Double prescriptions and anger: consumers defend themselves against ORF!

Double prescriptions and anger: consumers defend themselves against ORF!

Singerstraße 16, 1015 Wien, Österreich - The introduction of the new ORF budget tax causes great resentment among Austrian citizens. Since January 1, 2024, households who have adults with their main residence have had to pay EUR 15.30 per month to finance radio and television offers. This brought numerous complaints to the Vienna Chamber of Labor (AK Vienna) and the Chamber of Labor in Upper Austria. According to the Exxpress.at since the beginning of the year, many people have complained about reminder letters that they received despite already made payments. Sole proprietors who have to pay the contributions for their offices on their home address are particularly affected, which often creates double prescriptions.

The descriptions of the citizens are terrifying. In addition to the reminders, there are also difficulties in making contact with the ORF contribution service (OBS). Waiting times of over an hour are not uncommon, says an AK spokeswoman. Many affected people are frustrated because they receive no support in their concerns. Therefore, the AK representatives not only referred to the defective customer service, but also to the public prosecutor as support for those who do not progress with their concerns. This is also confirmed by the Chamber of Labor in Upper Austria , where it has recorded complaints since the submission of the levy, among other things about unauthorized claims and missing reactions on the part of OBS. Many complaints also refer to the fact that spouses are asked twice to checkout in a common household or that deceased relatives are still being considered by letter.

The frustration of those affected is also reinforced by the fact that some of them have already been threatened with defaults or even complaints, even though they should have paid the relevant taxes in good time. In the sense of consumers, AK President Andreas Stangl demands that the processes in the ORF contribution service are urgently improved. "Most of the problems would have been avoidable due to a more professional handling of the change," said Stangl. The Chamber of Labor has already contacted the management of the OBS and the Ministry of Finance, hoping to find a faster and more effective solution for the already angered customers.