What does Stundung mean?
Stundung (deferral) means you may pay a debt later than it is actually due.
die Stundung · die Stundungen (plural)
You must apply for a Stundung, ideally before the due date. Explain why you cannot pay at the moment.
The Finanzamt, the Krankenkasse (health insurance) and other offices can defer a debt. They often charge interest for it.
A Stundung can also be granted in instalments. Then you pay the debt in parts by fixed dates.
Until the office has decided, the debt stays due. So ask early.
Example sentence
Ihrem Antrag auf Stundung der Einkommensteuer wird bis zum 31.12.2026 entsprochen.
Your application for a Stundung of your income tax is granted until 31.12.2026.
What you can do
Enclose Nachweise (proof) of your situation, for example bank statements. That helps the office decide.
Related words
- Ratenzahlung Ratenzahlung (payment in instalments) means you pay a debt in smaller amounts, for example part of it every month.
- Säumniszuschlag A Säumniszuschlag (late payment surcharge) is an extra charge for paying a tax or a contribution late.
- Nachzahlung Nachzahlung means money paid afterwards. Depending on the letter, you have to pay more, or you get money.
- Steuerbescheid A Steuerbescheid (tax assessment) tells you how much tax you must pay or will get back. It usually comes from the Finanzamt.