Official Support Guide

Master Applications & Understand Letters: GEZ (Beitragsservice)

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by Bureaucracy Experts • Jan 2026

Whether you've received mail or need to fill out an application (e.g., for the GEZ (Beitragsservice)) – we guide you step-by-step to the solution.
Our AI assistant is specifically trained to process documents from the GEZ (Beitragsservice) without errors.

What is this office for?

The GEZ (officially "ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice") is one of the most bureaucratic but unavoidable institutions in Germany. It collects the mandatory Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting contribution) which funds public TV and radio (Tagesschau, Tatort, etc.). What is this office for? The mandate is simple: Every household in Germany must pay. It does not matter if you have a TV, a radio, or even a computer. It is a "household levy" (Haushaltsabgabe). As of 2026, the fee is 18.36 € per month (approx. 55€ per quarter). Discussions about price increases are frequent, so keep an eye on your Beitragsbescheid. The Apartment Rule (Eine Wohnung - Ein Beitrag): This is the most confusing part for newcomers. The fee is per apartment, not per person. - Couples/Families: Only one person registers and pays. The partner de-registers to avoid double payment (Abmeldung). - Shared Flats (WG): This is critical! If you live with 3 people, you do NOT all pay 18€. One person (the Beitragszahler) pays the full amount and collects the share (approx. 6€) from the roommates. The other roommates must register online stating "My flatmate X pays under number Y". Failure to do this results in multiple bills for the same door. Exemptions (Befreiung): You can be exempted (Befreiung vom Rundfunkbeitrag) if you receive social benefits like Bürgergeld, BAföG, or Grundsicherung. Important: This exemption is NOT automatic! You must send the application letter with your benefit notice copy (Bewilligungsbescheid). If you forget, you pay retroactively from the moment you notify them. Enforcement and Penalties: The Beitragsservice gets your address data from the Bürgeramt automatically via Meldedatenabgleich. Ignoring their "Klärung" letters triggers an automated enforcement process (Zwangsvollstreckung) that leads to Säumniszuschlägen (late fees) and eventually a garnish of your bank account (Kontopfändung). Our AI helps you decode these threatening letters and explains how to set up an Einzugsermächtigung (direct debit) to avoid missing payments.

"The Beitragsservice (formerly GEZ) collects the broadcasting fee for TV and radio. Every household must pay or apply for an exemption."

Source: Information based on SGB (Social Code) & official 2026 government updates.

Why you got mail from GEZ (Beitragsservice)

  • You just registered a new apartment and got a "Zahlungsaufforderung".
  • You receive social benefits (Bürgergeld/BAföG) and want an exemption.
  • You live in a shared flat (WG) where someone else already pays.
  • You received a Festsetzungsbescheid with late fees.

How we help you

  • Instant Translation: Upload your letter and see it in your native language.
  • Deadline Detection: We highlight exactly when you need to reply.
  • Action Items: Get a clear list of what the GEZ (Beitragsservice) wants you to do.
Understand my Document now

No fear of complicated forms

We don't just help you understand what the GEZ (Beitragsservice) wants from you, we help you prepare the response or the new application together.

Application help:

We explain every field in the form.

We have the solution for every application

We have the solution for every application

1
What does this mean?

The Payment Request (Zahlungsaufforderung)

This letter asks you to register. If you live in a WG and someone else pays, you must reply with their Beitragsnummer to avoid paying twice.

How to fill out GEZ (Beitragsservice) - The Payment Request (Zahlungsaufforderung)
2
What does this mean?

Exemption (Befreiung)

Upload your Bewilligungsbescheid (e.g., from Jobcenter) to get exempted. The exemption is usually valid for the same period as your benefit.

How to fill out GEZ (Beitragsservice) - Exemption (Befreiung)
3
What does this mean?

Late Fees (Säumniszuschlag)

If you pay late, they charge roughly 8 Euro extra. Automated enforcement in 2026 means these notices come faster than before.

How to fill out GEZ (Beitragsservice) - Late Fees (Säumniszuschlag)

Typical documents of this office

We support all documents issued by this office, such as:

Rundfunkbeitragsbescheid
Zahlungsaufforderung
Befreiungsbescheid

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't watch German TV. Do I still have to pay?

Yes, the fee is mandatory for every household, regardless of usage or whether you own a TV.

Can I ignore the letters?

No. They have access to registration data and will eventually garnish your bank account (Kontopfändung) if you ignore valid debts.

How do I split costs in a WG?

Only one person pays the full amount. That person collects the share from roommates. All others must register their status as 'somebody else pays'.

Related Topics

German bureaucracy often involves multiple offices. You might also be interested in:

BürgeramtJobcenter (Bürgergeld)BAföG-Amt
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