What is the Rundfunkbeitrag – Radio fee?

GEZ Rundfunkbeitrag radio tax radio fee
GEZ Rundfunkbeitrag radio tax radio fee

In Germany, the radio fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) commonly known as a radio tax is the financing of public broadcasting services, such as the German Broadcasting Corporation (ARD), the German Federal Broadcasting (ZDF), and Deutsche Welle (DW). 

The fee is a flat rate and is calculated per household, regardless of the number of individuals living in the household or the number of radio and television sets in use. The current rate as of 2024 is 18.36 EUR per month. 

The radio fee is mandatory for all households and is collected by the BEITRAGSSERVICE, a subsidiary of the German Federal Collection Agency (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern). Exemptions from the tax can be made for individuals with low income including students or those with disabilities. 

The revenue generated from the radio tax is used to fund various public broadcasting programs and services, including news and current affairs, cultural and educational programs, and sports coverage. This is to ensure that no political party or advertising Euros influences the program, including the news. News at ARD, ZDF, and DW will be independent in nature and highlight all spectrums of politcal views. 

 

FAQs on radio fees in Germany 

The radio fee in Germany is mandatory for all households, regardless of the number of individuals living in the household or the number of radio and television sets in use.

The current rate for 2023 is 18.36 EUR per month

The radio tax is collected by the BEITRAGSSERVICE, a subsidiary of the German Federal Collection Agency (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern). 

Exemptions from the radio tax can be made for individuals with low income or those with disabilities.

The revenue generated from the radio tax is used to fund various public broadcasting programs and services, including news and current affairs, cultural and educational programs, and sports coverage.

Yes, the radio fee is mandatory for all households and is not based on the use of public broadcasting services.

In order to opt out of the radio fee in Germany, you must meet certain criteria for exemption. The following individuals may be eligible for an exemption: 

  1. Low-income individuals: If your monthly income is below a certain threshold, you may be exempt from the radio fee. 
  2. Individuals with disabilities: If you have a recognized disability, you may be eligible for an exemption. 

To apply for an exemption, you need to fill out an application form and provide evidence of your eligibility, such as proof of income or a certificate of disability. The application form can be obtained from BEITRAGSSERVICE, the organization responsible for collecting the radio fee. 

It’s important to note that failure to pay the radio fee can result in fines and legal proceedings, so it’s important to make sure you’re exempt before discontinuing payment. If you’re unsure about your eligibility for an exemption, it’s recommended that you seek advice from a tax advisor or contact the BEITRAGSSERVICE for more information.

Disclaimer

This article might contain some affiliated links, where we earn anywhere from a few cents to a few Euros,and don’t cost you an extra cent. Our recommendations remain unbiased although, and are based on a combination of market research and own experience.

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