributions are deductible business expenses.
• Record the quarterly payments as expenses in Billtree with a category.
• If profit fluctuates, you can request a base adjustment mid-year.

Your revenue–expense report in Billtree is a solid basis for SVS planning.