Millions of Brits across the country may be paying for a TV licence they don’t actually use.
It means the £159 (or £53.50 for a black and white television) paid every year to uphold the service may just be money down the drain.
A TV licence is only needed if you want to watch or record TV programmes while they’re being broadcast live rather than on catch-up.
You’ll also need one if you want to watch something on BBC iPlayer, even when streaming on demand.
But one TikTok user has revealed that some households may not need to pay their licence fees at all.
User @frugalspender, who has amassed over 70,000 followers by sharing his money tips online, said: "If you don't watch live TV channels at any time, you really shouldn't be paying your TV licence.
"If you just watch TV on demand services like Netflix, you could just tell TV Licensing that you don't need one.
“And in many cases, you can get a refund for the time that you haven't needed one."
If you watch TV using streaming only services such as Netflix where the show isn't being broadcast live, you don’t need to pay for a TV licence.
Other services that don’t require a TV licence include ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go and more, to stream shows on demand or through catch up.
But households should be cautious not to use services on these platforms that might require you to pay a licence fee.
For example, you’ll need to pay if you're watching shows being broadcast live on the services listed above.
For BBC programmes, whether you’re watching live, streaming or downloading them on-demand, including on BBC iPlayer - you’ll need to pay.
Those who do not use TV services may be able to claim a refund if they no longer need their licence despite paying for a year.
On the TV Licensing website it says you can get a refund if: "You won’t need your licence again before it expires, and you have at least one complete month left on it"
But it also warns users to consider whether they will need their licence moving forward.
The page continues: "Please check you won’t need your licence again before it expires.
"That means you won’t ever be watching TV live on any channel or service, or using BBC iPlayer.
"If we approve your refund, your licence will be cancelled automatically."
