Can I avoid paying the RAI TV licence?
Only if you fall under an exemption. The RAI TV licence is due from those who hold a TV set in their residence. In 2026 the amount is €90 a year, charged in 10 instalments from January to October directly on the electricity bill of the residential household. It's paid once per registered family, even with several TVs. You can legitimately avoid it only in some cases: if you don't own any TV (by filing a declaration in lieu with the Revenue Agency); if you're over 75 with a low household income (within the set threshold); or for particular categories (e.g. diplomatic staff, international agreements). Exemption declarations must be filed by the deadlines.
📋 The rules
- Due from those who hold a TV at their residence
- 2026: €90 a year, in 10 instalments on the electricity bill
- Paid once per registered family
- Exemption if you don't own a TV (declaration to the Revenue Agency)
- Exemption for the over-75s with low household income
🔓 Exceptions
- No TV set: declaration in lieu of non-possession
- Over 75 with income within the legal threshold: full exemption
- Foreign diplomatic and military staff: exemptions under international agreements
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Not paying the licence while holding a TV, or filing a false declaration of non-possession, exposes you to sanctions and recovery of the amounts due, with interest. The charge on the bill makes payment almost automatic for those with a residential electricity contract. If you believe you're entitled to exemption (no TV, over 75 with low income), you must file the declaration by the deadlines: generally by 31 January for the whole year, or by 30 June for the second half. If the licence is charged despite your entitlement to exemption, you can request a refund.
📎 Official sources
- Revenue Agency · TV licence →
- Normattiva · Rules on the TV subscription licence →
- Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy · Licence and utilities →
❓ Frequently asked
How much is the RAI licence in 2026?
In 2026 the RAI licence is 90 euros a year. It's charged in 10 monthly instalments from January to October directly on the electricity bill of the residential household. It's paid once per registered family, even if there are several TVs at home.
Who has to pay the RAI licence?
Those who hold a TV set at their residence. Those with a residential electricity contract are presumed to own a TV, so the licence is automatically charged on the bill, unless a declaration of non-possession is filed.
How do I avoid paying if I don't have a TV?
You must file with the Revenue Agency a declaration in lieu stating that there's no TV set at home. It must be sent by the deadlines (generally 31 January for the whole year or 30 June for the second half).
Do the over-75s pay the licence?
Citizens over 75 with an annual household income within the set threshold (generally not above a certain figure) can request full exemption from the licence, filing the relevant application. It's a benefit for elderly people with low incomes.
What's the risk if I don't pay despite having a TV?
Not paying while holding a TV, or falsely declaring not to own one, entails sanctions and recovery of the amounts due with interest. Since the charge is on the bill, avoiding payment without entitlement is hard and risky.
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