Reminders, payment reminders, payment facilities or enforcement notices due to open arrears to authorities of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen
Have you received a demand for payment, a payment reminder, a payment plan, or a notice of enforcement regarding outstanding arrears owed to government agencies of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen? What should you do?
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Basic information
Within the Bremen administration, the competent authorities collect fees under public or private law. These fees may include:
Charges under public law:
Taxes, fees, contributions, refunds, fines, and court costs. This category also includes claims by Bremen’s municipal enterprises (such as Umweltbetrieb Bremen, KiTA Bremen, Musikschule Bremen, Stadtbibliothek Bremen, Bremer Volkshochschule, and Werkstatt Bremen), broadcasting fees (formerly “GEZ”), and professional association dues.
Charges under private law:
Monetary claims arising from contracts (e.g., purchase price, rent, damages)
Requirements
If the fees are not paid, the relevant authorities will send reminders regarding the outstanding amounts. Various terms are used for this purpose:
- Reminders are sent by the relevant authorities or the Bremen State Treasury.
- Payment reminders are sent by the relevant authorities.
- Payment relief notices are sent by the fine collection offices.
- Enforcement notices are sent by the enforcement authorities (enforcement offices).
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Procedure
In cases of tax arrears, citizens have previously received notices, payment demands, invoices, or similar documents. These letters specify the claim, the amount owed, the due date, and the contact persons. The case reference numbers and/or tax identification numbers are also listed there.
If the outstanding tax amount is not paid by the due date, further collection efforts—in particular, enforcement measures (including wage or bank account garnishment or the submission of asset information)—are to be expected.
Reference: Service Description: Enforcement, Bremen State Treasury
More information
The fund code and tax ID number are important for determining jurisdiction. They consist of several parts.
Examples of a reference number:
4110000000000 or 8000000000 or 911700000000 or 411000000000/VO12, etc.
These account numbers are 10 to 13 digits long and are used only for non-tax receivables.
Example of a tax number: 60/100/12345 or 57/100/12345
The first two digits of the tax number for tax-related claims indicate the responsible tax office.
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Fees / Costs
If a reminder, payment reminder, payment facilitation or enforcement notice is sent, further costs (fees and expenses) may be incurred. These further costs must also be borne by the debtors.
Frequently asked Questions
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To which account should I transfer non-tax and tax receivables against me?
Please use the enclosed payment form for a bank transfer, if applicable. This is the only way to ensure that your payment can be assigned to the correct intended purpose.
Please use the account specified in the reminder, payment reminder, payment facilitation or enforcement notice and always state the cash reference number or tax number in the purpose of use.
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I have been wrongly requested to pay. What should I do?
Please contact the authority that requested you to pay immediately. You have received notices, demands for payment, invoices or similar in advance. These letters state the claim, the amount of the claim, the due date and the contact persons. They also state the legal basis and the possibilities for legal remedy (legal options).
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The official information in German is complete and correct. 23.06.2026