Only one day left! What you have to do now because of the ORF fee

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The old GIS fee is only valid for one more day. From Monday, all Austrian households will have to pay for ORF. What do you have to do now?

First, the good news is that ORF will be slightly cheaper starting Monday for those who have already paid the GIS fee. The bad news: Anyone with a television who has not paid anything to date will be asked to pay the new household fee. This applies regardless of whether you consume ORF or not. Even those who do not want to watch the public broadcaster’s programs will have to pay.
Politicians have decided not to levy an additional state tax in Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg. This means that 15.30 euros (see table) are due each month for the fee transmitter, which makes 183.60 euros in 2024.

Anyone transferring this amount in one go can pay with a payment slip. If you want to continue to pay the ORF every two months (EUR 30.60) or twice a year (EUR 91.80), you must give the broadcaster access to your account via the SEPA direct debit mandate; the fee will then be collected automatically.

The amount must be transferred within 14 days. Within the first two weeks after the payment slip has been sent by post or the online banking instructions have been sent by e-mail, you can switch to SEPA direct debit (and thus pay in installments if necessary).

Anyone who has never paid GIS must now register themselves, as stipulated in the federal government’s new ORF law. There is only one day left to do so, as the obligation to pay contributions will apply on January 1, 2024. You can register online at this link. People who have already paid GIS do not have to do anything. Secondary residences are free of charge.

If no one registers with the broadcaster at a main residence address, all residents of this address will be asked to do so by post.

The previous reasons remain valid. Any provincial fee is also waived if someone is granted an exemption from fees. The following recipients can apply for an exemption: childcare allowance, student/pupil allowance, apprenticeship allowance, care allowance, pension, unemployment benefit, minimum income, and benefits from other public funds (social need). Please note: A certain net household income must not be exceeded.