Avoid broadcasting fee (GEZ) - is that possible?
The broadcasting license fee (GEZ) must be paid by everyone by law. In this practical tip, we will explain whether you can avoid the broadcasting fee.
Avoid broadcasting fee (GEZ) - possible loopholes in the law?
The broadcasting license fee (GEZ) is generally mandatory for everyone. Lawyer Christian Solmecke explains in the video why the contribution cannot be avoided.
- It is based on the Interstate Broadcasting Treaty. This was closed between the individual countries. For you as a citizen, the contract is therefore a law that cannot be contradicted. Since January 2013 there has been a uniform broadcasting fee that is collected by the subscription service. The public service channels such as ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio are financed.
- The introduction was accompanied by sharp criticism four years ago, combined with the question of whether the lump sum was fair. A contribution had previously been made for each device, but the flat rate of 17.50 euros must now also be paid if there is no television or radio in an apartment. This is justified by the possibility of use, not by active use.
- The amount must be paid per household, regardless of the number of people living there.
- The background of the radio contribution is the guarantee of independent media in a democracy, which offer a full program away from the state and free of other influences.
Bypass GEZ: These people can
- If you move to a flat share or live with a life partner, you can get rid of the radio license fee, after all it is already being paid by another person in the apartment. The following applies: an apartment - a contribution.
- All you have to do is call up the online portal of the "ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio contribution services". There you will find the form for "deregistering the apartment / s". There you have to state: "I am moving to a contribution payer. My roommate / life partner / family member is already paying radio contributions for the apartment". You should make sure that you always enter the contribution number of the paying resident.
- You can also use this form if you want to move abroad, cancel an apartment or register a deceased person.
- There are also exceptional cases that are granted for exemption from the radio license fee: These include people who receive BAföG, Arbeitslosengeld ll (Hartz IV) or social welfare. In general, exemption is possible for households that are subject to "particular economic hardship". For severely disabled people there is a premium reduction of 5.99 euros per month.
- If you are subject to the provisions of a "special economic hardship", you can fill out the form "Application for exemption and reduction for social and health reasons".
- Then print it out and send it, along with the required evidence, to the address of the contribution service: ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio contribution service 50656 Cologne