Polish seniors must pay the RTV subscription by February 25, 2026; late payments trigger debt enforcement procedures.
2026 Subscription Rates and Penalties
The monthly RTV subscription is mandatory, with new rates set by the National Council of Radio Broadcasting and Television (KRRiT) taking effect January 1, 2026. The fee is złoty 6.50 for households and złoty 7.50 for businesses.
Failing to pay the monthly fee by the 25th creates a debt. Even small, short-term debts can initiate enforcement proceedings. The penalty for non-payment is a flat fee of thirty times the monthly subscription rate, totaling złoty 195 for households and złoty 225 for businesses in 2026, regardless of the number of months in arrears.
This penalty is distinct from the unpaid subscription amount itself.
Enforcement Process and Impact
If payment is not made within seven days of a demand notice, the case can be referred to the tax office for enforcement based on an enforcement order issued by Polish Post. Actions may include seizure of assets, bank account deductions, or wage garnishment.
Deductions from social benefits like pensions are particularly impactful for seniors. Although limits and exemption amounts exist, deductions effectively reduce monthly pension income for an extended period.
Legal Basis and Exemptions
The obligation to pay the RTV subscription stems solely from owning equipment capable of receiving television or radio signals, not actual usage. This includes televisions, radios, computers with tuners, and smartphones.
A closed list of exemptions exists, including seniors aged 75 and over, recipients of specific disability benefits, residents of care homes, and full-time students. Meeting exemption criteria requires formal registration in some cases. Data on registered devices may remain in the system for years even after deregistration.
Verification Procedures
Verifications are conducted by authorized Polish Post employees, more common in businesses and institutions than private homes. Controllers cannot enter a residence without consent but may request proof of device registration and can issue protocols initiating further action.
Longstanding Arrears and Surprises
Public data reveals that only a portion of obligated individuals pay regularly, leading to arrears accumulating over years into substantial sums. Many individuals are surprised when enforcement actions are triggered for debts incurred long ago, often due to owning devices they no longer use.
