Payroll SaaS

Payroll Software in Austria

Available in German

Our Payroll Platform in Austria Supports You With

SEPA Payments
Generate Standard, Statutory and Year-End Reports

Statutory Filings
Custom API Integrations

Dive deeper into Austria

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Written by Global Payroll Team

Published on August 27, 2026

Last updated August 27, 2026

Expert Reviewed

Payroll Software in Austria

Mercans Payroll Software is a trusted solution for efficient, compliant, and streamlined payroll management in Austria. Designed to address the practical needs of Austrian payroll, our software helps employers manage payroll processing, submissions, deductions, and employee payments with confidence.

Mercans Payroll Software is an all-in-one native SaaS solution for complete digitalization of your payroll process. Supporting businesses across more than 160 countries, it is designed for organizations of all sizes, from single entities to global conglomerates. Its scalable architecture and seamless integration across modules enhance the user experience with an intuitive interface that is both simple and effective.

Trusted the world over

Aligned with Austrian Payroll Regulations

Finanzamt Österreich & ÖGK

Our payroll software for Austria is designed in alignment with Austrian statutory payroll reporting requirements and employer obligations involving authorities such as Finanzamt Österreich and the ÖGK. Built to support established payroll reporting standards, the platform helps businesses navigate Austrian payroll processes with confidence, reducing compliance risk and supporting accurate wage tax and social insurance filings.

Why Choose Mercans

Native SaaS and payroll platform
Trusted by Fortune Global 500 companies and multinationals
Manage all employment types – employees, freelancers, contractors, expats
More than 100 inbound and outbound integrations are available today
Suitable for enterprise businesses
GDPR aligned, SOC 1 & SOC 2 compliant
Supports multiple currencies
ISO 20000 & ISO 27001 Certified
Global presence and multi-country payroll capabilities
OWASP ASVS aligned

Payroll Software Modules

Mercans Payroll Software offers managers and employees a powerful and intuitive online portal designed to streamline and enhance your HR and payroll activities.

Our advanced software modules are equipped with functionality to support efficiency, compliance, and a superior user experience. Learn about them here:

Manager Self Service

Empowers managers to handle HR tasks, including approvals, performance tracking, and employee management, directly from the platform.

Employee Self Service

Provides employees with direct access to their personal information, payroll details, and other HR resources, enhancing transparency and convenience.

Employee Help Desk

Offers a centralized support system for employees to address payroll and HR-related queries, ensuring quick resolution and improved satisfaction.

Data Exchange

Facilitates seamless integration with other systems and platforms through robust data exchange capabilities, streamlining data management and reducing errors.

eDrive and Workflows

Automates and streamlines HR processes with configurable workflows and document management, improving efficiency and compliance.

Time & Attendance

Tracks employee work hours, attendance, and productivity with precision, integrating seamlessly with payroll calculations.

Leave Management

Manages various types of employee leave, including vacation, sick leave, and other absences, with automated approval workflows and accurate tracking.

Loans & Expenses

Handles employee loans and expense claims, ensuring accurate processing and integration with payroll for seamless financial management.

Features of Payroll Software in Austria

Collective Bargaining Agreements (Kollektivvertrag)

Our payroll software supports Austria’s collective bargaining system, where the vast majority of employment relationships are governed by sector-specific Kollektivverträge. It can be configured for sector-specific arrangements and tailored employment terms, helping employers manage payroll in line with applicable Austrian labour requirements and Kollektivvertrag provisions.

SEPA Payments

Mercans Payroll Software for Austria supports processing payments in accordance with Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) formats and standards. It supports payroll payment workflows using IBAN-based payment processing and SEPA-compliant file handling.

You have two options:

Option1

Send generated SEPA payment details from Mercans Payroll Software to Mercans Gateway. The Financial Gateway will then handle the dispatch of payments to banks, supporting SEPA compliant processing.

Option2

Prepare and process salary and payroll tax payments directly through your bank from within Mercans, without the need to download a SEPA file.

Mercans facilitates both options to accommodate your payment processing needs efficiently.

Payroll Reporting

Mercans Payroll Software supports accurate and timely payroll data submission for Austrian employer reporting obligations. It supports payslip generation, retroactive adjustments, special pay runs, ELDA workflows, and the generation of payroll data files aligned with Austrian filing formats and specifications.

Earnings and Deductions Calculation

Earnings: Global Payroll for Austria allows you to define and manage various types of earnings. This includes base salary components, such as frequency-based salaries and the statutory 13th and 14th month payments (Urlaubsgeld and Weihnachtsgeld), regular earnings including allowances, and incidental earnings such as bonuses and overtime.
Deductions: The software also supports the definition and processing of different types of deductions. Regular deductions can include pension contributions and other configured payroll deductions, while incidental deductions include salary advances, loans, and garnishments.

Taxes

Tax Calculation for Regular and Non-Regular Payments

Regular payments include base salary, hourly wages, and overtime pay. Non-regular payments can include bonuses, commissions, retroactive pay, severance pay, and sick pay, depending on the payroll situation.

Sechstel | Specific Calculations and Reporting

Our payroll software supports Austria’s favourable “Sechstel” tax treatment for the statutory 13th and 14th month payments, subject to the applicable statutory limits and conditions.

Advantage Rule

The system supports Austrian payroll tax calculations for different types of earnings and deductions. If the applicable payroll calculation method requires special treatment for regular and non-regular earnings, this can be reflected in payroll results and payslip logic as configured.

Wage Declarations

In Austria, wage declaration is essential for employers to report payroll details through ELDA. This includes employee data, payroll tax information, and social insurance data, submitted in the required digital format. Mercans payroll software helps automate calculations, generate compliant reports, support electronic submission, detect errors, and manage return messages.

Payroll Tax Return

Mercans payroll software for Austria supports the wage tax filing process, helping employers meet the obligation to file monthly with Finanzamt Österreich, in line with the reporting arrangement assigned to the employer.

Mercans payroll software for Austria efficiently manages and processes various aspects of social security. This encompasses

Social Insurance Registration

Mandatory registration (Anmeldung) of employees with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) before they start work, and de-registration (Abmeldung) when employment ends.

Contribution Calculation

Calculation of employer and employee social security contributions covering health, pension, unemployment, and accident insurance.

Contribution Ceiling

Application of the statutory monthly contribution ceiling (Höchstbeitragsgrundlage), above which no further social security contributions are due on earnings.

Marginal Earners Threshold

Correct treatment of employees earning below the marginal earnings threshold (Geringfügigkeitsgrenze), who are subject to different social security rules.

Reporting

Integration of social security contributions into monthly ELDA filings and generation of the reports required by Austrian social insurance carriers.

Mercans payroll software for Austria provides comprehensive tools for managing various types of employee absences

Annual Leave (Urlaub)

Administration of the statutory minimum annual leave entitlement, which increases with an employee’s length of service.

Continued Payment During Illness

Tracking of sick leave and continued salary payment periods (Entgeltfortzahlung), which vary depending on the employee’s tenure with the employer.

Maternity Protection

Management of the statutory maternity protection periods (Mutterschutz) before and after birth, including the absolute prohibition on employment during this time.

Parental Leave

Administration of parental leave entitlements (Elternkarenz) and the associated notice and documentation requirements.

Care Leave

Tracking of short-term care leave entitlements (Pflegefreistellung) for employees caring for a sick close relative or child.

Overtime Pay Calculation

Our system calculates overtime based on the surcharge rates set out in the applicable Kollektivvertrag, typically 50%, 100%, or higher rates for Sundays, holidays, and night work.

Bank Integration

Global Payroll for Austria integrates with Austrian banking workflows to support secure and efficient payroll processing by automating payment data and minimizing errors.

Payment Files

The software generates and stores necessary payment files in formats required by Austrian banks and payroll payment workflows. This includes files for SEPA Credit Transfers, wage tax payments, social security contributions, and other deductions and benefits.

13th & 14th Month Salary

Automated calculation and payment of the statutory 13th (Urlaubsgeld) and 14th (Weihnachtsgeld) month salary payments (Sonderzahlungen) in line with the applicable Kollektivvertrag.

Reporting

Generation of the payment and reporting files required for Finanzamt Österreich and ÖGK submissions.

Payroll Workflows

Streamlines payroll processes with automated workflows tailored to the needs of Austrian businesses, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Social Security

Mercans payroll software for Austria efficiently manages and processes various aspects of social security. This encompasses

Social Insurance Registration

Mandatory registration (Anmeldung) of employees with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) before they start work, and de-registration (Abmeldung) when employment ends.

Contribution Calculation

Calculation of employer and employee social security contributions covering health, pension, unemployment, and accident insurance.

Contribution Ceiling

Application of the statutory monthly contribution ceiling (Höchstbeitragsgrundlage), above which no further social security contributions are due on earnings.

Marginal Earners Threshold

Correct treatment of employees earning below the marginal earnings threshold (Geringfügigkeitsgrenze), who are subject to different social security rules.

Reporting

Integration of social security contributions into monthly ELDA filings and generation of the reports required by Austrian social insurance carriers.

Absence Management

Mercans payroll software for Austria provides comprehensive tools for managing various types of employee absences

Annual Leave (Urlaub)

Administration of the statutory minimum annual leave entitlement, which increases with an employee’s length of service.

Continued Payment During Illness

Tracking of sick leave and continued salary payment periods (Entgeltfortzahlung), which vary depending on the employee’s tenure with the employer.

Maternity Protection

Management of the statutory maternity protection periods (Mutterschutz) before and after birth, including the absolute prohibition on employment during this time.

Parental Leave

Administration of parental leave entitlements (Elternkarenz) and the associated notice and documentation requirements.

Care Leave

Tracking of short-term care leave entitlements (Pflegefreistellung) for employees caring for a sick close relative or child.

Overtime, Bank and Payment

Overtime Pay Calculation

Our system calculates overtime based on the surcharge rates set out in the applicable Kollektivvertrag, typically 50%, 100%, or higher rates for Sundays, holidays, and night work.

Bank Integration

Global Payroll for Austria integrates with Austrian banking workflows to support secure and efficient payroll processing by automating payment data and minimizing errors.

Payment Files

13th & 14th Month Salary

Automated calculation and payment of the statutory 13th (Urlaubsgeld) and 14th (Weihnachtsgeld) month salary payments (Sonderzahlungen) in line with the applicable Kollektivvertrag.

Reporting

Generation of the payment and reporting files required for Finanzamt Österreich and ÖGK submissions.

Payroll Workflows

Streamlines payroll processes with automated workflows tailored to the needs of Austrian businesses, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Payroll Implementation

Mercans’ standard payroll implementation process for Austria is designed to ensure a smooth transition to our payroll system. This process is customized to meet the specific needs of each client, with timelines and deliverables varying based on complexity, data availability, and the number of parallel runs required. Below is an overview of the key steps involved in our implementation process.

Implementation Planning

Assign resources and define roles for the project. Conduct a kick-off meeting to outline objectives and confirm scope. Develop a detailed implementation calendar and plan. Provide a welcome package with project details and contacts. Schedule weekly update calls or emails to monitor progress. Obtain sign-off on the project scope.

Requirements Gathering

Hold workshops to understand client needs and document them. Complete business blueprinting to detail requirements and perform a gap analysis. Define and document any customization needs. Obtain sign-off on requirements to ensure they meet client expectations. Establish a comprehensive list of payroll-specific requirements.

System Configuration

Set up configurations tailored to Austrian payroll requirements. Customize the wage type catalog for relevant pay components. Configure data dictionaries and necessary interfaces for data integration. Adapt reports to meet Austrian regulatory standards. Set up Employee Self-Service (ESS) and Manager Self-Service (MSS) features.

Data Migration

Migrate employee and payroll master data and confirm its accuracy. Obtain sign-off on the migrated data to ensure correctness. Verify data integrity and completeness before proceeding with further steps.

Test Payroll Run

Run simulation payrolls to validate system configurations and perform parallel runs with existing systems. Complete test run sign-offs to confirm accuracy and execute end-to-end testing. Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) and address any issues found.

Payroll Management Transition & Sign-off

Develop a transition plan for moving to live payroll and provide training for users. Implement a hypercare plan for post-go-live support and an escalation plan for critical issues. Create a fallback plan for potential disruptions and complete a go-live checklist for final sign-off.

Payroll Integration

Mercans Global stands out with its extensive reach and robust integration capabilities. Operating across more than 160 countries, Mercans supports connections with payroll, tax, HR, finance, banking, and compliance ecosystems to help employers maintain efficient payroll operations in Austria.

Recognised Trust Sources

Finanzamt Österreich & ÖGK

Mercans’ integration capabilities are designed to support Austrian payroll reporting processes and secure data exchange with connected systems, reflecting our commitment to global standards and best practices.

Integration with HCM/ HRMS/ Workforce management platforms

Mercans’ Payroll Software integrates seamlessly with most HCM and payroll software, creating a unified experience between HR administration and payroll processing. Through the Employee Self Service (ESS) feature, employees can directly handle their payroll tasks, such as submitting worked hours or declarations. Once approved, these entries are processed within the payroll system. This efficient integration reduces errors and enhances productivity for both employees and HR administrators.

Custom API Integrations

Mercans provides custom API integrations across diverse industries, including hospitality, catering, theme parks, transport, sports, construction, healthcare, events, promotional sectors, greenhouse horticulture, and fresh produce.

Xero Integration

Integrate Mercans payroll with Xero to sync data, automate HR tasks, and streamline processes. Save time, reduce errors, and focus more on growing your business.

Payroll Reports – Standard, Statutory and Year-End Reports

Mercans’ payroll software is equipped to generate a comprehensive range of reports to support both standard and statutory requirements. These reports provide transparency, accuracy, and ease of integration with financial and regulatory systems.

Mercans Standard Reports

Report	Description
Gross to Net Report	Details employee earnings, taxable wages, employee deductions, employer costs and net pay for each payroll run in Austria.
Payslip (Lohnzettel)	Generates individual payslips showing gross pay, allowances, deductions, Lohnsteuer, social insurance and net pay.
Payroll Register	Provides the employee payroll register used to support Austrian payroll administration and the calculation of wage tax and contributions.
Wage Tax Filing	Produces the payroll tax reporting data required for submission of wage tax and employee insurance information via FinanzOnline.
Annual Wage Statement (L16)	Generates the annual wage statement for each employee, summarizing taxable wages, wage tax withheld and other year-end totals.
Bank File (SEPA)	Creates a SEPA-compatible salary payment file according to client or bank specifications for payroll disbursement.

Statutory Standard Reports

Report	Local Name	Frequency	Description
Wage Tax Filing	Lohnsteueranmeldung	Monthly	Statutory wage tax filing submitted to Finanzamt Österreich, including national insurance contributions and income-related data.
Social Insurance Reporting	ELDA-Meldung	Monthly / per event	Statutory registration and contribution reporting submitted to the ÖGK via ELDA.
Payroll Register	Lohnkonto	Per payroll period / annual	Statutory payroll administration record used to support wage tax, social security and payroll reporting calculations for each employee.
Annual Wage Statement	Lohnzettel (L16)	Annually	Annual employee statement showing taxable wages, withheld wage taxes and other required year-end payroll totals.

Year-End Reports

Report	Local Name	Frequency	Description
Annual Wage Statement	Lohnzettel (L16)	Annually	Annual employee statement summarizing taxable wages, withheld wage taxes and other required year-end payroll totals for tax reporting purposes.

These detailed reports are designed to support statutory and regulatory requirements, helping ensure efficient payroll management and accurate compliance.

Benefits of Payroll Software

Mercans offers a powerful payroll solution that optimizes payroll administration and HR processes. Here’s how our software benefits your organization:

Streamlined Payroll Processing
Additional Key Features

No External Dependency

Manage payroll directly through our application, eliminating the need for third-party processors.

Integrated HR and Leave Management

Handle payroll, HR tasks, and employee leave requests within one platform, simplifying administrative duties.

Reduced Manual Work

Automate routine tasks to minimize errors and ensure accurate payroll processing.

Customization

Personalize workflows to meet your specific business needs, enhancing efficiency.

Time Savings

Redirect time saved from automation to more strategic activities.

Seamless Integrations

Connect effortlessly with systems and leading HR platforms like SAP Success Factors, Workday, and Oracle for a unified workflow.

Centralized Data Management

Consolidate employee data in one place for easy access, updates, and analysis.

Employee Access

Empower employees with 24/7 access to their personal files.

Mercans’ payroll software provides a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly solution, streamlining payroll processes and allowing you to focus on your most valuable asset, your people.

24/7 Access

Access payroll data anytime and from any location.

Transparent Pricing

Benefit from a fixed monthly fee plus a per-employee charge with no hidden costs.

Dedicated Support

Get expert assistance and advice to maximize the software’s benefits.

Secure Data Management

Support data protection and integrity with secure online processing and controlled backup practices.

Compliance Assurance

Stay compliant with current fiscal and employment regulations through maintained payroll rules and updates.

Mercans’ payroll software provides a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly solution, streamlining payroll processes and allowing you to focus on your most valuable asset, your people.

Streamlined Payroll Processing

No External Dependency

Manage payroll directly through our application, eliminating the need for third-party processors.

Integrated HR and Leave Management

Handle payroll, HR tasks, and employee leave requests within one platform, simplifying administrative duties.

Reduced Manual Work

Automate routine tasks to minimize errors and ensure accurate payroll processing.

Customization

Personalize workflows to meet your specific business needs, enhancing efficiency.

Time Savings

Redirect time saved from automation to more strategic activities.

Seamless Integrations

Connect effortlessly with systems and leading HR platforms like SAP Success Factors, Workday, and Oracle for a unified workflow.

Centralized Data Management

Consolidate employee data in one place for easy access, updates, and analysis.

Employee Access

Empower employees with 24/7 access to their personal files.

Additional Key Features

24/7 Access

Access payroll data anytime and from any location.

Transparent Pricing

Benefit from a fixed monthly fee plus a per-employee charge with no hidden costs.

Dedicated Support

Get expert assistance and advice to maximize the software’s benefits.

Secure Data Management

Support data protection and integrity with secure online processing and controlled backup practices.

Compliance Assurance

Stay compliant with current fiscal and employment regulations through maintained payroll rules and updates.

This content was prepared for informational purposes only. As local laws & regulations keep on changing, please consult your tax & legal advisors.

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FAQs

What payroll functions should a SaaS platform support in Austria (e.g., gross to net salary calculation, payslip generation, wage tax, social security, and 13th/14th month salary)?

Mercans payroll software for Austria delivers end-to-end payroll processing including automated gross to net salary calculation, payslip (Lohnzettel) generation, wage tax (Lohnsteuer) deductions, ÖGK social security contributions, and the statutory 13th and 14th month salary payments, to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

How do payroll SaaS solutions ensure compliance with Austrian authorities (Finanzamt Österreich, ÖGK) and statutory reporting obligations?

Mercans supports compliance by keeping pace with Austrian payroll legislation updates and streamlining filings and reports to Finanzamt Österreich (via FinanzOnline) and the ÖGK (via ELDA). This helps reduce errors and ensures statutory obligations are met on time.

What employer registration and employee data are required (e.g. Firmenbuchnummer, ÖGK registration, Sozialversicherungsnummer) and how does payroll software assist with this?

Mercans automates the onboarding process by securely capturing and managing employer and employee data, including social insurance numbers, ÖGK registration (Anmeldung) details, and applicable tax declarations, ensuring accurate compliance from day one.

How does payroll software handle specific Austrian components like 13th/14th month salary (Urlaubsgeld & Weihnachtsgeld), the Sechstel tax rule, and Kollektivvertrag wage scales?

Mercans payroll software automatically calculates the statutory 13th and 14th month payments in line with Austrian law, applies the favourable Sechstel tax treatment where applicable, and integrates the correct Kollektivvertrag wage scales to ensure payroll accuracy and legal compliance.

Can payroll SaaS integrate with Austrian HR and ERP systems and support outsourcing or Employer of Record models?

Mercans offers robust integration capabilities with leading HR and ERP systems, supporting seamless payroll, HR management, and outsourcing models including Employer of Record, for full compliance and operational efficiency in Austria.