Small businesses against ORF fees: Who can defend themselves?

More and more small business owners are faced with the rigorous demands of ORF, even though many do not have a TV set! A bizarre example from Styria shows how a ski school, which is only open 90 days a year, is still asked to pay-it should pay 240 euros for the ORF compulsory contribution, such as the Exxpress.at reported. Other companies, such as a small ski lift, are also not spared from the demands. An entrepreneur's voice from the Mostviertel even announced that it should be operated if the ORF contribution service (OBS) does not add from its claims.

From January 1, 2024, the ORF fee will be due for all main homes, regardless of whether there is a television or radio. As AustrianPress.com , all citizens who have so far not paid any fees, since otherwise an invoice for the annual fee is sent. The amount is set at around 15.30 euros per month, which is cheaper overall than the previous fees for households with a television. Attorney Gerold Beneder commented on the new regulation: "First, consumers were put into focus, now it is the entrepreneurs", and recommends that the smallest companies affect the claims to act legally.

changes and registration procedures

The change in the previous broadcasting fees towards the new ORF fee takes place quickly and easily. Existing subscribers do not have to worry, their data will be transferred automatically. However, if you still had no fee services, you have to register for yourself what is possible online via ORF.BART.ATAT. It is important that one person has to be registered per main residence, otherwise there is a risk of payment for the entire year.

The introduction of the new fee schedule and the current claims have triggered concern for many entrepreneurs and underline the challenges that small companies are facing with stressful financial obligations. How the situation will develop remains exciting, but the resistance already seems to grow.