The license fee

The license fee is a compulsory tax. In some cases, you can get the exemption.

The license fee is a tax on receiving TV channels in your home. Whether you have one or more receiving stations, you will pay the license fee only once. By cons, if you have a DVD player or any device containing a tuner connected to a monitor, you must pay this tax. Please note that if you opt for an Internet subscription included with the television, you are exempt from the license fee (for now at least).

License fees since 2005 is associated with the tax. So, whether you own or rent, this tax is for you. Very important: the fee is due for a tax household and only one, provided that each member will be attached.

In the case of a rental property, several cases are possible:
1) You rent a furnished apartment to a tenant which is the principal residence. It is the tenant to pay the tax even if the receiver does not belong.
2) The receiver is leased by the lessor to a company. It is the landlord who pays the fee.
3) For rentals of real estate seasonal license fee must be paid by the lessor and must occur in the same frame as the VAT.

The amount of the license fee is set by the tax authorities: In 2006, it is 116 euros. Like the housing tax, you can opt for the monthly payment and you will be penalized 10% for late payment. Assuming that each tax household has a television receiver, the tax is provided on the annual tax return a check box only if you do not have a TV.

In some cases, you may be exempt from the license fee: mainly in cases of tax exemption for housing, but if you have the RMI (minimum income), or if a member of your household is disabled and is not itself liable for the tax.
People aged over 65 are now liable to pay license fee if they return to the normal payment of taxes.

This tax is often criticized because it was diverted from its original purpose, is now expected to finance the TV public service.