As of: September 2026 · for Germany and Austria

Handwerkerbonus 2026: what it is and where it is still available

„Handwerkerbonus“ refers to different things in Germany and Austria. In Germany, it is a tax reduction that still applies: 20 percent of labour costs, up to a maximum of 1,200 euros per year. In Austria, it was a federal subsidy scheme that has been closed since the end of February 2026.

Here you will find how both systems work, what benefits they offer for bathroom renovation, and which subsidies remain available in Austria.

Julien El-Bahy, bazuba headquartersProfessionally reviewed by Julien El-Bahy, bazuba headquartersStatus: 25 September 2026 · according to § 35a EStG and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber
Handwerkerbonus 2024 in Österreich

In short

In Germany, the craftsman bonus continues as a tax deduction. In Austria, the funding scheme has been closed since 28 February 2026, and there is currently no successor.

Germanyup to €1,200per year: deduct 20% of labour costs from your taxes; from 2027, 15% and €900 are plannedHow it works
Austriaexpiredno new applications since 28/02/2026; submitted applications continue to be processedWhat applies now
Bathroom renovation in Austriaup to €11,250in Vienna with care allowance from level 3 or disability; other federal states have their own programmesWhat is available instead

For Germany: If the labour costs exceed €6,000, it is worthwhile to split the payment over the turn of the year and use the maximum amount in two years. In 2026, 20% still applies. Example calculation

Status: 25 September 2026. Professionally reviewed by Julien El-Bahy (bazuba headquarters). No tax or legal advice.

Handwerkerbonus in Germany and Austria compared

Both countries use the same colloquial term, but the rules have nothing in common:

GermanyAustria
What it isTax reduction for tradesperson services according to § 35a EStGFederal funding scheme, paid out upon application
Height20% of labour costs, up to €1,200 per year2025: 20% of labour costs, up to €1,500 per person and residential property
What countsLabour, travel and machinery costs, no materialslabour costs only, excluding VAT, minimum €250
How to obtain itwith the income tax return, invoice paid by bank transferOnline application to the federal government
As of 2026still applies; from 2027 planned: 15% and up to €900closed since 28/02/2026, no successor announced

Germany: The reduction from 2027 is a government draft and has not yet been adopted. Austria: Information according to the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, as of September 2026.

Germany: Handwerkerbonus via tax relief

In Germany, you deduct 20 percent of the labour costs directly from your income tax, up to a maximum of 1,200 euros per year. This is a deduction from the tax liability, not from the income, and applies to all tradesperson services in your own household combined. Ownership is not required; tenants can also use it.

To qualify, you need an invoice that separately states the labour portion, and payment must be made by bank transfer. Cash payments do not count.

Example: Bathroom renovation with 10,000 euros in labour costs

PaymentTax deduction
everything paid in 202620% of €10,000 would be €2,000, capped at the maximum amount: €1,200
everything paid in 2027according to the government draft15% of €10,000 would be €1,500, capped at the planned maximum amount: €900
split2026: €6,000
2027: €4,000
€1,200 for 2026 plus €600 for 2027: €1,800

The maximum amount applies per household and year; other tradesmen's invoices in the same year are included. The relevant year is the year of payment. Splitting only makes sense if the labour costs exceed €6,000; below this, payment in 2026 is more advantageous. You will find a calculator and all special cases in the guide Deduct bathroom renovation from tax. No tax advice.

When the tax bonus does not apply

  • For the same measure for which you receive a grant or a subsidised loan, for example from the Care fund or the KfW. This applies to the entire measure, including the part not covered by the funding. Other works that are not subsidised remain tax-deductible at your own expense.
  • For new builds. It must be an existing household.
  • For materials, for example the new shower tray itself.

Would you like the labour costs to be listed separately on the quotation?In our quotations, the labour component is itemised separately. Free inspection in Germany and Austria.

Austria: The Handwerkerbonus has ended

In Austria, the Handwerkerbonus was a federal subsidy for tradesperson services in private homes, such as plumbing, tiling, painting, or carpentry work. 20 percent of the labour costs excluding VAT were subsidised, up to a maximum of 1,500 euros per person and property in 2025.

The scheme has been closed since 28 February 2026. The deadline for subsequent submissions expired on 30 April 2026; new applications and corrections are no longer possible. Applications already submitted will continue to be processed and paid out. The federal government has not yet announced a successor scheme.

What is available for bathroom renovation instead

For a new bathroom without a specific reason, there is currently no federal subsidy in Austria. It is different for age-appropriate or barrier-free renovations, which are subsidised by the federal states:

Federal stateFunding for bathroom renovation
ViennaFrom the age of 60: 50% up to €7,500 (with income limit); with care allowance from level 3 or proof of disability: 75% up to €11,250, without income limit. Vienna funding in detail
StyriaState subsidy of 30% of eligible costs, application after the renovation within two years from the oldest invoice
SalzburgRenovation funding for age- and disability-appropriate conversions, only with registration before construction begins
Lower Austria, Carinthia and othersSubsidies from the federal states and, in case of disability, from the Social Ministry Service; for most programmes, application before work begins

As of September 2026, the relevant authorities are decisive. In Austria, care allowance is not earmarked and may also be used for the renovation, see Care levels in Austria.

Find out which measures a bathroom needs as you age in our guide. Bathroom suitable for seniorsOften, a bathtub door (from around €2,900, usually completed in one day) or replacing the bathtub with a shower (Tub out, shower infrom around €4,500, in 2 to 3 days). Prices are indicative and may vary slightly depending on the bathroom and provider; you will receive a fixed price after the free inspection.

Frequently asked questions about the Handwerkerbonus

Colloquially, the state relief for tradesperson services in your own home. In Germany, it is a tax reduction under § 35a EStG: 20% of labour costs, up to a maximum of €1,200 per year. In Austria, it was a federal subsidy scheme that has been closed since 28 February 2026.

In Germany, yes: in 2026, 20% of labour costs, up to a maximum of €1,200, still apply. From 2027, according to the government draft, it will be 15% and up to €900. In Austria, no: the subsidy scheme has been closed since 28 February 2026, and no successor has been announced.

There is no separate application. You enter the labour costs in your income tax return, in the section for household-related expenses. Requirements are an invoice with the labour portion stated separately and payment by bank transfer.

In Germany: wages, travel costs, and machine costs, but not materials. In Austria, only the pure labour costs excluding VAT applied, at least €250. Our quotations state the labour portion separately.

In Germany, yes, if they commission and pay for the work themselves in their own household. Work charged by the landlord via service charges can also be partially deductible if the statement specifies them.

In Germany, not for the same measure: if the care fund subsidises something or the KfW supports it with a low-interest loan, it is excluded from the tax bonus, even the part not covered by the subsidy. Other work that is not subsidised remains deductible at your own expense.

They will continue to be processed and paid out. New applications and corrections have not been possible since 28 February 2026, and subsequent submissions since 30 April 2026. The federal funding office can provide information on the status of an application.

The federal states subsidise age-appropriate or barrier-free renovations. In Vienna, from the age of 60, 50% up to €7,500, with care allowance from level 3 or proof of disability 75% up to €11,250. Styria pays 30% of eligible costs.

Continue to tax and subsidies

Deduct bathroom renovation from tax

Germany: calculator, year-end changes, and all special cases.

Subsidy for bathroom renovation in Vienna

50% up to €7,500, with care allowance from level 3 even 75% up to €11,250.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

Prices according to bathroom size and features, with price calculator.

bazuba — all locations
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473 real customer reviews
Sources: Google (292) Herold (181)

„On the recommendation of a friend, we got in touch with bazuba Rostock for our bathroom renovation. Since it’s a rental apartment, there were quite a few things to consider with the landlord/owner’s approval, but we were able to implement many individual wishes at our own expense. The initial contact was very pleasant, and first, an assessment was made, and of course, the initial ideas and wishes for the project were recorded. The basic task was to transform the over 20-year-old tiled bathroom with an old bathtub into a modern seamless bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. The company’s showroom had quite a few displays, where we could get our first personal impressions. Then we put together the rest from the catalogs, and we also relied on the advice and recommendations of the boss there, who contributed some great ideas. Then we received an offer with a 3D visualization of the finished bathroom. This allowed us to work very well together with the owner and bazuba on the details and arrive at a final result. The correspondence between bazuba and the owner also went very smoothly, and we were very well informed about delivery times, construction times, and the entire process up to the finished bathroom. We helped set up the construction site by covering the floor and cabinets, and the company’s employees were very friendly and informative about the work steps. We hardly had to ask anything because every morning we were informed about what would happen that day until quitting time. The announced construction time was even undercut by 2 days because everything really fit together, and the trades worked hand in hand. The handover and the finished result, including explanations of all the components, care instructions, and warranties, worked wonderfully and were presented to us very transparently. All in all, we are very satisfied with the result, and for the small space available, it almost feels like being in a good hotel when you step into the shower in the morning 😉 I can definitely recommend bazuba Rostock and am happy to show some before-and-after pictures. It’s not decorated or furnished yet, but it’s about the raw result."

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Marco S.
Rostock · Google

„Complete renovation of bathroom and WC — After weeks of searching online for a company that could take on our project (complete renovation of bathroom and WC), we came across bazuba. Although all customer reviews pointed to an outstanding company, we still felt the need to visit the company location in Guntramsdorf in person first. But from that moment on, it was clear to us that only this company was suitable for our project. The exceptionally warm, competent, polite, friendly, and patient team immediately convinced us. From then on, everything went very quickly. We arranged an inspection appointment with Mr. Weninger. The inspection, consultation, measuring, and addressing special requests all took place in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The gentleman was very patient and really took a lot of time for us, only leaving once even the smallest detail was clarified. After the very detailed offer and placing the order, the renovation work began punctually on the agreed date. From here on, I have to keep it short, otherwise I would need two more pages. ALL involved, whether subcontractors or the truly outstanding bazuba specialists, carried out their tasks so competently, punctually, cleanly, almost dust-free, quickly, friendly, politely, courteously, professionally, precisely, and expertly that words almost fail me. The continuous support and (after)care of my project are also worth highlighting. After completing the very extensive work, I now have two real gems (bathroom and WC), and I find myself spending much more time there than really necessary. The conclusion of a highly satisfied and enthusiastic customer: the best 10-star company I have ever dealt with. I have recommended and will always recommend bazuba."

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werner.lissa
Guntramsdorf · Herold

„Everything just fits perfectly! :o) — We had our roughly 50-year-old bathroom and the equally old toilet renovated by bazuba, and also had the shower in the second bathroom modernized. From the very first (phone) contact, we had a good feeling. Bathroom planner Raffael came to our home and went through the various measures with us, advising us well and being very patient. We were also able to discuss the price well with him, and in the end, he made us an offer that we were very happy with. We had also obtained quotes from competitors, which were significantly more expensive — we’re talking +50% and more. The implementation then went perfectly. First came the dismantling team, then the electricians, the plasterers/floor layers, and finally the assembly team. Overall, the work took almost three weeks, but that was agreed upon in advance and was therefore fine. All workers always arrived as scheduled, were very friendly, explained a lot to us, and did a great job. We were also very grateful that they pointed out some possible/necessary improvements to us. Spontaneous change requests on our part were received and implemented kindly. At the same time, planner Raffael and project manager Anel were always reachable for us and responded quickly to our questions. The result speaks for itself: from old-fashioned, dark rooms with very worn installations, we now have friendly, modern wet rooms that you enjoy entering again. The planning concept was implemented 100% in reality and at what we believe is a really fair price. No hassle with the craftsmen, quite the opposite — it was a pleasure, and we can warmly recommend the entire bazuba team."

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Harry B.
Guntramsdorf · Herold

„Everything just fits perfectly! :o) We had bazuba renovate our roughly 50-year-old bathroom and the equally old toilet, and also modernize the shower in the second bathroom. From the very first (phone) contact, we had a good feeling. Bathroom planner Raffael came to our home and went through the various steps with us, giving us good advice and showing a lot of patience. We were also able to talk openly about the price, and in the end he gave us an offer we were very happy with. We had also gotten quotes from competitors, which were noticeably more expensive—we’re talking +50% or more. The implementation then went perfectly. First came the demolition team, then the electricians, the plasterers/floor layers, and finally the installation team. Overall, the work took almost three weeks, but that was agreed on beforehand and so was fine. All the workers always arrived as scheduled, were very friendly, explained a lot to us, and did a great job. We were also very grateful that they pointed out some possible/necessary improvements. Our spontaneous change requests were welcomed and carried out. At the same time, planner Raffael and project manager Anel were always reachable and responded quickly to our questions. The result speaks for itself: from old-fashioned, dark rooms with very worn installations, we now have bright, modern wet rooms that you enjoy entering again. The planning concept was implemented 100% in reality and at what we think is a really fair price. No trouble with the craftsmen at all—in fact, it was a pleasure, and we can warmly recommend the entire bazuba team."

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Hans G.
Guntramsdorf · Google

„Due to water damage in 2023 and subsequent repair work by a specialist company, we were then looking for a company to get our bathroom back in shape. This turned out to be not so easy; local companies either declined due to lack of time or didn’t show up despite appointments. Through internet research, we came across bazuba in Karlsruhe. We quickly had a first appointment with Mr. Glutsch. He arrived on time at our place, listened to our ideas about remodeling the bathroom, and shared his professional knowledge and comments. He took measurements, made notes, and promised to prepare an offer, which arrived in the shortest time. Due to several work appointments with bazuba, he already told us in advance that the work would be delayed and we should expect a date in March/April. But that didn’t matter to us in the end, since thanks to the preliminary work of the renovation company, we could still use our 30-year-old bathroom. When choosing the ceramics and the walk-in shower, we were with Mr. Glutsch at C.Ufer in KA (top advice!). In April, the work started on our partially renovated bathroom. After about 2 weeks, we could fully use our new bathroom; for the shower enclosure, we had to make do with a temporary solution, which was replaced after 5 weeks by a glass partition from Kermi. All in all, we were very impressed by the support and advice from bazuba (special thanks to Mr. Glutsch). A big compliment to the two skilled workers responsible for the work!! Without a doubt, 5 stars for bazuba."

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Peter G.
Karlsruhe · Google

„Good decision! — We chose BAZUBA because of a report on an online portal... and we have no regrets! Our wishes were discussed and planned in the showroom with an incredible amount of patience. Even changes and special requests before the renovation started were implemented quickly and easily. The entire construction team also deserves mention – everyone was without exception polite and friendly. I especially want to mention Mr. Robert, who brightened every one of our site visits with his good mood. In hindsight, we can now list the following reasons why we recommend BAZUBA to everyone: 1.) The price – All other quotes were about 25% higher than BAZUBA’s. 2.) The team – As already mentioned, patience and friendliness are top priorities here. 3.) The planning – None of our wishes were considered impossible. Even special requests were gladly fulfilled. 4.) The working time – A conventional renovation would have taken at least 4 weeks and the whole house would have been dusty. BAZUBA finished on schedule in 2 weeks. 5.) The quality – Nothing wobbles, nothing is scratched. The bathtub looks like new. The walls are flawless. Every joint fits perfectly. 6.) The look – We chose a seamless bathroom. Compared to tiles, our bathroom now feels much friendlier and warmer. 7.) The warranty! All in all, we are satisfied customers and would have our bathroom renovated by BAZUBA again anytime."

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Christopher
Guntramsdorf · Herold

„Perfect! Absolutely recommend. — Tub out and shower in! From start to finish, we can only give the highest praise. The consultant, Mr. Raffael Weninger, gave us excellent advice at home. He took our needs into account and came up with a perfect plan for us with his great ideas. The craftsmen also deserve the highest praise. They were extremely careful to avoid dust and dirt, which is not easy with this kind of work. The first two days, two careful installers took on their responsible tasks. After all, all newly laid water pipes and drains have to be completely sealed. The third and fourth days belonged to the quick gentlemen Jànos and Gàbor, who were able to complete this partial renovation on time — without taking a break! It must be said that all "our" four craftsmen are extremely friendly and hardworking. Otherwise, our project would not have been completed perfectly in this relatively short time. On the third day, the company owner visited us, checked on the progress, and asked about our satisfaction so far. That builds trust. Now we enjoy our new shower pleasure every day! We gladly recommend this company with its great employees. Warm regards! Christian & Sylvia Karner"

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Christian K.
Guntramsdorf · Herold

Would you like to have your bathroom renovated?

We will inspect your bathroom free of charge and provide a fixed price after the visit, with the labour costs listed separately. Prefer to call? Free from Germany at 0800 90 44 2000, from Austria on 0800 66 55 36.

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