For second home

Collection terror despite exemption from ORF contribution

Every household (main residence) has had to pay a monthly ORF contribution of EUR 15.30 to the OBS since January 1, 2024.(Bild: Martin A. Jöchl)

The new ORF contribution - which amounts to EUR 15.30 per month - has been in force since January 1, 2024. Unlike before, second homes are now exempt. But one Lower Austrian still wanted money. The whole thing even went so far that a debt collection company was called in.

The second and final reminder is written in bold letters on the letter that Ernst H. received from ORF-Beitrags Service GmbH (OBS) in mid-March. 132 euros - namely the household fee plus the Styrian provincial fee and a late payment surcharge - were demanded from the reader from Lower Austria for his secondary residence in Styria. For January to June 2024.