What is the Rundfunkbeitrag?

Broadcasting fee in Germany – ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice

The so-called Rundfunkgebühr means “broadcasting fee.” The broadcasting contribution fee finances public broadcasting companies in Germany, and according to the Interstate Broadcasting Corporation Agreement, they work on a public contract. The ARD ZDF Germany, radio contribution service, collects the broadcast contributions fee from all citizens. This license fee is a legally prescribed contribution for all citizens, companies, and institutions. The Broadcasting Corporation Service is an institution under public law, without legal capacity, of the federal states’ (ARD) public broadcasting channels, the Second German Television (ZDF) and Deutschlandradio.

If you have recently registered your residence in Germany, you should also register with the ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio Broadcasting Contribution Service. In order to register your home or place of business, there are various forms available that you can fill out online in German. If you want to take care of the registration in English, you can look around the internet for translated versions. The registration itself is free of charge. If you don’t want to pay the broadcasting fee, you can book deregistration.de’s service, and we’ll do it for you.

What is the GEZ?

GEZ is short for “Gebühreneinzugszentrale,” which means “broadcasting fee collecting agency.” The GEZ is now known as ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice. Because the new name is so long, people still refer to the broadcasting corporation as GEZ. Expats also call it “radio tax,” “broadcasting license,” or “state broadcasting contribution.” In England, they call their broadcasting service fee a “television license.”

Who must register with the broadcasting service GEZ?

Everybody over 18 who lives in the German states, no matter their nationality, must pay monthly broadcasting fees for this public broadcasting service. You must pay for public service broadcasting, even if you do not have a TV, Internet access, or a radio. If more than one person lives together in a shared apartment, the fee is only due once – one apartment – one contribution. Formally, everyone is required to pay the total amount. Nevertheless, the broadcasting fee is only due once per apartment. 

If a shared apartment flatmate is exempt from paying the broadcasting fee, for example, because they are receiving student loans or unemployment benefits, the roommates can’t benefit. So if more than one person is registered at the same address, and one flatmate is exempt from paying broadcasting fees, the other must still pay the total amount for the apartment. For married couples, it’s a bit different. If one partner is exempt from the broadcasting fee or only pays a reduced price, this privilege extends to their partner.

Do students need to pay broadcasting fees to the GEZ in Germany?

Students from EU member states and international students must submit proof of sufficient means (enough money) to stay in Germany. Therefore, a hardship exemption for the broadcasting fees is usually not possible. However, the broadcasting companies can exempt them from this obligation if they receive a study support benefit from their home country comparable to BAföG. Living in a shared apartment can lighten the load of paying the broadcasting corporation because you can then share the costs. 

Why should I pay broadcasting fees to GEZ?

Everyone registered in Germany must pay the broadcasting fee. Broadcasting companies use this money to produce public broadcast TV and radio programs. Examples of such programs are ARD, ZDF, and InfoRadio. They are meant to ensure unbiased news content for the citizens. And well, it’s the law.

How do I register for the Rundfunkbeitrag?

When registering with the Broadcasting Corporation (GEZ), you can visit the public broadcasting website at https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/. You can fill in your details online and set everything up. Unfortunately, this process is entirely in German. You can ask a German-speaking friend to help you. It is free of charge if you do it by yourself. You can contact deregistration.de and book our convenient package if you would like assistance. You can fill in your details on our website entirely in English. We’ll handle the rest. You’ll receive the confirmation details once your registration is completed. Then you’re set to go.

If you don’t speak German and need a little help, contact deregistration.de and book one of our free-of-cost Self Service packages. You can fill in your details in English on our website.

Fill out the form online – on our website.

How To Pay Rundfunkbeitrag?

For your payments, you can choose to use the SEPA-Lastschrift-Mandat. You give the GEZ/ Contribution Service permission to withdraw the dew payments directly from your account. This way, you’ll never forget to pay, saving you some time. You can choose to book your payment every three, six, or 12 months.

If you’re not comfortable with this procedure, you can pay independently. Previously, the GEZ would send out bills. However, they have changed this since 2022. From now on, every household will only receive one invoice per year. And you will need to pay this in full once you get it. If you want to pay every three months, you must remember to pay on your own. Set a reminder in your calendar. And if you lose the necessary bank details for the transfer, you can find them on the https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/ website.

What if you don’t register?

On a specified reporting date, all residents’ registration offices submit the registration data of all adults in Germany to the contribution service. In this course, anybody whose home had no record of a contribution account on the data matching day will be contacted. So they will find you if you forget to register. You will then receive a bill. Then you must pay for the previous months. Fees can add up quickly, so we don’t recommend this strategy. If you have not registered at GEZ yet, you better get it done now rather than later.

How to contact GEZ and update my details?

You can do this on the https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/ website online. Some have never updated their details upon moving. Yet always continue to pay. They usually find out about the move during the GEZ’s registration update and send me a letter. As long as you continue to pay, not much can go wrong. However, updating your information is the recommended and proper way to proceed. 

How to register an apartment under someone else’s Beitragsnummer?

When moving into an apartment for which someone else is already paying a broadcasting fee, you should terminate your account with the GEZ. You can do so online, in German, and you’ll need to provide the name and contributor’s number.

How much is the Broadcasting Fee?

Each German household pays 210 euros a year to the public broadcaster. For private homes, the current fee is 18.36 euros per month. You can choose between several payment rhythms. You can make a statutory payment in the middle of three months, a quarterly payment in advance to the first of a quarter, a semi-annually in advance payment on the first of each half-year, or the annual advance payment on the first of each year.

Further, you can decide whether to make each payment on your own or use direct debit. Direct debit can be more convenient and offers the most security to keep regular. Also, remember that the GEZ now only sends one bill yearly. If you forget to pay, you must make the whole payment once a year.

Exemption and reduction from GEZ

Persons suffering from severe physical limitations, such as deaf-blind people or those who receive blind aid, according to SGB (Social Security Code) XII, can apply for the exemption to the obligation to pay the license fee.
However, an exemption can also be granted if contributors receive certain social security benefits from the state, such as state-supported financial assistance for students known as BAföG or “Hartz 4” for the unemployed. You must apply for such an exemption in writing, valid only for one year. Then, you must reapply.

If you do not pay the broadcasting fee, these are the penalties you face.

What happens if you do not pay the GEZ invoices? 

Many people think the monthly broadcasting fee is very high and want to avoid paying it. Anyone who merely forgets to pay the broadcasting fee usually gets off lightly. Those who do not pay within four weeks only have to pay a late payment surcharge. The late payment surcharge is about one percent of the outstanding contribution debt but at least eight euros.

The GEZ agency ensures that everyone pays their contribution and charges you fines if you do not pay the bills. If you also fail to respond to this request for payment, you will receive a notice of assessment, which is the first step towards the possibility of later compulsory enforcement. This notice lists all outstanding contribution payments and late payment penalties. 

The GEZ must then claim the outstanding amounts from you, for example, using an account, wage garnishment, or a bailiff officer’s help. Your life insurance claims or social benefits can also be seized upon court order. In addition, refusers may be subject to administrative offense proceedings, with a fine of up to 1,000 euros. 

But it can get even worse. In the past, GEZ refusers were even sent to bail; however, such imprisonment is always a last resort. In the meantime, the broadcasters have emphasized that they will refrain from taking people unwilling to pay broadcasting fees into preventive detention in the future. So make sure to get in touch with GEZ. If you get the GEZ letters in error, send them a note.

How to cancel your broadcasting contribution when leaving Germany 

You can cancel the GEZ fees if you are moving to an apartment for which broadcasting fees are already being paid or if you’re moving abroad or giving up a second home. If the person paying the fee lived alone and has died, relatives must cancel the broadcasting fee.

You can terminate your contract anytime if you fulfill one of the stated reasons. There is no specific notice period. However, it would help if you remembered that the termination of the broadcasting fees only becomes effective the following month. The termination doesn’t cost an additional fee.

First of all, you should visit their website: GEZ. Here, you will find forms you must fill in. It is not possible to deregister from the broadcasting service by phone or email. You must use the online form of their website. You can upload evidence – for example, the deregistration certificate – directly. You then print out the documents and send them to the GEZ. You can also write a letter by hand or type it.

It will need to include the following information:

• Your name
• Address of the apartment you wish to cancel
• The date on which you would like to cancel the GEZ fees
• Reason for the deregistration

You can send the required proof, such as a copy of the registration certificate or registration confirmation, to GEZ along with the letter. You can use this address:

ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Contribution Service

50656 Cologne

It is best to send the notice of termination by tracked mail to the GEZ to ensure it arrives. Also include the relevant evidence required. You can send it by fax to 01806 999 555 01 (if you still know how to use it). If you have any questions, you can try to reach the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice by phone at 01806 999 555 10. However, it seems rather impossible since the pandemic.

This process is completely free of charge.

Keep on top of receiving a cancellation confirmation from the GEZ. If you don’t have one, you will continue to be liable to pay the fees. Better safe than sorry. Keep in mind that all documents must be in the German language. If you don’t speak German, ask a friend to help.

How can I find my Rundfunkbeitrag number?

Unlocking Your Broadcasting Account Number (GEZ Number): A Guide to Finding It

Are you living in Germany and wondering how to locate your broadcasting account number? In Germany, every resident must pay a fee to the television company, known as “Rundfunkanstalt,” through a system called “Rundfunkbeitrag” or broadcasting contribution.

This contribution is mandatory for every household, and a unique nine-digit number is assigned to each resident linked to the primary account holder. Let’s discover where and how to find this vital broadcasting account number.

Where to locate my unique broadcasting account code?

Discovering Your Broadcasting Account Number: Tips for Locating It

The broadcasting account number also called the GEZ number, is crucial in ensuring your compliance with Rundfunkbeitrag obligations. The good news is that there are several convenient ways to locate this number. The broadcasting account number is often prominently positioned in the upper right-hand corner of letters you receive from the contribution service. These letters could encompass a range of correspondence, from registration confirmations to payment requests and other important notifications. The 9-digit contribution number is conveniently located beneath the contact details, making it easy to spot.

Find the broadcasting account number

Making SEPA Direct Debit Work for You: Broadcasting Account Number Visibility

If you’re enrolled in the SEPA Direct Debit Scheme, you might not receive direct payment requests. However, locating your contribution number is still straightforward. The number consistently appears as a payment reference on your bank statement. It is applicable whether you’re using SEPA direct debit or streamlined transfer forms. Rest assured, your payments will be accurately attributed.

How do I retrieve my broadcasting contribution number?

Can’t Locate Your Broadcasting Account Number? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’re having difficulty finding your broadcasting account number, there are steps you can take. Contact the Rundfunkzentrales service telephone for assistance (they might not speak English). Please note that a nominal fee applies for calls. Alternatively, you can send a letter to the Rundfunkzentrale for help. To expedite the process, including a copy of your ID and a current registration certificate along with your inquiry is recommended.

How to locate your GEZ number

Decoding Communications from the Broadcasting Center: A Practical Approach

It’s not uncommon for communications from the broadcasting center to leave you uncertain, especially if your time in Germany was brief following your registration. Rest assured that you’re not alone if you are in this situation.
Automatic notifications are sent by mail from the broadcasting center once you register your address in Germany. These notifications include payment requests and a fresh contribution number. They don’t send them out instantly; it can take up to three months before you are sent any mail. You might have missed these essential communications if your stay in Germany was only short.
Moreover, when it’s time to bid farewell to Germany, remember to deregister your residence. This process generates a deregistration certificate that needs to reach the broadcasting center. Often, this straightforward procedure helps resolve any lingering uncertainties.

Shared Flat Arrangements: Simplifying the Process

If your time in Germany involved sharing a flat, a broadcasting account was already established. The good news is that the fee must only be paid once per flat. In this scenario, approach the primary tenant of the shared flat to obtain the contribution number associated with your residence.

For further assistance, visit: https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/buergerinnen_und_buerger/formulare/kontakt/index_ger.html

Guide – Cancel GEZ contributions step by step

If you decide to cancel your broadcasting subscription on your own, you can do so at the following website: https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/.

On this website, you will find a form that you have to fill out and send. After that, you are free of the broadcasting fee. Since this form is unfortunately only available in german, we have translated the fields in the form here in our step by step guide.

You can also order us to cancel the broadcasting fee and receive your confirmation.

Before giving notice: To deregister from broadcasting, you need a confirmation of deregistration of your residence – in digital form (e.g. as a scan or photo).

Go to the website: Click on the button and select the item “Ich dauerhaft ins Ausland ziehe” and follow the further steps.

What if you don’t speak German or you’re already abroad?

Your termination confirmation can only be sent to a German address. Even if you’ve booked mail forwarding, various types of official mail (the really important stuff) will not be sent to your new address! Mail from Authorities containing a postal delivery certificate is not forwarded. Official letters are usually not delivered by a forwarding order but are returned to the sender’s address. Letters from the bank, the tax office, or other authorities will not arrive at your new address.

The Cancellation Service of deregistraion.de

So, if you would like assistance, you can contact deregistration.de and book one of our convenient packages. Your termination confirmation can only be sent to a German address. We’ve got your back; we’re your German address. You’ll receive a PDF with the confirmation details as soon as the process begins. Once we receive your documents, we’ll send them to you as a scan via email. Easy peasy, no-hassle, problem solved. You can fill in your details in English on our website, and we will handle your business.

Self-service

If you don’t speak German and need a little help, contact deregistration.de and book one of our low-cost Self Service packages. You can fill in your details in English on our website, and you will then receive a fully translated version that you can send to the GEZ along with your deregistration confirmation. Free of charge!

Please remember that you must provide a German address to have your termination confirmation sent. And you will be responsible for keeping in touch with the GEZ until you have your confirmation. You must receive this document because it will be your future proof of canceling your account with them. Cancel GEZ now!

Premium Service

It’s straightforward:

All you need to do is fill out the form on our website in English, and we will handle your business for you. We’ll handle all communication with the GEZ for you entirely online; you can finish up your bureaucracy anywhere.
We’ve got your back; we’re your German address. You’ll receive a PDF with the confirmation details as soon as the process begins. Once we receive your documents, we’ll send them to you as a scan via email. We will store your original copy for five years, and if you wish to have it sent to you, we will do so for an additional fee of 20 Euros via tracked mail.

Easy peasy, no-hassle, problem solved.

Cancelling the GEZ retroactively

Retroactively canceling the GEZ is an issue many face when moving abroad from Germany. The legal basis for the obligation to pay the broadcasting fee is based on having a residence in Germany.

However, this obligation can be canceled if you are no longer a resident of Germany. The process of canceling the Rundfunkbeitrag can be done online on the website of the Rundfunkbeitrags-agency. You need your customer account number and must upload a deregistration certificate. Unfortunately, this process is only available in the German language.

The residents’ registration offices in Germany automatically transmit data to the Rundfunkbeitrag authorities when registering your address in Germany. So they should be aware of your deregistration from your previous residence when you leave Germany.
However, more is needed to cancel your GEZ obligation.

If you forgot to close your account, there are several steps you can take to cancel your obligation retroactively:

Applying for an Exemption

One option is to apply for an exemption from the obligation to pay the broadcasting fees. The GEZ website states that an exemption can be granted retroactively for up to three years, so if you meet the requirements for an exemption, you may be able to cancel your obligation retroactively.

To apply for an exemption, you can fill out the application form online. You may need documentation supporting your exemption application, such as proof of income or disability. It’s important to note that you should only apply if you have the required evidence.

Requesting a Notice of Assessment

One option is to apply for an exemption from the obligation to pay the broadcasting fees. The GEZ website states that an exemption can be granted retroactively for up to three years, so if you meet the requirements for an exemption, you may be able to cancel your obligation retroactively.
You can fill out the application form online to apply for an exemption. You may need documentation supporting your exemption application, such as proof of income or disability. It’s important to note that you should only apply if you have the required evidence.

Challenging a Bill

If you receive a bill from the GEZ authorities after you have correctly deregistered your residence in Germany, you may be able to challenge the bill.
You can do this by contacting the authorities directly and providing documentation to support your case.
It’s important to note that challenging a bill can be time-consuming and may require legal assistance. If you are facing a particularly complicated case, it’s advisable to seek professional advice to ensure that your rights are protected.
In conclusion, retroactively canceling the GEZ is possible but can be complex. Applying for an exemption, requesting a notice of assessment, or challenging a bill may be options to consider if you find yourself in a situation where you have adequately deregistered your residence in Germany but are still receiving Rundfunkbeitrag bills. It’s essential to seek professional advice or contact the relevant authorities to ensure you follow the correct procedures and protect your rights.
A few additional aspects that are important to consider when it comes to canceling the GEZ retroactively:

Language barriers: 

If you are not fluent in German, retroactively canceling the GEZ may be more challenging. It’s essential to seek help from a professional translator or interpreter to ensure that you fully understand the process and provide the necessary documentation.

Deadline for retroactive cancellation: 

While the Rundfunkbeitrag website states that an exemption can be granted retroactively for up to three years, it’s important to note that there is a deadline for submitting retroactive cancellation requests. Generally, the deadline is three years from the date of the last billing notice. It’s important to check your situation’s rules and regulations to ensure you submit your request on time.

Penalties for non-payment: 

If you fail to pay the GEZ, even if you are no longer a resident of Germany, you may be subject to penalties and legal action. It’s essential to take the necessary steps to cancel your obligation retroactively to avoid any potential legal or financial consequences.

Changes in regulations: 

The rules and regulations regarding the Rundfunkbeitrag can change over time, and it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with any changes that may affect your situation. For example, in 2021, the Rundfunkbeitrag was changed to a new system based on households rather than possessing devices capable of receiving broadcasts.
Canceling the GEZ retroactively can be complicated, and seeking professional advice or contacting the relevant authorities is vital. Remembering the above aspects can help you navigate the process more effectively and follow the correct procedures.

Please keep in mind that we do our best to provide credible and up-to-date information, but we are not an official advisor (in the sense of the Legal Services Act, RDG) for taxes, legal matters, and the like. Our service does not replace an individual consultation with legal assistance, and we provide digital tools and automated workflows to assist with the residence deregistration and related necessary steps.

Image Sources:

1. Dave Weatherall / Unsplash
2. Felix Bacher / Unsplash
3. Julia Solonina / Unsplash
4. Christian Wiediger / Unsplash
5. Jonathan Kemper / Unsplash
6. Mateo Krossler / Unsplash
7. Matthias Schroder / Unsplash