August 25 Deadline: Tax Authorities to Target Salaries and Pensions Over Unpaid TV and Radio Fees

Polish tax authorities are set to seize funds directly from salaries and pensions after August 25 for citizens failing to settle mandatory broadcasting subscription fees.

Rising Living Costs and the Broadcasting Fee Dilemma

Rising prices and higher utility bills force many people to choose which financial obligations to pay first. The radio and television subscription fee often ends up at the bottom of the list, especially in senior households, but minor arrears quickly turn into unmanageable debt.

Every owner of a registered receiver must settle the fee by the 25th day of the month. If the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day, though paying earlier is safer before enforcement procedures begin.

Broadcasting Subscription Rates

The monthly broadcasting subscription fee is 9.50 PLN for a radio and 30.50 PLN for a television. Annually, this amounts to 366 PLN for monthly payments or 329.40 PLN if paid in advance.

This remains a real burden for fixed budgets, where such amounts compete directly with medicines, food, and housing costs, frequently pushing the obligation aside until arrears accumulate.

Exemption Rules for Seniors

Most misunderstandings occur around exemptions, as some seniors qualify to be excused from the fee, but meeting the conditions alone is not enough. In 2026, individuals aged 60 and older with a pension no higher than 4,451.78 PLN gross per month are exempt, allowing more people to benefit from the relief.

However, beneficiaries must visit a post office to officially confirm their eligibility, otherwise the system continues billing them as before, leading to mounting debts due to a lack of formal registration.

The Rule with a Catch for Seniors Over 75

Those aged 75 and older are exempt from the subscription fee regardless of their benefit amount, representing one of the most straightforward entitlements. Yet a catch remains if the data is not properly recorded in the system, causing fees to still be billed.

Practically, this means someone formally exempt may only discover accumulated arrears when the collection process has already reached an advanced stage.

Penalties and Enforcement Measures

The major problem escalates when arrears remain unpaid, as the penalty for a missing television fee can reach up to 915 PLN, which is thirty times the monthly rate. Unpaid liabilities are eventually forwarded to the tax office to initiate administrative enforcement proceedings.

In practice, funds can be directly recovered from bank accounts, tax refunds, or pensions, posing a severe impact for individuals watching every expense.

August Payment Deadline

August 25 marks the threshold where minor fees transform into serious financial trouble, making early action essential. Citizens should verify whether their subscription is paid, if they qualify for an exemption, and whether it has been formally registered to avoid lasting consequences.