From January 2026, Poles will face increased RTV subscription fees and stricter penalties for non-payment.
New Subscription Rates
From January 2026, the National Council of Radio and Television (KRRiT) will implement new subscription rates. Regardless of whether households watch public TVP or only use streaming services like Netflix, they must pay if they have a functional television receiver.
The annual cost will be 366 zł, an increase of 38.40 zł from the previous year.
Exemption for Pensioners
For many seniors, there is good news as the income threshold for exemption from the subscription has been raised in 2026.
Individuals aged 60 or older with pensions not exceeding approximately 4,450 zł gross can apply for complete exemption from fees, saving them 366 zł annually.
Important: Most eligible individuals must submit an application at the post office to qualify for this exemption.
Increased Penalties
In 2026, penalties for unregistered television equipment will be particularly severe. Inspectors can impose fines of 30 times the monthly subscription rate for an unpaid television, resulting in penalties of nearly 1,000 zł.
Additionally, outstanding subscriptions will accrue interest, and the tax office will directly handle the collection of these amounts, potentially seizing funds from bank accounts or tax overpayments.
Subscription Abolition Blocked
Despite previous announcements, plans to abolish the RTV subscription have been halted. While the Ministry of Culture had planned to eliminate the levy from 2027, the Ministry of Finance blocked this proposal citing budget stability concerns.
Abolishing the subscription would cost the state an estimated 25 billion złoty over a decade.
