How To: Radio Tax

Description:

In Germany, there is a broadcasting contribution known as the "Rundfunkbeitrag" or broadcasting fee. It is a mandatory fee that is collected from every household, regardless of whether they own a radio or television, to finance public broadcasting services. The revenue generated from this fee is used to fund public broadcasters such as ARD, ZDF, and Deutschland Radio, which provide television, radio, and online content.

The standard monthly fee for households is €18.36 but applicable differently for different scenarios.

Scenario 1: No Anmeldung

If an individual resides in Germany without completing the 'Anmeldung' process, they will not receive any official correspondence from the State regarding the Rundfunkbeitrag, i.e., the government will not request payment of this fee from them. However, depending on the circumstances, they may still be liable to pay it.

For example, if someone is subletting a property without completing the 'Anmeldung', the primary tenant may request a portion of this fee because both individuals share the apartment, which is subject to this charge. Therefore, the fee would still need to be paid in this scenario.

If you lack an Anmeldung or sublet arrangement but are residing with a friend or relative, they may request you to contribute to this fee based on the justification outlined earlier.

Scenario 2: With Anmeldung

Upon completing the Anmeldung process for any type of residence, such as a student Wohnung or WG, an individual will receive a letter concerning the Rundfunkbeitrag within a few days. This letter will be delivered to the address where the person has Anmeldung.

Now that you have received the letter, you will fall under one of the two situations mentioned below. Please follow the scenario that is relevant to you.

Shared Wohnung or WG (someone is already living there):

In the Wohnung where you have completed the Anmeldung process, it is likely, that the current occupant(s) is already paying the broadcasting fee. Therefore, you will need to coordinate with them to share this fee. Please obtain the "Beitragsnummer" (contribution number) from your roommates, fill out the received form, and return it. Alternatively, for a more convenient method, consider filling out the form online by following the process outlined below.

1. Scan the QR code on the form you receive or click the following link.

          https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/meldedaten/

4. Proceed with the form, use google Translate to translate the website page. Enter the required details and finalize this form. Make sure to write the Beitragsnummer of your roommate correctly.

Single Living OR Shared Living but You are the First Person in Apartment:

If you have completed the Anmeldung process and are the sole occupant of the Wohnung, or if you are living in a shared apartment where no one else is previously residing, please proceed to fill out the received form and return it. Alternatively, for a more convenient method, you may consider filling out the form online by following the process outlined below.

1. Scan the QR code on the form you receive or click the following link.

          https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/meldedaten/

4. Proceed with the form, and use Google Translate to translate the website page. Enter the required details and finalize this form. Make sure to write the IBAN of your bank account correctly. Also, you can choose the payment plan from the given options, i.e. annually, twice a year, or quarterly.

Important to Remember:

If you have completed the Anmeldung process and one month has passed without receiving the Rundfunkbeitrag letter, it is advisable to contact their office to ensure the completion of the process. Failure to complete this process within a certain timeframe may result in fines.