Rundfunkbeitrag: The German TV Tax Every Expat Must Pay

What is the Rundfunkbeitrag?

The Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting fee) is a mandatory monthly charge of €18.36 per household in Germany. It funds public broadcasters ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio. Every household pays it — regardless of whether you own a TV, radio, or even a smartphone.

Key Facts

Amount: €18.36/month (€220.32/year)

Who pays: One person per household (not per person)

Exemptions: Only for severe disability or social welfare recipients (Sozialleistungen)

Deadline: Paid quarterly (every 3 months)

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

1. Reminder letters arrive in increasingly urgent German legal language

2. Late fees accumulate at €8 per missed payment

3. Festsetzungsbescheid — an official assessment notice with enforced collection

4. Zwangsvollstreckung — debt enforcement through the courts (yes, they can garnish wages)

How to Register

You’ll typically receive a registration letter within weeks of your Anmeldung. If not:

1. Visit rundfunkbeitrag.de

2. Register your household

3. Set up a SEPA direct debit (Lastschrift) to avoid forgetting

Can You Reduce It?

If you already live with someone who pays, you don’t need to pay again

Students on BAföG can apply for exemption

People with certain disabilities (Merkzeichen RF) pay a reduced rate

---

*Got a Rundfunkbeitrag letter you can’t understand? Upload it to Clario and get a plain-English explanation in 30 seconds.*