Registrierkassenpaket 2026: Higher Thresholds and the Digital Till Receipt

What is the Registrierkassenpaket 2026?

On 10 December 2025, the Nationalrat (Austria's National Council) passed the Registrierkassenpaket (cash register package), a set of measures covering the cash register obligation and the Belegerteilungspflicht (receipt-issuing obligation). It comes into force in two stages: since 1 January 2026, higher turnover thresholds have applied to open-air sales – and from 1 October 2026, the till receipt may be offered in purely digital form for the first time. Here is a summary of what this means for your business.

Since 1 January 2026: higher turnover thresholds for open-air sales

The annual turnover threshold under the so-called Kalte-Hände-Regelung ('cold hands' rule for open-air sales, e.g. market stalls or mobile sales vans) has been raised from a net 30,000 to 45,000 euros – the same applies to alpine, mountain and refuge huts, Buschenschanken (traditional wine taverns) and small club canteens. Up to this threshold, the individual record-keeping, cash register and receipt-issuing obligations no longer apply, in favour of simplified daily takings assessment. All thresholds and exemptions in detail: Turnover thresholds and exemptions from the cash register obligation.

From 1 October 2026: the digital till receipt

The real innovation in the package: from October 2026, the Belegerteilungspflicht also counts as fulfilled when the receipt is provided digitally – with no amount limit at all. Three variants are envisaged:

• QR code on the customer display: the customer scans the code and receives the receipt straight on their smartphone.
• Link by email or SMS: the receipt is sent to the address or number provided.
• Customer app: larger retailers can deliver the receipt directly into their own app.

Important: the paper receipt is not being abolished. Customers keep the choice – anyone who wants a printed receipt will still get one. For businesses, the digital variant is an option, not an obligation.

What does this mean for your POS system?

Whether your till supports the digital receipt depends on the system. With older, fixed-installation systems, an update from the manufacturer or, in individual cases, a hardware swap may be needed. With Lonio, the digital receipt is already standard today – even before the statutory rules come into force:

• Scan the QR code, done: customers receive the receipt paperlessly on their own device – and keep it permanently available.
• PDF download at any time: the receipt can be downloaded as a PDF at any time.
• 38 languages: the receipt view is available in 38 languages; the download is provided in the business's default language, e.g. German.
• In the look of your shop: the receipt and receipt page can be fully adapted to your own branding.

Regulatory changes such as the detailed requirements taking effect from October 2026 are delivered by Lonio as a software update during live operation – with no new hardware purchase and no technician visit. The foundation remains the RKSV-compliant cash register.

How to prepare

• Check whether your POS system receives software updates automatically and at no extra cost.
• Clarify with your provider whether your customer display and receipt printing will support the digital receipt from October 2026.
• Follow the official BMF/WKO announcements – details of the technical implementation are being refined on an ongoing basis.
• Make use of the higher thresholds in place since January 2026 if your business falls under the Kalte-Hände-Regelung – see the linked guide for details.

Conclusion

The Registrierkassenpaket 2026 brings tangible relief: higher thresholds for open-air sales since January and the digital till receipt from October. Lonio businesses are ready today – the paperless receipt with QR code, PDF download and 38 languages is already part of the system. To get your till ready to go in RKSV-compliant form, see our step-by-step guide to registering with FinanzOnline.

Do I have to offer digital receipts from October 2026?

No. The digital receipt is an additional option, not an obligation – the Belegerteilungspflicht itself remains in place; only the form becomes more flexible.

Will paper receipts still be allowed?

Yes. Customers keep the choice between paper and the digital variant; on request, it must still be possible to print the receipt.

What changed on 1 January 2026?

The annual turnover threshold for open-air sales (Kalte-Hände-Regelung), as well as for huts, Buschenschanken and small club canteens, rose from a net 30,000 to 45,000 euros.

Does my business need a new till for this?

Not with Lonio: the digital receipt is already included, and regulatory changes arrive as an automatic software update. With other systems, it is best to clarify this with your provider.

Does Lonio already offer the digital receipt?

Yes. Customers scan a QR code and always have the receipt with them paperlessly – with PDF download and a receipt view in 38 languages, customisable in the look of your shop.

Sources: USP – Digital receipt instead of a till slip · WKO – Registrierkassenpaket: the digital till receipt · WKO – Cash register and receipt-issuing obligations (as at 1 January 2026)

Note: This article is for general information purposes and is no substitute for legal or tax advice. For your company's specific situation, please contact your tax adviser.