The Rundfunkbeitrag in Berlin

The German TV Tax (Rundfunkbeitrag)

The Rundfunkbeitrag is a mandatory 18,36 € monthly fee for public broadcasting that every German household must pay by law, regardless of device ownership or media usage. Since the obligation is triggered by the mere availability of the service, it remains a non-negotiable expense in your Berlin Cost of Living. Setting this up immediately after moving is a critical administrative step to avoid legal escalations and late fees.

The Core Rule: One Fee Per Home

The Rundfunkbeitrag is strictly charged per household, meaning a single monthly payment of 18,36 € covers everyone in the residence (couples, individuals, or roommates). Standard billing occurs quarterly at 55,08 € per flat. Once one resident pays, the entire household is covered, making it essential for roommates to coordinate and avoid redundant payments.

How to Get Your Contribution Number

Once you complete your Anmeldung, your data is shared with the Beitragsservice. Expect a letter within 2 to 6 weeks. If you live alone or are the first in a new flat to pay, use the Official registration form to set up your payment and generate your unique 9-digit Beitragsnummer. This number serves as your ID for all future correspondence and is necessary to prove your payment status to authorities or roommates. Keep this number safe for your records.

Protocol for Shared Flats (WGs)

In shared living arrangements, the system often sends letters to every resident because it cannot link individuals to a specific household account automatically. To avoid paying twice, do not ignore these letters. Use the Online Apartment information form to provide the Beitragsnummer of the roommate who is already paying. This step deactivates the individual request sent to your name and ensures the household is correctly synchronized. Failing to do this can lead to confusing correspondence and unnecessary stress for everyone in the apartment.

Exemptions and Social Benefits

Specific groups can apply for a formal exemption (Befreiung) to waive the cost. The most common category is students receiving BAföG. Recipients of social benefits like Bürgergeld or individuals with severe disabilities may also qualify for a reduction or waiver. This exemption is never automatic; you must submit an Application for exemption online with valid documentation. The process is straightforward once you have the correct paperwork.

Consequences of Ignoring Letters

Ignoring these letters is a mistake. The automated system will generate payment demands (Mahnungen) with added late fees. Eventually, this triggers a collection process (Vollstreckung), leading to negative entries in your Schufa. In extreme cases, authorities can seize funds directly from your bank account. Always address the letters immediately, even if someone else is already paying, to prevent a small administrative oversight from becoming a major financial headache.

Payment Methods

• Direct Debit – SEPA (Lastschrift): The most efficient method. You authorize the service to automatically withdraw the amount, ensuring you never miss a deadline.
• Bank Transfer (Überweisung): If you prefer manual control, you can transfer the amount every three months. It is critical to include your 9-digit Beitragsnummer in the reference field (Verwendungszweck) so the system can link the payment to your account correctly.

Deregistration Upon Departure

Your obligation doesn’t end when you move. If moving within Germany, update your address on the portal. If leaving Germany permanently, perform your Abmeldung and cancel your account online. You must provide a copy of your deregistration certificate (Abmeldebescheinigung) to stop billing, otherwise debt will accumulate even after you have left the country. Proper closure of your account is the final step in a successful relocation.