RSa Letter
An RSa letter (return receipt letter a) is an official document that may be served to the recipient in person or to a person holding a postal power of attorney. Substitute delivery to co-residents, relatives or employees without such authority is not permitted. RSa letters generally contain decisions subject to a deadline.
Explanation
RSa letters are the strictest form of official service in Austria. They are used for particularly important documents, such as penalty notices, enforcement titles or certain court orders. The person delivering hands the letter to the recipient in person or to a deposited postal proxy. If the item bears the note "Not to postal proxies", only personal handover to the recipient is possible. If no authorised person is present, a second attempt at service is made. If this also fails, the letter is deposited at the post office and deemed service takes effect.
Why does this matter?
RSa letters may only be accepted by the recipient in person or by a person holding a postal power of attorney, not by substitute recipients without such authority. Entrepreneurs must therefore ensure that an authorised person is reachable at their business address or that they respond to deposit notifications in good time. With a virtual office address you are informed of the attempted service.
Legal basis
Section 21 ZustG (Service of Documents Act), Section 13 ZustG (personal service)
Relation to Postservice.at
With Premium, we collect RSa and RSb mail held at the post office using a postal authorisation. With Basic and Plus, we receive the collection notices; you collect the mail from the post office yourself. Items marked “Nicht an Postbevollmächtigte” must be collected by you in person.
Frequently asked questions
Can Postservice.at accept RSa letters?
With Premium, we collect RSa and RSb mail held at the post office using a postal authorisation. With Basic and Plus, we receive the collection notices; you collect the mail from the post office yourself. Items marked “Nicht an Postbevollmächtigte” must be collected by you in person.
What is the difference between RSa and RSb?
RSa letters may be handed to the recipient in person or to a person holding a postal power of attorney, but not to substitute recipients without such authority. RSb letters may also be handed to other persons present at the place of delivery. In the Premium package, RSb letters can be accepted by Postservice.at.
Related terms
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