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What does Säumniszuschlag mean?

A Säumniszuschlag (late payment surcharge) is an extra charge for paying a tax or a contribution late.

der Säumniszuschlag · die Säumniszuschläge (plural)

At the Finanzamt and the Krankenkasse (health insurance), it grows with every month the payment is late. The Beitragsservice also charges a Säumniszuschlag.

It often comes automatically, without a separate reminder. An Einspruch or Widerspruch usually does not stop it.

If you cannot pay on time, ask for a Stundung (deferral) or a Ratenzahlung (instalments) before the due date.

Example sentence

Für die verspätete Zahlung wird ein Säumniszuschlag in Höhe von 12,00 € erhoben.

A Säumniszuschlag of 12,00 € is charged for the late payment.

What you can do

If the surcharges arose because of an emergency, you can ask whether they can be waived.

  • Mahnung A Mahnung is a letter reminding you that a payment is missing. Fees are often added.
  • Stundung Stundung (deferral) means you may pay a debt later than it is actually due.
  • Ratenzahlung Ratenzahlung (payment in instalments) means you pay a debt in smaller amounts, for example part of it every month.
  • Steuerbescheid A Steuerbescheid (tax assessment) tells you how much tax you must pay or will get back. It usually comes from the Finanzamt.
  • Kassenzeichen A Kassenzeichen is a number an office uses to match your payment.