More and more people wonder how the RTV licence control strategy works in Poland. The Polish Post Office, liable for its enforcement, is constantly looking for fresh employees for the positions of controllers. While the number of specified checks is comparatively small, it is worth knowing at what times they can take place and how to prepare for them.
Who can run Control?
RTV subscription checks can only be carried out by authorised employees of the Polish Post Office, employed at the Financial Centre. These persons must show adequate authorisation and, upon request, an identity card. The postmen and another employees of the Polish Post Office who are not employed at the Financial Centre do not have the right to carry out specified checks.
In accordance with the ultimate Administrative Court judgement of 7 March 2023 (file number II GSK 94/20), the controller shall:
- Determine the presence of the RTV device which is subject to registration.
- Check that the device is capable of receiving the signal immediately (through its activation).
- Verify if the receiver has been registered.
- Specify how long the device has been used.
When are the checks carried out?
The work notices published by the Polish Post Office show that the work of controllers takes place between 7:00 and 3:00. This means that we can anticipate checks only during these hours, which is crucial information for people who work or stay distant from home during these hours.
Do we gotta let the Controller into the house?
One of the most controversial aspects of RTV subscription control is whether the controller has the right to enter our home. The Polish Post Office informs that the controlled 1 should let to carry out checks or show proof of registration of receivers. However, lawyers point out that controllers do not have access to premises without the consent of the owner. This means that the decision to let the controller into the home depends solely on the owner of the apartment.
What's the threat of not registering the receiver?
In 2024 the monthly fee for the radio receiver is PLN 8.70 and for the tv or tv and radio receiver - PLN 27.30. utilizing an unregistered device may consequence in a punishment of 30 times the monthly subscription fee.
The Polish Post Office more frequently enforces late fees from people who have a registered receiver but have stopped paying the subscription. In specified cases, there may be a call for payment, and if the subscriber does not settle the arrears, the case may go to the taxation office, which has the right to collect arrears from various sources of income, specified as overpayment, bank account, pension, pension or salary.
How to Avoid Control Problems?
In order to avoid unpleasantness related to the control of the RTV subscription, it is worth checking regularly whether all existing RTV devices are registered and if the subscription is paid. It should be borne in head that control may happen at any time and that negligence of duties may lead to unpleasant financial consequences.
Read more:
You're not paying for TV? Polish Post Starts Checks
