- UTAP Overview
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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 Savings
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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
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Before coming to the UTAP office, please be sure to have all the required information completed and with you for your UTAP appointment.
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Complete the walk through with housing.
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Make sure you double check all meter numbers and meter readings.
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Ask your landlord if he or she is going to register you with the utility provider. If he or she states this is your responsibility, UTAP can help you with this.
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Complete the UTAP Application found in the forms section below.
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Copy of lease.
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Banking information from Service Credit Union, Community Bank or German bank
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If you own your home, bring copies of the purchase contract cover page with notary stamp, page with home address, and page with signatures.
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UTAP Registration Fee of $99, payable in exact cash or credit/debit cards. Reimbursable through the miscellaneous expense allowance.
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Valid Active Duty or Civilian ID card (retired military ID cards are not accepted). Contractors must provide SOFA Card and TESA Agreeement.
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Copy of orders (mandatory for Active Duty personnel)
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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.
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- UTAP Appointments
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To make an appointment for UTAP assistance, please call CIV (0611) 143-548-9107/DSN 548-9107 or click here.
- Required Documents
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Download these forms:
- Email Contact Link for Sending Attachments
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To send an email attachment to the VAT Office, please CLICK HERE
Walk-Ins for bill assistance or questions; Appointments are required for enrollment
The VAT and UTAP Office staff is happy to serve the World's Best Customers. Walk-Ins are welcome anytime for clearing or billing questions; however, the appointment system is required to do an enrollment. Enrollment can only be done after move-in to the new residence.
Call CIV (0611) 143-548-9107/ DSN 548-9107 or click here to make an appointment.
