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BriefDiener
DE

Beitragsservice (licence fee service)

Zahlungsaufforderung (payment request) from the Beitragsservice: what does it mean?

What this letter means

If you pay the Rundfunkbeitrag by bank transfer, the Beitragsservice tells you in writing how much is due and when. If you pay by direct debit (Lastschrift), you do not receive such a request. There is no invoice in the sense of VAT law.

The Zahlungsaufforderung is not a decision (Bescheid). It does not contain a Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung (information on legal remedies), and there is no Widerspruch (objection) against it. It is information about the amount due.

The fee is usually due every three months, in the middle of the period. The Beitragsservice does not have to send a separate reminder. If you do not pay, a Festsetzungsbescheid (assessment notice) with a Säumniszuschlag (late payment surcharge) follows.

What to do now

  1. 1Check your name, address and the period for which payment is requested.
  2. 2If another person already pays for this home, tell the Beitragsservice their Beitragsnummer; write in German, the templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.
  3. 3If everything is correct, transfer the money with the nine-digit Beitragsnummer as the payment reference, or give a direct debit mandate (Lastschriftmandat).
  4. 4If you are entitled to an exemption or reduction, apply as soon as you have the proof.

How you can reply

Pay or set up a direct debit

With a direct debit mandate you will not miss a due date again.

Deregister if the home is already paid for or you have moved out

Give the reason, the date and, if applicable, the Beitragsnummer of the person who pays for the home.

Template: Rundfunkbeitrag abmelden

Common questions

Can I file a Widerspruch against the Zahlungsaufforderung?

No, it is not a decision (Bescheid). If you think you do not have to pay, write to the Beitragsservice and give the reason. A Widerspruch is only possible against a Festsetzungsbescheid.

What happens if I do not pay?

The broadcaster sets the unpaid fees with a Festsetzungsbescheid and charges a Säumniszuschlag. After that come a reminder (Mahnung) and possibly enforcement (Vollstreckung), for example by seizure of your bank account (Kontopfändung).

Sources (German law and official pages)

  1. Rundfunkbeitrag: Informationen zur Zahlung
  2. Rundfunkbeitrag: Informationen zur Vollstreckung und Pfändung

Research as of: 10 November 2026