GEZ (broadcasting fee) for a second home: This is the legal situation

by Pramith

The GEZ or the broadcasting fee for a second home is a complicated topic for many people. Yet the legal situation is now very clear. In this article, we will tell you how it looks in detail.

GEZ: Broadcasting fee for the second home

The GEZ basically applies to all households, no matter how many people you live with or what devices you actually own.

  • Although, strictly speaking, a second home is also considered a household, there has been a special regulation for some time now.
  • According to a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, charging GEZ for a second home is not compatible with the Basic Law. This means: You no longer have to pay double fees for your second home.
  • However, you have to take action yourself to free yourself from the additional costs.

How to exempt your second home from the GEZ

Under certain conditions, you can have your second home exempted from the GEZ. This also includes garden arbours and dachas. To do this, you must submit an application for exemption from the broadcasting fee.

  • In order to apply, you must be registered at your local residents’ registration office with both flats.
  • For your application, you will need your GEZ contribution number. This is the number under which your secondary residence is registered.
  • You will also need official proof. This can be the registration certificate for both flats or the notice of secondary residence tax. You should attach a copy of the proof to your application.

Difficulties with exemption

For a while there have been problems with GEZ exemption, so your application may have been rejected so far.

  • As of 1 November 2019, there is a new law that entitles both spouses to pay GEZ only for their main residence.
  • In the past, the Contribution Service had required the spouse to register separately if they also used the second home.
  • If your spouse is the contributor of the main dwelling but you yourself from the secondary dwelling, your application may have been rejected. If this happened before November 2019, make a new application. Thanks to the new law, you have a very good chance that your application will be approved this time.

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