Who has to pay?: Here’s what you need to know about the Cheers fee

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When the latest Depeche Mode song goes off on the radio or the “Meteo” host pushes the clouds across the screen, it costs something: 335 francs a year for private individuals and 670 francs a year for so-called collective households. The radio and television reception fee is billed by the Swiss collection agency Serafe AG ​​for the radio and television fee since 2019. Before that, Billag was in charge.

The approximately 1.37 billion Swiss francs that come in each year mostly go to SRG, which they use to fund programming in all language regions of Switzerland. Six percent goes to local radio and television broadcasters. In principle, every home and every company has to pay the fee. Whether you listen to the radio or watch TV. But there are exceptions. The most important questions about radio and television pay:

Do I have to register somewhere?

NO. You will automatically receive an invoice. Even if you move, you don’t have to report it because Serafe gets addresses from the residents’ registry office.

I only have a radio but no television. Do I still have to pay 335 CHF?

Yes. The fee is no longer dependent on the device ready to receive as before, but is valid for every household.

I don’t have any device. Do I still owe the fee?

NO. If you cannot afford any electronic medium, that is, if you do not have a radio, television, car radio, smartphone, computer or tablet, you do not have any debt. But on January 1, 2024, that will change: From then on, all private households will have to pay the fee, even if they don’t have buyers.

We only watch foreign programs. Do I still have to pay?

Yes. Whichever program you watch, you will be charged.

I get additional benefits. What counts?

If there are people living in the household and receiving annual supplementary benefits for AHV and IV, no fees are paid – this applies to the entire household. Those affected should submit EL decisions or official approvals. It serves as a request for the seraphim. A retroactive exemption is possible for a maximum of five years (but not before 2019).

I am currently addicted to social assistance. Do I have to pay tax?

Yes. The wage is included in the basic subsistence need.

My husband and I are leaving, he is moving. Do I have to report this to Serafe?

NO. The only thing that matters is that your husband notifies the civil registration office that he is moving. The data is then transmitted to Serafe.

As a weekly resident, do I have to pay an additional fee?

You only need to pay the primary residence fee. If you live elsewhere a few days a week, you don’t have to pay twice.

I’m going abroad for half a year. Can I get something back?

Basically no. You no longer have to pay the fee only when you deregister in Switzerland and move abroad. As long as you reside in Switzerland, you have to pay the fees.

My mother lives in a nursing home. Still have to pay the individual fee?

NO. Houses are collective households that have to pay a total of 670 francs per year. This also applies to nursing homes, boarding, training or student homes, boarding schools, monasteries, shelters or prisons. The fee is paid directly by the house.

I’m having a hard time paying 335 francs at once. Is installment possible?

Yes, check with Serafe. There you can also request that you get an invoice every three months.

Since I do not have electronic banking, I want a paper invoice.

You can take. However, it costs two francs.

I forgot to pay the bill. Now Serafe demands a fine of five francs overdue – is she allowed to do that?

Yes. Strike fees always require a contractual or legal basis. In accordance with the Radio and Television Regulations, Serafe may charge five francs per reminder.

My father is seriously ill and lives alone at home. What happens to the already paid dues when you die?

Later, the heirs can demand that some of the annual accounts be repaid to them. From the last day of the month in which the person died. For this, they must present the certificate of inheritance to Serafe and give their bank information.

I live with friends. What if my roommate doesn’t pay?

Then Serafe can also claim the money from you – because all adults in a household are jointly and severally liable. To avoid late fees, it’s better to make sure the bill is paid on time and reclaim the roommate’s share if necessary.

There is an error in the address on the invoice. What should I do?

Ask the civil registration office of your municipality or canton first.

Do I have to pay taxes for the cottage I rented?

NO. Everything is paid for at your regular house rate. You only pay company tax if you make a turnover of more than 500,000 francs with the lease (see question below).

I have a small carpentry shop, do I have to pay a fee?

Only if your annual turnover is over 500,000 francs. Companies then pay based on turnover – for example 160 francs for turnover up to 749,000 francs. Companies are billed by the Federal Tax Administration based on the previous year’s sales figures, not by Serafe.

Source :Blick