Broadcasting fee assessment: calculate the deadline and understand it
The regional broadcaster sets broadcasting fees in arrears, often with a late payment surcharge.
How to recognise the letter
- The sender is the regional public broadcaster (e.g. WDR, BR, NDR), often via the Beitragsservice.
- Heading »Festsetzungsbescheid«, with fees in arrears and a late payment surcharge.
- At the end, the instructions on legal remedies: objection or court action.
Which deadline applies?
Objection or court action – as the letter's instructions say: one month after notification (§ 70 Abs. 1 VwGO bzw. § 74 Abs. 1 S. 2 VwGO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 31 Abs. 3 VwVfG / § 57 Abs. 2 VwGO i. V. m. § 222 Abs. 2 ZPO). The calculator on this page works out the exact day – step by step.
The assessment comes from the regional broadcaster; the instructions in the letter apply.
What happens if you do nothing?
Once the deadline has passed, the decision becomes final; it can then be enforced.
Your options
- Check whether the flat and the period are right
- With Bürgergeld, social assistance or BAföG: apply for exemption
- Object or go to court – as the instructions say
- Pay or agree instalments
Who can help?
Verbraucherzentrale; with Bürgergeld, social assistance or BAföG: apply for exemption
Frequently asked questions
Can I be exempted?
People receiving e.g. Bürgergeld, social assistance or BAföG can apply for an exemption. The application does not replace an objection in time.
How much time do I have?
One month after notification (§ 70 Abs. 1 VwGO bzw. § 74 Abs. 1 S. 2 VwGO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 31 Abs. 3 VwVfG / § 57 Abs. 2 VwGO i. V. m. § 222 Abs. 2 ZPO). The calculator above shows the exact day with every step.
Who can help me?
Verbraucherzentrale; with Bürgergeld, social assistance or BAföG: apply for exemption.
General information, not legal advice. Whether this decision is correct and what is right in your case is for an advice centre or a lawyer to say. Laws link to the official German text at gesetze-im-internet.de.