Anyone who holds a television set is required to pay the fee. By television set means a device capable of receiving, decode and display digital terrestrial or satellite signals, directly – as it is built with all the necessary technical components – or via decoder or external tuner, according to the definition contained in the note of 20 April 2016 of the Ministry of Economic Development.
Since it is a tax on the possession of the device, the license fee must be paid regardless of the use of the television or the choice of television broadcasters.
From 2016 (stability law n.208 of 28 December 2015) the subscription fee for television for private use (abbr. TV license fee) is collected by the Revenue Agency through the electricity bill.
News 2025*: the amount of the TV license goes back to 90 Euros and will be charged in 10 monthly installments from 9 euros from January to October.
The Special Canon
They have to pay the special fee those who own one or more devices suitable or adaptable to the reception of radio and television broadcasts in public establishments, in places open to the public or in any case outside the family environment (art. 27 of the R.D.L. 21/02/1938 n. 246; art. 2 of the D.L.Lt. 21/12/1944 n. 458 e art. 16 of the L. 23/12/1999 n. 488), regardless of the use to which they are put (which for example, viewing of demonstration videotapes, movies, teletext, etc..).
Example: So if you own an apartment for short rentals the presence of the television entails the payment of the special fee as the possession of the device occurs outside the family environment.
Alex Gaetani
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For further information read the Rai Canon official page