In Poland there has been a compulsory subscription fee for radio and public tv for years. In theory, it is intended to finance public media activities. In practice, however, RTV subscription laws are increasingly leading to situations that many citizens mention to as bureaucratic absurdities. The latest explanation of the law it can make the charge should be paid even for the computer or smartphone. As you can see, the authorities will go to any absurdity to just add money to the budget.
The Tusk government is looking for money again. The basis for the effort to taxation computer owners is the explanation of the provisions of the Law on licence fees, which was confirmed by the ultimate Administrative Court. According to it, the RTV receiver is any method device capable of instantly receiving radio or tv programmes – whether utilizing an antenna or the Internet.
In practice, this means that the receiver can be considered not only a classical tv or radio, but besides a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. All you request is the method possible of the reception device. It doesn't substance if the owner actually watches tv or listens to the radio. The Kuriosian explanation sparked a wave of comments in the media and the Internet. Critics indicate that in the 21st century, almost all electronic device can reproduce video or audio transmission from the internet, leading to absurd consequences.
The most severe effects can be felt by entrepreneurs. For households, the fee is 1 per full holding, regardless of the number of facilities. On the another hand, companies must pay subscriptions from each registered receiver separately.
Since January 2026, the yearly fee for tv is about PLN 329. So if the company has respective laptops, respective smartphones and desktop computers, theoretically each of these devices can be considered a RTV receiver. As a result, costs can scope thousands of zlotys per year – even if the equipment is utilized exclusively for office work. So far, the biggest costs of the subscription have been borne by companies with large car fleets with radios. Now the company's laptops and phones can join this list.
The Polish Post Office is liable for the enforcement of the obligation. Its controllers have the right to check whether the RTV receivers have been registered and whether the subscription is paid. The owner of the fresh device has 14 days to study it. In the absence of registration, additional fees shall be charged. The punishment for an unreported tv can be even a fewer 100 zlotys, and then you inactive gotta pay the late subscription. At the same time, controllers cannot enter the company without the approval of the entrepreneur. In practice, this means that refusal to let the controller is allowed.
The RTV subscription has been operating in Poland for decades and is frequently referred to as a relic of the times of the Polish People's Republic. These regulations do not follow the technological reality. In the Internet, the border between the ‘television receiver’ and the average electronic device has virtually blurred. As a result, there is simply a paradox: individual who does not have a tv or radio, but has a laptop or smartphone, can be considered a holder of an RTV receiver. It is very convenient from the point of view of power, which is eternally hungry for the money of the Polish taxpayer.
OUR COMMENTS: "There is no specified cruelty or wickedness as he would not commit otherwise a mild and liberal government erstwhile he lacks money" Alexis de Tocqueville.
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