Italy’s TV & Radio Tax Explained
So you’ve made the move to Italy and you’re settling into la dolce vita. But wait, there’s the television and radio tax? Before you switch to full Italian mode and toss your remote in frustration, let’s demystify this lesser-known expat challenge.
What Is The Television/Radio Tax In Italy?
According to Italian legislation, all owners of television equipment and other devices like radios that can receive television must possess a television license. The license helps to finance RAI, an Italian public service broadcaster partially.
The structure of the radio industry resembles that of television. The public radio firm RAI operates three FM/AM national stations (Radio 1, Radio 2, and Radio 3) that collectively reach more than 50% of the country.
The remaining viewership is shared among the 14 commercial radio networks. The only source of funding for these commercial networks and the roughly 1,300 local stations is advertising.
How Much Is The Television/Radio Tax In Italy?
Radio set owners began paying a license fee in 1923, and the regulation that governs it goes back to 1938. After accounting for VAT (IVA), the yearly license charge is about €100.
Exemption From The RAI fee
The following circumstances may exempt you from paying the Rai licensing fee:
- It would be best if you had a television or a gadget that could receive radio and television signals.
- You are 75 years old, and your yearly salary is at most 8,000 euros.
- You are a member of the NATO forces stationed in Italy as a member of the military of a non-Italian nationality, a diplomatic agent, a consular officer or employee, or a representative of an international organization.
Suppose you fit into one of the earlier groups and satisfy the prerequisites. In that case, you must fill out and submit a self-declaration form to assert your claim for exemption and avoid being charged.
You Can Submit The Replacement Declaration Via The Following
The Agenzia delle Entrate website’s web application (you must first register with Fisconline telematic services). A third party with permission to submit electronically
A paper envelope with a copy of a legitimate identity document was delivered by registered post to Sat cp22 Turin.
The substitute declaration is regarded to have been filed on the Revenue Agency’s electronic reception date if it was transmitted electronically and if it was sent by mail, it is presumed to have been submitted on the date shown by the postmark.
You can check the Revenue Agency website for the forms.
Can You Send The Self-Declaration Via Certified E-Mail?
Yes. In this situation, you must digitally sign the Declaration in line with Articles 48 and 65 of Legislative Decree No. 82 (Digital Administration Code) and transmit it by Certified Electronic Mail to the following address: cp22.sat@postecertificata.rai.it.
The deadlines for submitting the Declaration through PEC are the same as those for submitting it in other ways (registered mail without envelope or electronic sending).
What If You Are Registered In Two Households In Italy?
The cost is included in the home’s power bill, where you have your registered abode and only need to pay it once. Domestic usage contracts in the registered household are subject to a one-time per family Rai cost.
Does Italy’s Television/Radio Tax Apply To Students?
The answer is yes unless you still reside with your parents or receive financial support. You are also required to pay the licensing fee even if you are receiving financial aid.
The following regulation applies to anyone who resides in student housing:
- Regardless of whether it contains a kitchen or bathroom, your room is classified as its own home if it opens onto a public hallway. You are responsible for making the payment by yourself.
- A home is deemed to consist of all rooms isolated from a common corridor or stairway by a single apartment door. You can split the cost of the licensing fee with your roommates.
How To Pay The Television/Radio Tax In Italy?
Paying the TV/Radio license charge in Italy is relatively easy because it is deducted directly from your power bill. The TV license cost, or canone, is automatically added when you connect your energy at home in Italy.
What Happens If The TV/Radio License Is Only Paid For Part Of The Electricity Bill?
Electricity will keep being delivered. The Revenue Agency will be responsible for taking all required actions if further investigation reveals that the fee has been avoided.
Conclusion
Deciphering the TV and radio tax in Italy might seem as complex as a plate of spaghetti, but with the right guidance, you’ll navigate it like a local. Now, with your newfound knowledge, it’s time to binge-watch Italian classics and tune into local radio without a worry.
Arrivederci!
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