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Inside Ramstein Enlisted Club
Building 2140, Lawn Avenue
Ramstein Air Base, DE

DSN: 480.2477
COMM: 06371.47.2477

86fss.utap@us.af.mil

UTAP Office

The Utility Tax Avoidance Program (UTAP) is a great way for eligible DoD personnel (who reside in housing on the economy) to save money on utility bills. UTAP legally allows you to avoid paying German tax on certain utilities. With UTAP, you can save up to 19% value-added tax on electricity and natural gas and 7% on water. This program can save you and the US Government hundreds of dollars annually on your utilities.

US Armed Forces members, military and civilian, fall under the current Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Germany and are entitled to the tax-free delivery of electricity, gas, and/or water, when residing on the German economy. These utilities must be metered in the sponsor’s name in order for them to legally receive tax-relief. The utilities are taxed at 19% for electricity and gas, 7% for water. We currently have contracts with over a dozen German utility companies in and around the Kaiserslautern area.

Go To The VAT Office Page

What Is UTAP?

  • With UTAP you will save 19% Value Added Tax on Electrical, Gas and Water. Additionally, in some states, select companies can save up to 19% additional on electricity tax and up to 7% on Gas (Eco Tax).

Who Is Eligible?

ONE ACCOUNT PER HOUSEHOLD

  • Eligibility for individual tax relief is derived from the SA NATO SOFA, Article 67, paragraph 3. **Must be assigned to Germany. 
  • US Military service members and dependents.
  • GS / NAF / DoDEA Civilian employees with logistical support (NATO SOFA status).
  • Contractor employees with SOFA status.

What Do I Need To Start An Account?

  • DOWNLOAD THE ENROLLMENT PACKET HERE
  • Lease agreement or original Urkunde/Notar if you are the homeowner
  • Orders or (Letter of Logistical Support with a Blue Sofa Card; Contractors & DoDEA employees only)
  • IBAN (DE + 20 numbers) & BIC from your local bank account. Automatic bank withdrawals is required.
  • $99 enrollment fee (credit/debit card only)
  • Power of Attorney (POA) if other than the sponsor will be completing the enrollment process
  • A completed enrollment packet

Click Here to Download Forms

Important !

Utility Payment delinquencies may result in losing all VAT and UTAP privileges.

Please read through the application thoroughly to ensure that you understand what is expected. When you sign the application for our program you are signing a contract.

The Ramstein UTAP service is by walk-in only. Please have all required documents and completed application prior to coming in, see the UTAP Application Packet for a checklist.
You may also contact the UTAP Office at 86fss.utap@us.af.mil for assistance.