How to Cancel RAI License Fee After Death: A Complete Guide

Dealing with the administrative tasks following the death of a loved one can be overwhelming. Among these tasks is often the cancellation of the RAI (Radiotelevisione Italiana) license fee, also known as the *canone RAI*. This fee is a mandatory annual charge for owning a television set in Italy and is presumed to be applicable to all households with an electricity connection. However, in the event of death, the fee must be cancelled to avoid unnecessary charges to the estate or the surviving family members. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to successfully cancel the RAI license fee after a death.

## Understanding the RAI License Fee

Before diving into the cancellation process, it’s important to understand what the RAI license fee is and why it’s charged.

The *canone RAI* is an annual tax levied on anyone who owns a television set in Italy, regardless of whether they actually watch RAI channels. The fee is intended to fund RAI, the Italian public broadcasting corporation. Since 2016, the fee has been automatically included in electricity bills, making it more difficult to evade. The current annual fee is around €90, usually divided into ten monthly installments within the electricity bill.

## When is Cancellation Necessary Due to Death?

The RAI license fee is linked to the individual who is the electricity bill holder. When that person dies, the fee must be cancelled under certain circumstances:

* **The deceased was the sole electricity bill holder and television owner:** If the deceased was the only person responsible for paying the electricity bill and owned the television, the fee must be cancelled to prevent further charges.
* **The surviving spouse or family member is already paying the RAI fee:** If the surviving spouse or another family member already pays the RAI license fee at their own address, the deceased’s fee must be cancelled to avoid double payment.
* **The household no longer owns a television set:** If, after the death, the household disposes of the television set, the fee should be cancelled.

## Who Can Request the Cancellation?

The cancellation of the RAI license fee can be requested by:

* **An heir of the deceased:** Any legal heir of the deceased is entitled to request the cancellation.
* **The executor of the will:** If a will exists, the executor is responsible for managing the deceased’s estate, including cancelling the RAI fee.
* **A family member authorized to act on behalf of the estate:** A close family member, such as a spouse or child, can request the cancellation with proper authorization.

## Required Documents for Cancellation

To successfully cancel the RAI license fee, you will need to gather the following documents:

* **Death Certificate (Certificato di Morte):** An official copy of the death certificate is essential. You can obtain this from the *Comune* (municipality) where the death occurred or where the deceased was a resident.
* **Identification Document of the Applicant (Documento di Identità):** A valid form of identification for the person requesting the cancellation, such as an ID card (*Carta d’Identità*) or passport.
* **Self-Declaration Form (Dichiarazione Sostitutiva di Atto di Notorietà):** This form is crucial and requires you to declare under your own responsibility that the conditions for cancellation are met. The form will vary depending on the specific reason for cancellation (e.g., death, no TV ownership). A template is provided later in this article.
* **Copy of the Deceased’s Electricity Bill (Bolletta Elettrica):** A copy of the electricity bill showing the deceased’s name and address is needed to identify the relevant RAI fee account.
* **Heir’s Declaration (if applicable):** If you are an heir, a self-declaration stating your heir status may be required, along with a copy of your ID.
* **Proof of Double Payment (if applicable):** If the reason for cancellation is double payment, provide evidence of the other RAI fee payment (e.g., another electricity bill with RAI fee included).

## Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling the RAI License Fee

Follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth cancellation process:

**Step 1: Obtain the Death Certificate**

The first step is to obtain the official death certificate from the *Comune*. You will need to provide information about the deceased, such as their name, date of birth, and date of death. The *Comune* will typically issue the certificate within a few days.

**Step 2: Prepare the Self-Declaration Form**

The *Dichiarazione Sostitutiva di Atto di Notorietà* is a crucial document. You will need to declare, under your own responsibility, that the deceased has passed away and that the conditions for cancelling the RAI license fee are met. Here’s a template you can adapt:

DICHIARAZIONE SOSTITUTIVA DI ATTO DI NOTORIETÀ
(Art. 47 D.P.R. 28 dicembre 2000, n. 445)

Il/La sottoscritto/a [Your Name], nato/a a [Your Place of Birth] il [Your Date of Birth], residente in [Your Address], codice fiscale [Your Tax Code], consapevole delle sanzioni penali previste dall’art. 76 del D.P.R. 445/2000 in caso di dichiarazioni mendaci e di formazione o uso di atti falsi,

DICHIARA

che il/la Sig./Sig.ra [Deceased’s Name], nato/a a [Deceased’s Place of Birth] il [Deceased’s Date of Birth], deceduto/a in data [Date of Death] a [Place of Death], era titolare del contratto di fornitura di energia elettrica numero [Electricity Contract Number], relativo all’utenza sita in [Address of the Property].

DICHIARA ALTRESÌ

che, a seguito del decesso del/della Sig./Sig.ra [Deceased’s Name], sussistono le condizioni per la cessazione dell’addebito del canone RAI sulla suddetta utenza, in quanto:

[Choose ONE of the following options and delete the others that do not apply:]

* il/la sottoscritto/a, o altro membro del nucleo familiare, è già titolare di altro contratto di fornitura di energia elettrica presso cui è già addebitato il canone RAI.
* l’utenza sita in [Address of the Property] non è più detentrice di apparecchi televisivi.

Allega alla presente dichiarazione:

* Copia del documento di identità del dichiarante.
* Copia del certificato di morte del/della Sig./Sig.ra [Deceased’s Name].
* Copia della bolletta elettrica relativa all’utenza.

Data, [Date]

Firma, [Your Signature]

**Important Notes for the Self-Declaration:**

* **Accuracy:** Ensure all information provided is accurate and matches the details on the official documents.
* **Choose the correct reason:** Select the appropriate reason for cancellation from the options provided in the template. Common reasons include: the surviving family member already pays the RAI fee or the household no longer owns a television.
* **Attach required documents:** Make sure to attach all the necessary documents, as indicated in the form.
* **Sign the form:** The form must be signed by the person making the declaration.

**Step 3: Contact the Electricity Provider**

Since the RAI license fee is typically included in the electricity bill, your first point of contact should be the electricity provider. Contact their customer service department (usually by phone, email, or through their online portal) to inform them of the death and your intention to cancel the RAI fee.

* **Explain the Situation:** Clearly explain that the electricity bill holder has passed away and that you wish to cancel the RAI license fee.
* **Inquire about Procedures:** Ask the electricity provider about their specific procedures for cancelling the RAI fee in such cases. They may have specific forms or requirements in addition to the standard documents.
* **Request Confirmation:** Obtain confirmation of the cancellation request, preferably in writing (e.g., an email confirmation or a reference number).

**Step 4: Send the Required Documents to the Agenzia delle Entrate**

The ultimate authority responsible for the RAI license fee is the *Agenzia delle Entrate* (Italian Revenue Agency). Even after informing the electricity provider, you must also formally notify the *Agenzia delle Entrate* of the death and request the cancellation. This is done by sending the required documents to them.

There are two main methods for submitting the documents:

* **Registered Mail (Raccomandata A/R):** This is the most common and recommended method. Send the documents by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt (*ricevuta di ritorno*) to the following address:

* Agenzia delle Entrate – Direzione Provinciale I di Torino – Ufficio Canone TV – Casella Postale 22 – 10121 Torino (TO)

The acknowledgment of receipt will serve as proof that the *Agenzia delle Entrate* received your request.
* **Online Submission:** While less common, some individuals or their representatives (e.g., *CAF* – *Centri di Assistenza Fiscale*) may be able to submit the documents online through the *Agenzia delle Entrate’s* website. This typically requires a *SPID* (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) or other digital identification.

**Step 5: Follow Up and Monitor the Electricity Bills**

After submitting the cancellation request, it’s important to follow up and monitor your electricity bills to ensure that the RAI license fee is indeed removed.

* **Check Subsequent Bills:** Carefully examine the subsequent electricity bills to see if the RAI fee is still being charged. It may take one or two billing cycles for the cancellation to take effect.
* **Contact the Electricity Provider Again:** If the RAI fee continues to be charged, contact the electricity provider again and remind them of your cancellation request. Provide them with the confirmation or reference number you received earlier.
* **Contact the Agenzia delle Entrate:** If the issue persists despite contacting the electricity provider, you may need to contact the *Agenzia delle Entrate* directly to inquire about the status of your cancellation request. Be prepared to provide them with copies of all the documents you submitted.

## Dealing with Potential Issues and Disputes

Sometimes, despite following all the correct procedures, issues or disputes may arise. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

* **RAI Fee Continues to be Charged:** As mentioned earlier, this is a common issue. Persistence is key. Keep contacting the electricity provider and the *Agenzia delle Entrate* until the issue is resolved.
* **Lack of Response from the Agenzia delle Entrate:** If you don’t receive any confirmation or response from the *Agenzia delle Entrate* after a reasonable period (e.g., several weeks), consider sending a follow-up letter by registered mail, referencing your original request.
* **Incorrect Information on the Electricity Bill:** If there are any discrepancies or errors on the electricity bill (e.g., incorrect name or address), correct them immediately by contacting the electricity provider. This can help avoid confusion and delays in the cancellation process.
* **Debt Collection Notices:** In rare cases, you may receive debt collection notices for unpaid RAI license fees even after requesting cancellation. In this situation, immediately contact the debt collection agency and provide them with copies of your cancellation request and supporting documents. Explain that the original bill holder is deceased and that the fee has been cancelled.

## Alternatives and Additional Resources

* **CAF (Centri di Assistenza Fiscale):** If you find the process too complex or overwhelming, consider seeking assistance from a *CAF*. These are tax assistance centers that provide support with various administrative tasks, including cancelling the RAI license fee. They can help you prepare the necessary documents and submit them on your behalf.
* **Commercialisti (Accountants):** Similarly, a *commercialista* (accountant) can provide professional assistance with tax-related matters, including the RAI license fee.
* **RAI Website:** The RAI website (www.rai.it) provides information about the RAI license fee and related procedures, although it may not always be up-to-date.
* **Agenzia delle Entrate Website:** The *Agenzia delle Entrate* website (www.agenziaentrate.gov.it) is the official source for information about taxes in Italy, including the RAI license fee. However, navigating the website can be challenging.

## Example Scenario

Let’s say Maria’s husband, Giovanni, passed away. Giovanni was the electricity bill holder, and the RAI license fee was included in his bill. Maria already pays the RAI license fee at her daughter’s house where she lives part-time. Here’s how Maria would proceed:

1. **Obtain the Death Certificate:** Maria obtains Giovanni’s death certificate from the *Comune*.
2. **Prepare the Self-Declaration Form:** Maria prepares the *Dichiarazione Sostitutiva di Atto di Notorietà*, stating that Giovanni has passed away and that she is already paying the RAI fee at another address. She includes her personal information, Giovanni’s information, and the electricity contract number. She chooses the option in the form indicating double payment.
3. **Gather Required Documents:** Maria gathers copies of her ID card, Giovanni’s death certificate, a copy of Giovanni’s electricity bill, and a copy of her daughter’s electricity bill showing the RAI fee payment.
4. **Contact the Electricity Provider:** Maria contacts the electricity provider to inform them of Giovanni’s death and her intention to cancel the RAI fee. She inquires about their specific procedures.
5. **Send Documents to the Agenzia delle Entrate:** Maria sends all the documents by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt to the *Agenzia delle Entrate* in Turin.
6. **Follow Up:** Maria monitors her future electricity bills and contacts the electricity provider if the RAI fee is still being charged.

## Conclusion

Cancelling the RAI license fee after the death of a loved one requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the prescribed procedures. By following the steps outlined in this guide, gathering the necessary documents, and being persistent in your communication with the electricity provider and the *Agenzia delle Entrate*, you can successfully cancel the fee and avoid unnecessary charges to the estate. Remember to seek assistance from a *CAF* or *commercialista* if you find the process too complex or overwhelming. This stressful time can be made easier by systematically addressing each task, ensuring peace of mind that the deceased’s affairs are being handled correctly.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance related to your situation.