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Utility Tax Avoidance Program (UTAP)

UTAP Overview

The finance ministries of the NATO Forces established the Utility Tax Avoidance Program (UTAP) to allow authorized customers tax-free utilities with participating utility companies.

The UTAP program is designed for service members assigned to Europe, or U.S. civilians working for the U.S. Forces and some contractors, provided they are under the Tessa Agreement.

DoD mandates the use of UTAP in an effort to secure effective tax relief from foreign taxes on residential consumption of electricity, gas and water in Germany. To be eligible for UTAP individuals must receive their utilities from a provider that has a contractual agreement with the Tax Relief Office (TRO).

Some utilities could fall under additional cost "Nebenkosten", paid directly to the landlord, these costs are not covered by UTAP. For people who own their residence, all utility costs are covered by UTAP.

Providing your banking information is a requirement to enter the UTAP program.

Utap Overview Hand Out 

UTAP Savings

UTAP can save you hundreds of dollars annually off your utilities. With UTAP you will save 19% Value Added Tax on Electrical and Gas. Additionally, in some states select companies can save up to 11% additional cost per kwh on electricity tax and up to 7% on Gas (Eco Tax). Call your local UTAP office for more information about the companies that work with UTAP in your area and their tax exemptions. Providing your banking information is a requirement to enter the UTAP program.

 

Service Percentage Discounted (Taxes) 
Electricity 19% VAT & up to 11% electricity tax (select companies only)
Gas 19% VAT & up to 7% eco tax (select companies only)
Required Information/Process to Set up UTAP

Before coming to the UTAP office, please be sure to have all the required information completed and with you for your UTAP appointment.

  • Complete the walk through with housing.

  • Make sure you double check all meter numbers and meter readings.

  • Find out who your utility providers are.

  • Ask your landlord if he is going to register you with the utility provider. If he states this is your responsibility, UTAP can help you with this.

  • Complete the UTAP Application found in the forms section below. The form needs to be TYPED and then printed.

  • Complete “Start Form” for each utility company. The forms must be TYPED and then printed. Forms cannot be accepted if handwritten.

  • Copy of lease.

  • Banking information from local Credit Union, Community Bank or German bank

  • If you own your home, bring copies of the purchase contract cover page with notary stamp, page with home address, and page with signatures. 

  • UTAP Registration Fee of $99, payable in cash, check or credit card.  Reimbursable through the miscellaneous expense allowance.

  • Valid Active Duty or Civilian ID card (retired military ID cards are not accepted).

  • Copy of orders (mandatory for Active Duty personnel)

  • Read the SEPA handout (download)

If you sign up for UTAP you are also required to close out with UTAP before moving to your new destination.

USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Requirements (Baumholder Community)

Local Pre-registration Requirements:

  • Attend the mandatory UTAP briefing prior to registering. Please contact the staff for details.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

  • Active duty or DOD civilian ID card.
  • Official orders (active duty only).
  • Signed rental agreement from the housing referral office or landlord, or proof of home ownership.
  • Utility company billing information for each utility company used by the Service member or civilian.
  • A $99 registration fee. This may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.
  • Spouse’s name and social security number (if applicable).
  • Complete the required UTAP Application found in the forms section below. The form needs to be TYPED and then printed.
  • If spouse, Power of Attorney with authority to enter into contracts
UTAP Forms

UTAP in Germany for Off-Posting Housing Hand-Out (pdf)

UTAP Application for Registration (pdf)

SEPA Hand-Out (pdf)

UTAP Application Requirements (pdf)

Dear Customer:

See your local VAT office about UTAP  enrollment procedures and registration forms.

 

Required Banking Info

German Bank Identification (BIC) Codes

Community Bank BIC #: MNBIDEF1
Service Federal Credit Union BIC #: SCRUDE51

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