For many residents in Italy, the RAI TV licence fee (Canone RAI) is automatically charged through their electricity bill, making it one of the most widely paid household taxes in the country. However, not everyone is required to pay it.
A key deadline is approaching for those who do not own a television set. June 30, 2026 is the last day to submit a declaration of non-possession and avoid paying the licence fee for the second half of the year.
For expats and foreign residents in Italy, understanding the rules can be particularly important, as many are unaware that the fee is linked to television ownership rather than nationality or employment status.
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What Is the Canone RAI?
The Canone RAI is a tax that finances Italy’s public broadcasting service. It is generally charged to households that possess at least one television capable of receiving broadcast signals.
Today, the fee is usually collected automatically through residential electricity bills, which means many people pay it without having to take any specific action.
The key principle is simple. If you own or possess a television in your household, the fee is generally due. If you do not possess a television, you may be entitled to an exemption.
Why June 30 Matters
Italian law allows households that do not own a television to submit a Declaration of Non-Possession (Dichiarazione Sostitutiva di Non Detenzione).
This declaration must be sent to the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) to certify that no television set is present in any property where the household’s electricity supply is registered.
Who Can Submit a Declaration of Non-Possession?
The declaration is intended for individuals who:
- Have a residential electricity contract in their name;
- Do not own or possess a television set;
- Do not have another household member already paying the licence fee on their behalf.
The declaration applies to the entire household and must be truthful. Submitting a false declaration can result in administrative penalties and further tax assessments.
What Counts as a Television?
One area that often causes confusion concerns modern devices.
According to Italian rules, the licence fee is linked specifically to the possession of equipment capable of receiving television broadcasts.
In general:
- Traditional televisions are covered;
- Smart TVs are covered;
- Devices used exclusively for internet streaming, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computer monitors, do not by themselves trigger the obligation to pay the licence fee.
As a result, households that rely exclusively on online streaming services and do not possess a television receiver may qualify for the exemption.
Who Is Exempt from the Canone RAI?
Non-possession is not the only exemption available.
Several categories of individuals may be exempt from paying the licence fee under specific conditions.
People Aged 75 or Older
Senior citizens may qualify for an exemption if:
- They are at least 75 years old;
- Their household income falls below the threshold established by law;
- They do not live with individuals who have their own taxable income, except for certain family members.
This exemption must generally be requested through the appropriate procedure established by the Revenue Agency.
Diplomats and International Personnel
Certain diplomatic representatives and members of international organizations may be exempt under international agreements and reciprocal arrangements.
The exact rules vary depending on status and nationality.
Military Personnel from Foreign Forces
Members of foreign armed forces stationed in Italy under specific international agreements may also qualify for exemption.
Households Without a Television
This remains the most common exemption and the one most directly affected by the June 30 deadline.
Individuals who genuinely do not possess a television can avoid the fee by submitting the required declaration on time.
How to Submit the Declaration
The declaration of non-possession can generally be submitted:
- Online through the Revenue Agency’s digital services;
- Through an authorized intermediary;
- By certified procedures provided by the tax authorities.
Applicants should carefully review the information provided before submission, as the declaration is made under personal responsibility.
What Happens if You Submit the Form Late?
A declaration submitted after June 30 may still be valid for future periods, but it will not retroactively eliminate charges already applied for the second half of the current year.
For this reason, taxpayers who qualify for the exemption should not wait until the last minute.
A Quick Checklist Before June 30
Before the deadline, make sure that:
- No television is present in your household;
- The electricity contract is correctly registered;
- No other household member is already paying the licence fee on your behalf;
- The declaration of non-possession has been completed accurately;
- The form is submitted by June 30.
