Many Poles inactive live in ignorance, hoping that the problem of RTV subscription will solve itself. Meanwhile, Poczta Polska is intensifying its activities, and the controllers are massing off in the field, checking both companies and private apartments. In 2024, more than 118,000 calls to pay, and penalties for deficiency of registration of the receiver can scope even PLN 819. These are not empty threats – this is simply a real hazard that affects millions of households in Poland, especially since the future of the public media financing strategy is uncertain and the Polish Post is trying to recover as much backlog as possible before it is besides late.
The situation is alarming: although about 4.5 million receivers are registered in Poland, only 700 1000 farms regularly pay the subscription. That means that over 3.8 million Poles He can be targeted by the controllers. If you have a tv or radio and you do not pay your subscription, this article is for you. We explain what you can expect, what the consequences are and what you can do to avoid advanced penalties.
Full Rotation Checks: Who and erstwhile Can anticipate Visits?
Poczta Polska does not slow down the pace in enforcing fees for RTV subscriptions, but on the contrary – it increases its activities. Checkers are working at full velocity throughout the country, and their visits can be expected within hours of 7:00 to 3:00.. It is at this time that employees of the Polish Post Office, equipped with business cards and circumstantial guidelines, check whether citizens fulfil their duty.
At least secondary education, a category B driving licence and the readiness to take business trips are required to work as a controller. Candidates must besides show their ability to usage MS Office, indicating the professional and structured nature of these activities. Although most controls focus on companies, institutions and workplaces, The Polish Post straight admits that controls in private homes, although few, are possible and carried out, especially erstwhile there is simply a suspicion of avoidance.
It is crucial to realize that the work to pay an RTV subscription applies to anyone who has a receiver capable of receiving a public signal – whether utilizing conventional tv or exclusively streaming services like Netflix. If your tv is able to receive a signal, you are required to registry and pay your subscription. That's the regulation that makes millions of Poles are exposed to consequences.
Harmful Penalties and increasing In arrears: See how much you can lose
The consequences of not paying the RTV subscription can be highly severe for the home budget. For deficiency of registration of the receiver within 14 days of its acquisition, a punishment of 30 times the monthly fee. In the case of a tv which costs PLN 27.30 per period in 2025, this means a one-time punishment of PLN 819. In addition, there are outstanding charges for the full usage of the device, which may increase to crucial amounts.
The example of Agnieszka from Gdańsk illustrates perfectly the scale of the problem. For 5 years, she didn't pay the subscription, hoping to liquidate it. In December 2024 she received a call for payment for the amount over 1600 PLN with interest. "I thought if they kept talking about cutting the subscription, there's no point in paying. Now I regret it," he says. likewise with the radio in the car – the punishment is PLN 261, plus late contributions (the monthly fee is PLN 8.70).
The immense scale of non-payment – only 700 000 out of 4.5 million obliged households regularly pay – demonstrates the weaknesses of the system, but at the same time increases the force to enforce claims from those who have registered receivers or are suspected of having them. For the state budget it billions of gold losses per year, which only strengthens the Polish Post's determination to recover these funds.
Who's fired from the toll? Unknown Rights of Thousands of Poles
It is worth remembering that not all Poles are obliged to pay subscription fees. There are a number of social groups that can benefit from the exemption, but the key is making an appropriate message at the Polish Post. Without this formal step, even the individual entitled to the relief will be treated as a debtor and may be punished.
Groups exempted from fees include: Retired at 75 years of age, blind, deaf, unemployed, disabled, disabled persons who receive social assistance or who meet the income criteria laid down in the household Benefits Act. The list is much wider and besides includes combatants or people with a crucial degree of disability.
The problem is that many entitled to release simply do not know their rights or have not completed the formalities. Mr Stanisław from Krakow, who is 76 years old, discovered his right to be released only after receiving a call for payment. "I was 76 years old and entitled to leave, but nobody told me I had to study it. I paid unnecessarily for 2 years," he says. If you belong to 1 of these groups, contact Polish Post urgentlyto regulate its position and avoid unnecessary fees and penalties.
The Future of the RTV Abonament: The Last strategy Trips?
Intensification of RTV subscription control takes place at an highly interesting minute erstwhile the future of the full strategy is in question. The government is actively working on a fresh media law, which can completely change the way public media is financed in Poland. 2 main scenarios are being considered that could enter into force in 2025.
The first script involves introducing audiovisual fee of about PLN 108 per year from any adult household associate automatically collected during the settlement of the PIT. The second solution is to completely abolish public charges and to finance public media straight from the state budget. However, the final decision in this case is for president Karol Nawrocki, who has the right to veto any bill. So far, the president has only expressed an interest in the planned improvement without taking a circumstantial position.
This uncertainty can be the key to knowing why the Polish Post Office conducts checks so intensively. There is simply a advanced probability that this Last chance to recover outstanding debts before a complete strategy change. Regardless of future reforms, current commitments stay in force and the Polish Post Office has the right to enforce them. That's why you can't number on the problem to vanish alone – you gotta act now.
How to prepare for the Controller's Visit and regulate Status?
In the face of increased controls, it is crucial to know how to proceed and what rights you have. First of all, You don't gotta let the controller in your house. – he has the right to enter only with your permission. However, if you decide to let him in, the controller has the right to check all rooms in search of unregistered receivers. Always ask for a business card and ask for the intent of the visit.
If an unregistered receiver is found, the controller will evidence the protocol and you will be punished. You have the right to object, but it is much better to settle the formalities in advance. Here's what you can do today:
- Check your subscription status, by calling 43 842 06 06.
- If you have the right to be released, make an appropriate statement in any Polish Post Office.
- Consider paying subscription for the full year with 10% discount (until 25 January each year), which will avoid monthly formalities.
- Prepare papers confirming the right to be released if you are entitled.
- If you have problems with establishing the position or questioning the amount of the penalty, you may submit Reference to the National Broadcasting Council within 14 days of service of the decision.
The past of Mr Mark from Warsaw shows how crucial it is to act quickly. "I got a call for 800 zlotys. It turned out to be a mistake – I have the right to be released as a war invalid. If I had not reacted quickly, the case would have gone to the bailiff," he says. Remember that all efficient receiver, even old or unused, is subject to registration. Regulating subscription position is not only a substance of avoiding punishment, but besides of peace of head in the face of the upcoming changes.
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Penalties RTV PLN819. Polish Postmasters are already knocking on your door!
