RTV subscription: we debunk myths, present facts
Even before the outbreak of World War II, the Polish Post Office collected fees for the use of radio receivers. Depending on the country, various models of financing public media operate in Europe. The involvement of individual postal operators in controlling subscription fees is a fairly common phenomenon.
Many myths and misconceptions have arisen regarding the mandatory registration of radio and television receivers. Below, we present the most common myths and facts concerning this service.
The postman can check the registration of the radio and television receiver.
MYTH! No postman has the authority to conduct checks on the registration requirement for receivers! This is done only by authorized employees of the Polish Post's Financial Service Center.
The Polish Post employs hundreds of inspectors
MYTH! No more than a few dozen controllers carry out tasks throughout the country.
Polish Post inspectors focus on inspecting the homes of Poles
MYTH! According to the law, the obligation to register receivers and conduct inspections applies to all users of radio and television receivers. However, Poczta Polska focuses primarily on companies and institutions. The number of inspections in households is negligible, accounting for only a fraction of all inspections.
Only in Poland do you have to pay to watch public radio and television?
MYTH! For example, in the Czech Republic, as in Poland, the post office collects subscription fees. Every electricity payer is considered a subscriber, so the postal operator obtains information from the energy company. In Italy and Portugal, the subscription fee is added to the electricity bill. In Germany, the collector is a specially established institution, and the fee is added to the apartment by default. Registration with our western neighbor takes place during the registration process.
The number of enforcement titles for unpaid RTV license fees has been growing rapidly over the last few years.
MYTH! The number of enforcement titles has remained at a similar level over recent years, and has even seen a slight year-on-year decline.
The Polish Post Office inspects radio and television receivers without a legal basis
MYTH! Audits of compliance with the obligation to register radio and television receivers are conducted pursuant to Article 7 of the Licence Fees Act and the provisions of the Code of Administrative Procedure, which specifies how to conduct post-audit proceedings for the purpose of issuing an administrative decision. It's worth recalling that the obligation to pay licence fees is common in European countries.
It is not possible to appeal against a request from Poczta Polska to settle outstanding subscription fees.
MYTH! As part of its mission, Poczta Polska provides customer service (directly at branches, by telephone, and by correspondence). Explanatory letters, complaints, claims, and requests are reviewed at every stage of the case and proceedings. Every customer may use the appeal procedure provided for in the Code of Administrative Procedure or the Subscription Fees Act. In the case of ongoing enforcement proceedings, objections and complaints, as well as appeals, may be filed with the Provincial Administrative Court at any stage of the proceedings. Customers may submit applications for payment waivers and installment payments directly to the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT).
Poczta Polska determines and collects the entire amount of subscription fees
MYTH! Subscription fees are determined by the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) pursuant to a regulation by May 31st for the following calendar year. Poczta Polska is obligated to collect fees in accordance with the applicable rates and interest rates applicable to tax arrears, in accordance with the Tax Ordinance Act. As stated in the Constitutional Tribunal's ruling, the subscription fee is strictly a tax liability.
I don't have to register my TV if I won't be watching TV on it, but only, for example, TV series from a paid movie platform.
MYTH! A purchased TV set allows for television reception. The law establishes a presumption of use – a person who possesses a radio or television receiver in a condition enabling immediate reception of a program is presumed to be using that receiver. Therefore, in accordance with applicable law, it must be registered.
In order to control the registration of radio and television receivers, Poczta Polska uses various classified databases to which it should not have access
MYTH! The Polish Post Office uses its own subscriber database (a database of registered subscribers – individuals and entities that have completed registration formalities) and publicly available databases, such as the Central Register of Hotel Facilities and the Central Register and Information on Business Activity.
People who decide to pay subscription fees at the beginning of the year, for a longer period in advance, can count on benefits
TRUE . Paying your RTV license fee for the entire year in advance by a specific date in January is rewarded with a 10% discount. The most financially advantageous solution is to pay the entire year in advance, but you can also take advantage of other discounts for payments longer than one month. Information on the license fee amounts set by the National Broadcasting Council, a calculator, and other information about the license fee and discounts are available at: rtv.poczta-polska.pl.
Polish Post inspectors must identify themselves during inspections.
TRUE. The ID card template is specified in the regulation .
Poczta Polska informs citizens who are in arrears with subscription fees before issuing an enforcement order
TRUE. Notices and reminders are sent before an enforcement order is issued. It's worth remembering that subscribers are obligated to inform Poczta Polska of any formal and legal changes, such as a change of address, a change in eligibility for fee exemptions, or termination of use, similar to the procedure for electricity supplies.