Who Qualifies for Exemption from France's Audiovisual License Fee?

The audiovisual license fee—also known as the TV license or public broadcasting contribution—is billed alongside residence tax. In 2021, it totaled €138 (€88 in overseas departments). It's due even if you're exempt from residence tax. However, specific exemptions apply. Here's who qualifies.

Understanding the Audiovisual License Fee

This household fee covers any residence—primary or secondary—with at least one TV or projector. It applies regardless of whether you watch only pay channels or DVDs.

The contribution funds essential French public media:

• France Télévisions, managing national and overseas TV channels plus select radio;
• Radio France, overseeing national radio;
• Arte France;
• France Médias Monde, including France 24, RFI, and Monte Carlo Doualiya;
• TV5 Monde;
• Institut National de l'Audiovisuel (INA) for audiovisual archives.

In return, France Télévisions channels broadcast feature films without ad breaks—a benefit not extended to commercial broadcasters like TF1 or M6.

Exemption Eligibility Criteria

Households with a TV or projector owe the fee, but exemptions exist based on age, income, and circumstances:

• No TV or projector (requires sworn declaration);
• Aged 60+, subject to income limits;
• Recipients of minimum old-age solidarity allowance, supplementary disability allowance, or adult disability allowance—income-tested;
• Disabled individuals or those living with one, income-tested and not subject to property wealth tax (IFI);
• Widows/widowers, income-tested;
• Reference tax income (RFR) of zero;
• Elderly in nursing homes, even if retaining unoccupied primary residence;
• Students taxed in parents' household.

Means-Tested Income Thresholds

Many exemptions depend on household shares. For 2021 (using 2019 income):

• 1 share: €10,988;
• 1.5 shares: €13,922;
• 2 shares: €16,856;
• 2.5 shares: €19,791;
• 3 shares: €22,725.

Thresholds update yearly—check official government sites. Eligible filers get automatic exemptions; no-equipment households must declare.

Residence Tax and License Fee Update

From 2023, no residence tax on primary homes. The audiovisual fee persists. Notices arrive in October, due by late November.