It’s been revealed that there are many people paying for a TV license when they do not need to and they could actually be entitled to a £170 refund.
There are a several reasons why householders are not expected to pay for a license, but be aware officials might pay you a visit to check your reason is correct.
Four out of 10 people do not know what their TV licence actually covers. The price of a full TV licence is currently £169.50, this is has risen in line with inflation and adds a hefty amount to yearly outgoings.
As incomes continue to be squeezed, it makes it crucial to verify if you are actually expected to pay for one. The licence is compulsory for anyone who streams live TV or uses BBC iPlayer and if you do not comply, you will be hit with a hefty fine, reports the Mirror.
A survey carried out earlier this year by FCA-regulated credit broker Viva Money revealed that 43% of UK adults don’t fully grasp what the TV licence entails. Those who mainly watch platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or catch-up services (excluding BBC iPlayer) might discover they don’t need a licence at all (that’s reason one).
This could enable them to cancel their payment and potentially claim a refund. All UK households will need a TV licence if they watch or record TV programmes as they’re broadcast.
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This rule applies to all programmes on any channel, from soaps and documentaries to films. Even if these programmes are broadcast live on a computer, laptop, tablet or phone, rather than a TV, a licence is required to watch them, reports the Daily Star.
Other groups could also find out they do not need a licence. This can include no longer using the TV equipment among other reasons.
Households do need a licence if they download or watch programmes broadcast on BBC iPlayer – whether live, catch up, or on demand. The licence covers online TV services such as ITV Hub, All 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV or Sky Go. However, unlike with BBC iPlayer, a licence is not required if a person only ever watches catch-up programmes on these TV services.
If a household finds themselves only watching catch-up TV (not including BBC iPlayer), they won’t need a TV licence – as long as they’re not using the TV services to watch anything live. Households also don’t need a TV licence to watch certain streaming services, like Netflix, YouTube or Disney+ (reason two).
For those considering cancelling their TV licence, it’s crucial to ensure everyone in the same household follows the rules. To cancel a TV licence, if a household is certain that they no longer need a TV licence, they can inform TV Licensing by completing the refund and cancellation request form (reason three).
TV Licensing may then pay a visit to the address to confirm if the decision is correct. It says these inspections find one in five households do end up needing one. If a licence is needed, the household will have to pay the full licence fee and may risk prosecution and a fine. Fines vary depending on location and can see people in UK mainland face a penalty charge of up to £1,000, while those in Guernsey and Jersey could face fines of up to £2,000 and £500 respectively.
Brits can request a TV licence refund if they won’t need their licence again before it expires, and they have at least one complete month left on it. According to the TV Licensing website, Brits can apply for a refund up to 14 days before their TV licence is no longer needed. If the licence has already expired, they may still be eligible for a refund, as long as less than two years have passed since the expiry date.
The main circumstances in which refunds are typically considered include the following points below (reasons 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9):
- Refunds in consequence of a free TV Licence application
- TV receiving equipment is no longer in use
- A replacement TV Licence has been bought
- Blind concession refunds
- The address is covered by another licence
- The TV Licence was bought in error
- The death of the licence holder
To apply, individuals must fill out a brief form and may need to provide evidence showing they no longer require the licence. TV Licensing will review the application, determine eligibility, and calculate the refund amount, usually based on full unused months.
Refunds are issued via cheque or direct deposit. To check their licence expiry date, Brits can log into their online account.
Some people may also be able to apply for a discount on their TV licences, ranging between 50 per cent and even 100 per cent. More information about these can be found here.
If you’re 75 or over, you can get a free TV licence if you’re 75 or older and you either: The licence covers everyone living at your address. You can apply when you’re 74 if you already receive Pension Credit.
You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that, you’ll be covered by your free licence.
If you’re registered blind, you can get a 50% discount if you’re registered blind or live with someone who is. The licence must be registered under the blind person’s name.
If it isn’t, a new application can be made to transfer it. When applying, you’ll need to provide your existing TV licence number. If you’re registered as blind, you can apply for a licence on the TV Licensing website.
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