The broadcasting fee must be paid through an account. There is no entitlement to a cash payment. This was decided by Hessian Administrative Court (VGH) in Kassel (AZ: 10 a 2929/16 and 10 a 116/17).

Two apartment owners from area of Frankfurt am Main sued. They did not want to pay 2013 of imported radio contribution via ir account, but paid in cash. They argued that, according to German and EU law, euro banknotes were " only unrestricted legal means of payment" and refore it must be possible to pay fee.

In contrast, regulations of Hessian broadcasting require an "Uncash payment method", in or words: contribution must be handled through an account. The Administrative Court of Frankfurt am Main rejected Klagenab. This was followed by second instance.

Revision approved by Federal Administrative Court

For public-law payments, such as broadcasting contribution, "also unacceptable payment methods can be prescribed", Kassel judges emphasized. The HR regulations are refore not objectionable. The VGH, however, admitted revision to Federal administrative Court in Leipzig.

The broadcasting contribution had replaced 2013 earlier licence fee. For private households, it is charged per apartment and is independent of type and number of equipment. It is currently 17.50 euros per month.

In fact, requirement to pay contribution through an account could penalise socially weaker – because not everyone has a current accounts. And not all, to which this applies, are exempt from payment of contribution.

Date Of Update: 14 February 2018, 12:03