Every year, tax households in France equipped with a television are subject to the payment of the television license fee, otherwise known as the public audiovisual contribution tax. It is used to finance the missions of the audiovisual public service.
It amounts to €138 for taxpayers in mainland France and €88 for residents of overseas territories.
According to a Senate report, “the total amount of CAP paid to audiovisual operators is expected to reach 3.79 billion euros in 2020”, reports MoneyVox.
This tax is generally paid in November of the year, or may be deducted at source monthly, depending on the option you choose when paying your residence tax.
If you have had a television set in your home since January 1 of the current year, you are therefore most likely affected by this very particular tax. Only people with tax income equal to 0 can be exempt.
In all cases, regardless of the number of televisions and residences you have, only one fee is required per tax household.
In the context of a joint tenancy or cohabitation, a single fee is also due for all the inhabitants of the accommodation.
In some cases, it may happen that the tax authorities claim this tax from you twice. For example, if you own one or more second homes, and therefore subject to different housing taxes.
In any case, if you are required to pay this tax to be in good standing first, you are eligible for a refund.
To do this, you will need to make a complaint to contest your second notice of contribution to public broadcasting.
Go to your private space on the impots.gouv.fr website, and go to the “Contact us” tab. There, complete the form “I report an error in the calculation of my tax” and explain your situation. If your request is deemed legitimate, the fee will be refunded to you.
