Many Poles respect the radio-television subscription as a dead recipe that should not be respected. This is an costly mistake that can lead to serious financial consequences. The Polish Post Office constantly conducts inspections, and thanks to the analysis of its occupation offers, we know the exact times in which controllers can knock on our doors. This is key information for anyone who has ignored the work to registry receivers so far. It turns out that visits take place in a very circumstantial time frame, which allows better preparation for possible verification. No fees are a hazard of imposing a fine of up to PLN 681, enforced by the taxation office. It is worth knowing how controllers work and what rights we have in confronting them.
Checkers work from 7:00 to 3:00. It's official.
Key information on methods of working of Polish Post Office controllers comes from the most reliable origin – authoritative occupation announcements. The recruitment papers shall specify precisely the time frame within which the staff execute their duties. According to them, checks are carried out on working days, from 7:00 to 15:00. This means that an unexpected visit can be expected mainly in the morning and early afternoon. This is simply a strategical choice that can surprise people working from home or staying in an flat during the day.
Knowledge of the controller's work agenda is highly valuable. It is not gossip or speculation, but information based on publically available data of the Polish Post Office. The requirements for candidates, specified as having a category B driving licence and being ready to usage a private car for business purposes, confirm the mobile nature of their work. The auditors are tasked with actively verifying compliance on the ground and their actions are carefully planned. Knowing that knocking on doors can happen between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., shall be a informing signal for all who have an unrecorded tv or radio.
Who do they control most? Companies on target, but be careful at home
Analysis of the strategy of the Polish Post Office indicates that the main intent of subscription checks are economic operators and institutions. Companies, hotels, restaurants, medical offices or service points are a much easier target. The verification of having receivers in publically accessible places is simple, and the possible proceeds from penalties and late charges – much higher due to the larger number of devices. This makes checking in companies more efficient and profitable for the Polish Post Office.
However, this does not mean that households can feel completely safe. Although statistically checks in private dwellings are little frequent, they have not been completely discontinued. Moreover, information on recruitment of fresh employees, including candidates from Ukraine, may show plans to intensify activities on all fronts. Poczta Polska uses not only field checks, but besides database analysis to identify people who are exempt from fees. Each receiver owner, whether moving a company or utilizing it at home, remains in the ellipse of interest of controllers.
Do you gotta let the controller in? We know the answer.
This is 1 of the most frequently asked questions in the context of RTV subscription control. The answer is clear: We have no legal work to let the Polish Post Controller into a private flat or home. We are protected by the right to privacy and home miru inviolability. The controller is not a police officer or a prosecutor and cannot enter the premises without approval from the owner. An effort to force entry would be a violation of the law.
However, refusal to let the controller in does not end the case and does not warrant the avoidance of punishment. Poczta Polska has another ways to find the fact of having a receiver. It can do this on the basis of a message made by the householder during the door conversation, data from cable tv operators or digital platforms, as well as by analyzing its own databases (e.g. if the receiver was erstwhile registered and later deregistered without giving a reliable reason). If Poczta Polska considers that it has adequate evidence to have unregistered equipment, may initiate administrative proceedings and impose penalties, even without physical inside control.
What's the punishment for no RTV subscription? That's not all.
Ignoring the work to registry a radio or tv receiver involves severe financial sanctions. If unregistered equipment is found, the Polish Post Office imposes a punishment 30 times the monthly subscription fee. In 2024 this means a maximum amount of PLN 819. However, this is not the end of possible costs. In addition to the penalty, the individual withdrawing from the tolls will be required to settle the backlog for the period during which the receiver was present.
However, the most serious consequence is the enforcement mechanism. If the punishment is not paid voluntarily, the case goes to the taxation office, which begins the administrative execution procedure. This is simply a very effective process that gives officials broad powers. The most common methods of debt collection are:
- Occupation of remuneration for work;
- Receipt of funds in the bank account;
- Retirement or pension;
- Collection of claims on overpayment of income tax.
In utmost cases it is even possible to occupy mobility. Therefore, disregarding calls for payment can lead to blocking access to your own money and serious financial problems far above the first punishment amount.
Read more:
RTV subscription controllers have been knocking since 7am! Poland Post has revealed their schedule
