Broadcasting fee demanded retroactively: what you can do

Anyone who did not register often receives a retroactive demand from the fee service covering several years. This is not unlimited: fee arrears become time-barred after a few years. It is important to examine the notice carefully, keep the limitation period in mind and challenge excessive demands.

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Your chances of getting your money back

The broadcasting fee is in principle payable for each dwelling. However, outstanding fees become time-barred, as a rule after three years from the end of the year in which they arose.

Against an assessment notice you can file an objection within the deadline. You can dispute amounts that are already time-barred or incorrect periods; exemption and reduction grounds (e.g. social benefits) must be taken into account.

What you should do now

1
1. Check the notice
Review the demanded periods and amounts as well as any late-payment surcharges.
2
2. Check limitation
Fees that go further back may be time-barred, assert the limitation where applicable.
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3. Check exemption
If you receive certain social benefits or a hardship case applies, check exemption or reduction.
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4. Objection/installments
File an objection in time if there are errors; if the demand is justified, you can agree on payment by installments.

How to spot the scam

Fees are demanded for long time-barred periods.
A possible exemption (social benefits) was not taken into account.
High late-payment surcharges are added without a comprehensible basis.

Frequently asked questions

How far back may the broadcasting fee be demanded retroactively?

The fee is in principle payable per dwelling, but outstanding fees become time-barred, as a rule after three years from the end of the year in which they arose. You can reject older amounts as time-barred.

Can I be exempted from the fee?

Yes, under certain conditions, for example when receiving certain social benefits or in hardship cases. You must apply for an exemption or reduction; it must also be taken into account for a retroactive demand, to the extent the conditions were met.

How do I fight the notice?

Check periods, amounts and limitation and file an objection against an assessment notice within the deadline. If the demand is justified but high, you can agree on payment by installments. You should assert exemption grounds in parallel.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.