You may have heard of the Beitragsservice (ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio) in Germany, but what exactly is it? The Beitragsservice (also known as Radio Tax) refers to the organization that collects and distributes royalties, as well as the payments themselves.
Since the year 1995, all German residents have been required to pay the radio tax to support the public radio stations in Germany. While this may sound like just another German bureaucratic hassle, it actually offers a range of interesting services like news, sports, entertainment to people who live in Germany. If you are planning on staying or moving to Germany and would like to know what exactly Beitragsservice is and how you can benefit from it, then this guide will show you everything you need to know about the Beitragsservice.
2. How much is the Radio Tax?
3. Who Should Pay?
4. Is it mandatory to pay Rundfunkbeitrag?
5. How to Register?
6. How to Pay Radio Tax?
7. How to de register while Leaving Germany?
8. What are the consequences of failing to pay the radio tax?
9. Final Thoughts
Alert: Please keep in mind that the Beitragsservice (Broadcasting service) does not send out payment requests or reminders through email.
What is Radio Tax?
The Radio Tax is a broadcasting tax that ensures financing of public-service radio and television programs as well as promotion of German language and culture.
How much is the Radio Tax?
In general, people above the age of 18 must pay the radio tax. As of 2020, the current fee for private households is 18.36 euros per month, regardless of the number of people living in the Household.
Who Should Pay?
As per the Judgement every resident must pay the Radio Tax who owns a radio receiver whether it’s used or not. This means that even people who don’t listen to any radio programs have to pay, too!
Is it mandatory to pay Rundfunkbeitrag?
Yes. The Rundfunkbeitrag was introduced in 2013, and if you live in Germany you’re required to pay it (unless your income is below a certain threshold, although there are also exceptions for students). This applies even if you don’t have a TV at home or use any other services of Beitragsservice von ARD, ZDF und Deutschlandradio (the organization behind collecting the fee) except broadcasting.
How to Register?
If you do city registration after moving to a new apartment, you will receive the Radio Tax registration form shortly. If you do not get it, you may fill out the form and mail it to Beitragsservice, or you can register online.
Sample: How to Fill Radio Tax Registration Form to Register?
If you do city registration after moving to a new apartment, you will receive the Radio Tax registration form shortly. If you do not get it, you may fill out the form and mail it to Beitragsservice, or you can register online.
Radio Tax Registration Form for New Apartment, Source: Rundfunkbeitrag.de
Sample: How To Fill Online Application Form?
Do you want to register for the broadcasting fee for the first time? Please fill out this application online.
Radio Tax Registration Form for New Apartment, Source: Rundfunkbeitrag.de
How to Pay Radio Tax?
SEPA Direct Debit: You can pay by bank direct debit, which means the Radio Tax will be deducted from your account on a quarterly basis. This option is available by filling out an online or PDF form.
Bank Transfer: You can also transfer the contribution on a monthly basis. During the transfer, be sure to specify your “Reference Number”. The necessary bank information for the transfer can be found here.
How to de register while Leaving Germany?
If you are leaving Germany, you must deregister from the Beitragsservice. You may submit your de-registration request online by providing the necessary evidence.
The consequences of failing to pay the radio tax.
If you do not pay the Radio tax by the due date, you may be subject to a late payment penalty. Even additional delay might result in legal implications, such as a lawyer’s warning letter with a large penalty.
Final Thoughts
Since I’ve been a resident of Germany for the last eight years, I’d say there’s no way to dodge paying the radio tax. To strengthen my German language skills, I use Beitragsservice (ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradiohigh-quality )’s service. So, if you want to live a stress-free life in Germany, I recommend paying your radio fees on time.
Affiliate links may be included in this content. If you use these links to make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us in running this website.
Disclaimer: The content and information on this website are provided only for general information purposes. You should not use the content or information on this website to make any commercial, legal, or other decisions.
If you find this information helpful, please consider buying me a Coffee to support our website.
1 Comment
Ram Kumar
Hi,
I am living in Germany since 6 months, still now i did not receive any letter regarding Radio Tax. What should i do?