Haven't paid the Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ) — got a Festsetzungsbescheid? What to do now

A letter from the Beitragsservice (formerly known as "GEZ") often causes confusion, because a lot works differently here than with other bills. Here's a calm overview of what the Rundfunkbeitrag actually is and what to do if a notice arrives.

What is the Rundfunkbeitrag?

Every household in Germany pays the broadcasting fee — regardless of whether you actually watch TV or listen to the radio. It becomes due automatically as soon as you have an apartment, and it's charged per household, not per person. This applies regardless of your residence status — even as a newcomer to Germany, you're generally liable for the fee once you're registered.

Important: there's often no regular reminder here first

Unlike most other bills, the Rundfunkbeitrag often doesn't come with a friendly payment reminder first. If the fee isn't paid, a Festsetzungsbescheid can arrive directly — an official notice that sets the outstanding amount plus a late-payment surcharge. This is an important difference from reminders sent by landlords or online shops, which usually give you a heads-up first.

The late-payment surcharge is at least 8 euros or 1% of the outstanding amount, whichever is higher. This can add up quickly if several months are unpaid.

What to check first

Are you actually registered correctly — for the right apartment, under the right name?
Does the stated amount make sense (number of months × current fee rate)?
Have you maybe already paid and it just wasn't recorded?
Is there a reason you might qualify for an exemption or reduction?

Exemption or reduction — who qualifies?

Not everyone has to pay the full fee. An exemption or reduction can apply, for example, if you:

receive Bürgergeld (officially renamed to Grundsicherungsgeld on 1 July 2026), basic old-age support, or social assistance
have certain disabilities (with appropriate documentation)
receive BAföG under certain conditions

Important: the exemption doesn't automatically apply retroactively without limit — you need to file an application, and it usually only counts from the month you apply, or a few months back at most. So if you're in one of these situations and haven't applied yet, it's worth doing now, even if a notice has already arrived.

Which deadlines matter?

You can object to a Festsetzungsbescheid within one month of delivery. This is stated at the end of the notice, in the appeal instructions. Miss this deadline and the notice becomes final, even if the amount was actually calculated incorrectly.

How should you respond?

1. The amount is correct, you can pay – just pay, ideally referencing the fee account number.

2. You actually meet the requirements for an exemption – file an objection and, at the same time (or shortly after), submit the exemption application with the necessary documentation.

3. The amount is calculated incorrectly, or you weren't registered where claimed – object with a short explanation of why the calculation is wrong.

4. You can pay, but not all at once – actively ask for a payment plan; the Beitragsservice generally offers this.

Quick example of how an objection can be structured

reference to the notice (date, fee account number)
a clear sentence: "I hereby object to the Festsetzungsbescheid dated ..."
a short reasoning (incorrect calculation, exemption grounds, etc.)
for exemptions: mention of the attached documentation

This is exactly where BriefMagic helps: describe your situation in your own language – it turns into a clearly structured letter in German, with the right tone for the Beitragsservice. You don't need to know the exact exemption rules or hunt for the right phrasing yourself. There's a translation back into your language too, so you know what's being sent, and the letter stays saved in case a reply comes.

Quick summary

With the Rundfunkbeitrag, a Festsetzungsbescheid often arrives directly, without a regular reminder first.
The late-payment surcharge is at least 8 euros or 1% of the amount.
Check whether you qualify for an exemption or reduction.
One month to object, from delivery.
A payment plan is generally possible — just ask.

This article doesn't replace legal advice. For larger amounts or complicated cases, a debt counseling service or a lawyer can help further.