The TV license fee continues to be one of the most discussed items on the Italian fiscal calendar, especially because it is not paid with a separate payment slip but ends up directly in the electricity bill. For 2026, those entitled to the exemption must move quickly: the key date is February 2. The substitute declaration must be sent to the Revenue Agency by that day, otherwise the charge will be automatically triggered for the entire year.
The Fee collection system is based on a simple presumption: if you have a residential electric utility, you also own a television. To block this presumption, formal communication is needed. Missing the deadline does not mean losing any possibility of exemption, but it has a concrete consequence: the exemption becomes partial. In fact, applications sent from 3 February to 30 June allow you to avoid only the installments of the second semester, still leaving half the amount to be paid.
Who doesn’t have to pay because they don’t have a TV
The largest category is that of those who do not own any television set in any registered home. In this case the exemption is not automatic and requires an annual self-certification. It is important to know that the old procedure of sealing the TV no longer exists and has no value. Even just one television, in any property connected to a domestic user, is enough to invalidate the right to the exemption.
Elderly people and protected categories: who is protected by law
The legislation also provides for total exemption for some protected groups. Citizens who have reached the age of 75 are entitled to it, provided they fall within the income thresholds established by law. Added to these are foreign diplomats and soldiers, who benefit from specific international conventions. Even for them, however, the communication must be presented correctly to avoid unwanted charges.
How to submit your application without errors
To obtain exemption it is mandatory to use the official self-certification form. The form can be sent via the Revenue Agency’s electronic channels or through other enabled tools. Once the request has been accepted, the Agency blocks the debit flows towards electricity suppliers. The result is simple: if the requirements are correct and the deadlines are respected, the 2026 TV license fee will not be charged.
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