Broadcasting Fee: What to Consider When Moving
ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio's Beitragsservice clarifies rules for the broadcasting fee regarding moves and household changes. Key is understanding who pays and the role of personal contribution numbers.
The Beitragsservice of ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio has issued guidance clarifying regulations for the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) in cases of moving and changes within a household. The guidance emphasizes that each household is liable for one fee, which is tied to a personal contribution number.
This contribution number is personal and remains with the individual even when they move. If the individual continues to pay the fee at their new address, they only need to inform the Beitragsservice of the address change. No new registration is necessary if the payee remains the same.
The situation becomes more complex when multiple individuals move in together or when the original fee payer leaves the residence. If several individuals who previously paid separately move into a shared home, one person will report the address change and assume responsibility for payment. Others can then deregister their previous residences by providing the paying individual's contribution number.
If the original fee payer moves out, remaining residents must register themselves as the responsible party and obtain their own contribution number. A common error is continuing to pay using the departed individual's number. Since the number is linked to the person, payments will be allocated to their new address, potentially leading to arrears in the new residence.