Don’t Toss That Envelope: Why Mandatory TV License Fees Are Your New Nightmare
Thought that boring envelope in your mailbox was just another piece of paper? Think again! That little envelope hides your new obligation — a mandatory TV license fee of €18.36 per month, which you must pay regardless of whether you have a TV, radio, computer, or internet at home. Yes, you read that right — it doesn’t matter if you watch TV or not, this fee is your new nightmare.
What is the TV license fee and why must you pay it?
This fee is the primary source of funding for public media services like ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio in Germany. They claim to provide you with information, educational, and cultural content, but the question is whether this justifies the obligation.
No more reminders — just one envelope per year!
Forget annoying monthly reminders. Now you get only one notification per year with all deadlines and payment amounts. If you forget to pay, get ready for warnings and extra costs. The consumer center of the federal state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania urges you to mark the dates in your calendar or set up a standing order with your bank to avoid problems.
How to pay hassle-free?
The easiest and safest way is SEPA direct debit, where the amount is automatically deducted from your account. If you want to keep control, a standing order is a good option. But if you are socially disadvantaged, there is a possibility of exemption or reduction.
Decline in license fee revenue — what’s going on?
Interestingly, license fee revenues have slightly declined this year for the first time in many years. The reason? An increasing number of exemptions and data reconciliation in official registers. So more people manage to avoid this obligation, but that doesn’t mean they will leave you alone.
Why is this a problem?
Imagine paying for something you might not even use, and receiving no reminders except one envelope per year. Forget flexibility and freedom of choice — the state orders you to pay, and if you don’t, fines come. All in the name of “public interest” and “quality programming.” Is that fair?
What to do when the envelope arrives?
Don’t throw it away! Keep it carefully and follow the instructions. If not, prepare for warnings and extra costs. And don’t forget — set up a standing order or SEPA direct debit so you don’t forget and get into trouble.
Conclusion
The mandatory TV license fee has become unavoidable and cannot be ignored. Although intended to fund public services, the way it is collected and the pressure on citizens to pay without much choice causes frustration. If you thought it was just another boring bill, think again — this is your new monthly obligation that can cause headaches if ignored.
So, what do you think about this mandatory fee? Is it fair or just another way to empty your pockets? Drop a comment, share your experience, or just laugh — because hey, what else can we do but laugh while we pay?
Source: biznis.kurir.rs
