GIS is the TV / Radio license that funds the ORF. It used to be possible to avoid paying if you didn’t have any devices that could pick up or stream TV or radio. However from January 2024 a new tax is being introduced which every household will have to pay (as just about everyone now has a streaming device). For households in Steiermark this will be €20. This includes the €15.30 GIS fee, plus a €4.70 Steiermark cultural & sports tax. There is no ORF fee for secondary residences. For those who already pay GIS, good news you get a reduction (currently €28.65) and you will automatically be changed to the new rate in 2024. For those who didn’t pay before, unfortunately there is now no avoiding it and you will be receiving a letter asking you to register.

If you haven’t already been paying GIS and register now, you will have the option to pay in instalments (2 or 6 months). If you don’t register, you will receive a bill for the whole year in January.

The exemption requirements from the new tax remains the same – those receiving childcare allowance, study/pupil allowance, apprenticeship allowance, care allowance, pension, unemployment benefit, minimum income, benefits from other public funds (social need) and earning under net household incomes. For 2024 single persons €1,243.49, couples €1,961.75 and additional €191.87 per child (can be adjusted with inflation). You can check here if you qualify for an exemption.

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