Controls of RTV subscription in Poland – what is the reality?

RTV subscription For years, there has been controversy in Poland, both among individuals and entrepreneurs. Polish Post, liable for the enforcement of fees, revealed details of control procedures. Contrary to the concerns of many Poles, control activities are more limited and directed mainly at companies than at individuals. How are the checks going and who can anticipate a visit?

Who controls the RTV subscription?

In accordance with the Act on licence fees from 2005, peculiar training staff of the Polish Post Office are liable for the control. According to data published by the institution, the number of auditors in Poland is comparatively tiny – it is estimated that it is respective twelve people per country.

The auditors shall have clearly defined powers.which let them to check whether the household or the company pays a subscription for having a RTV receiver. Their actions are regulated, among others, by the judgement of the ultimate Administrative Court of 2015, which clarifies the legal basis for the checks.

What are the controls?

In the case of checks, the typical of the Polish Post Office shall have the right:

• Verify the location radio or tv receiverthat allows the reception of the signal.
• See if the owner of the device has reported them to pay for the RTV subscription.
• Apply a punishment fee in case of irregularities – this is 30 times the monthly subscription fee (currently 735 PLN per TV).

Why is the RTV subscription valid for all receiver holders?

The RTV subscription is simply a public fee that is not dependent on the actual usage of tv or radio, but on the fact that you have a receiver capable of receiving a signal. This means that:

• Even if you don't watch public television, but you have a working TV, you're obliged to pay your subscription.
• The work besides applies to entrepreneurs who have receivers in workplaces specified as offices, hotels or restaurants.

Who are the most affected by controls?

Control activities are More focused on business than on households. Poczta Polska indicates that it is companies that more frequently avoid fees, even though their receivers are utilized in commercial activity, e.g. in hotels or service salons.

According to data from 2024, only 20% of all controls concern individualsand most of the penalties imposed include undertakings.

What are the statistic on the RTV subscription?

• Data from the National Broadcasting Council shows that approx. 6.8 million receiversbut the subscription regularly pays little than half of their owners.
• The combined proceeds from the RTV subscription in 2023 amounted to approx. PLN 1.8 billion, which represented around 70% of the planned public media budget.
• In 2024 there was a decrease in the number of penalties imposed – o 15% little than in the erstwhile year, which shows a more selective approach to control.

Can the controllers get in the house?

This is 1 of the most frequently asked questions by those who fear control. Polish Post Office Controllers have no right to enter a private flat without approval from the owner. They can only verify the data on receiver ownership on the basis of the information reported.

In the case of companies, the situation is different – entrepreneurs are required to let checks at the workplace.

How to avoid penalties for deficiency of subscription?

To avoid control problems, it is worth remembering a fewer principles:

1. Register RTV receiver in the local post office and regularly pay your subscription.
2. If you do not usage a tv or radio, you can make a written message that you do not have a receiver.
3. Check current fee rates – in 2024 the monthly cost is PLN 27.30 per tv or PLN 8.70 per radio.

Why is the subject controversial?

Not everyone agrees with the RTV subscription rules. Critics point to the fact that the public media financing model is outdated and unfair. Many Poles usage mainly streaming platforms and paid VOD services, which means that they do not see the request to finance public television.