No, the Radio Tax (Rundfunkbeitrag) is not included in your rent, and you will need to register yourself and bear the cost directly. The Radio Tax is a mandatory fee that all residents in Germany must pay, regardless of whether they actually use radio or television services. This fee supports public broadcasting services like ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio.
Why You Need to Pay the Radio Tax #
The Radio Tax is a legal obligation for anyone living in Germany, and it applies to each household. The law requires that residents register for this tax upon moving into a new property and ensure that the payments are made regularly. Since this tax is personal and linked to your residence, KUMMUNI does not include it in your rent.
Consequences of Not Paying the Radio Tax #
If you do not pay the Radio Tax, several consequences can follow:
- Late Payment Fees:
Missed payments may result in reminders and late payment fees. The longer you delay payment, the more these fees can accumulate. - Collection Process:
Continued non-payment could lead to your case being handed over to a collection agency, leading to further fees and a more aggressive pursuit of the debt. - Legal Action:
Persistent non-payment can result in legal action, including a legally enforceable administrative order (Bescheid). Ignoring this order could lead to wage garnishment or a visit from a bailiff. - Credit Impact:
Failure to pay the Radio Tax can negatively affect your credit score in Germany (SCHUFA), impacting your ability to rent apartments, get loans, or sign up for certain services. - Enforcement Measures:
In extreme cases, if the debt remains unpaid, enforcement measures could include seizing property or freezing bank accounts.
How to Handle Radio Tax in a CoLiving Space #
If you’re living in a CoLiving arrangement, you can split the Radio Tax cost with your flatmates. Only one person in the household is required to pay the fee, but the others should contribute to this cost. KUMMUNI offers a convenient solution through the myKUMMUNI app, allowing you to officially inform your flatmates if you’re the one paying the tax. This ensures transparency and helps everyone manage the shared responsibility.
How to Use the myKUMMUNI App #
- Informing Flatmates:
If you are the one paying the Radio Tax, you can use the myKUMMUNI app to notify your flatmates officially. This helps in ensuring that everyone is aware of the arrangement and can contribute their share to the cost. - Splitting the Cost:
Since only one person needs to pay the Radio Tax, the others can transfer their share of the cost to the person responsible for making the payment. This system simplifies the process and ensures that the financial burden is shared fairly.
