The BBC TV Licence costs £174.50 and there are seven ways licence holders can get a refundLONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: The BBC logo is seen at BBC Broadcasting House on January 17, 2022 in London, England. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has hinted that the Government will shortly reveal plans to abolish the licence fee in 2027, with the funding frozen for the next two years. Unlike other subscription services, the BBC faces a number of challenges, including finding a way to charge users, while continuing to provide-free-to-air content over its multiple radio stations. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)Some people are entitled to a BBV TV licence refund(Image: Leon Neal, Getty Images)

A roster of people entitled to a refund on their £174 TV licence has been revealed. BBC TV Licence holders might be due money back as TV Licensing acknowledges that refunds are obtainable for those who no longer need to pay the yearly charge of £174.50.

Figures show that the number of licences currently active has fallen to 23.8 million in 2024/25, declining from 24.1 million the year before. UK households have been told that there are seven ways through which licence holders can retrieve their money.

The roster covers situations where live TV or iPlayer is not being viewed, reports Yorkshire Live. A reimbursement can be granted when the TV receiving equipment at a property is no longer utilised to watch any live television on any service or BBC iPlayer on any device.

This covers recording or downloading programmes as both are regarded as “use”. Refunds are also obtainable for those who have relocated to a property already covered. Money can be retrieved if a licence holder departs a residence and moves to a location already protected by another person’s valid licence, such as a parent’s or partner’s property.

Anyone who has accidentally bought a licence may also be due a refund. Changing to a different licence category, such as switching from a colour licence to a black-and-white licence, could also lead to a reimbursement.

The black-and-white licence costs £58.50, compared with £174.50 for a colour licence. There are also retrospective payments for blind concessions and complimentary licences for over-75s.

Indeed, anyone who is eligible for a free over-75 licence where Pension Credit is received from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can claim a refund for each full month remaining on a paid-for licence. Additionally, following the death of a licence holder, executors can apply for a refund for any complete months left on the licence, with payment made to the estate if conditions are satisfied.

Those requiring help can contact TV Licensing’s general assistance helpline on 0300 790 6117 or raise Direct Debit enquiries on 0300 790 0368 and payment card (cash plan) queries on 0300 555 0286.