05/07/2025
From January 2026, existing ORF fee payers will face a major change in payment terms. According to a new rule, those who pay their broadcasting fees via Erlagschein (payment slip) will only be able to pay the full annual amount of €183.60 at the beginning of the year. Partial payments will only be allowed for those who have authorized direct debit through a SEPA mandate.
The adjustment follows a recent ruling by Austria’s Constitutional Court, which upheld the legality of the ORF fee—even for households that do not use ORF services. Critics argue the rule is unfair, as it requires payment for a service not necessarily consumed. However, the court dismissed the complaint, stating the principle of equality is not violated.
While new ORF customers since 2024 have already been subject to this policy, it will now be extended to all existing customers starting in 2026. Those who authorize a SEPA direct debit through the ORF Contribution Service (OBS) may continue to pay in two or six instalments annually. The OBS promotes SEPA as a safer and more convenient option, eliminating the need for manual payments.
The change in payment policy has already sparked frustration. One Vienna resident, Gina L., claims €90 was withdrawn from her account without her explicit consent, after she provided bank details online for a simple update: “Just because I enter my bank account doesn’t mean I agreed to automatic withdrawals,” she said.
In response to inquiries, an OBS spokesperson explained that the change is rooted in ORF contribution law. Until now, existing customers (formerly under GIS) could still use payment slips for instalments due to a transitional provision. This will expire at the end of 2025, leaving SEPA as the only option for partial payments.
As the law stands, from 2026 onwards, those who prefer not to use direct debit will need to pay the full annual ORF fee in a single lump sum at the beginning of each year.
