Many tariffs have been settled by negotiation with national associations representing the classes of music user to whom they apply. Unfortunately, inflation remains a feature of economic life and most of IMRO's principal tariffs are adjusted annually for inflation. Usually the adjustment is by reference to the Consumer Price Index. Many IMRO licensees pay a flat annual charge which does not need to be adjusted from year to year, other than for inflation. These include most premises licensed only for background music.
Royalties are payable annually in advance.
A licensee whose royalty is calculated and adjusted annually therefore pays, in the first year, an amount based on an estimate of the licensee's music usage during the coming year. At the end of the year this payment is adjusted to the actual figure by reference to the return sent in by him. For the ensuing year the licensee pays the equivalent of the royalty calculated for the previous year, that payment in turn is adjusted twelve months later when the actual details can be ascertained. The full text of each tariff is available on request to the Commercial Manager at IMRO's offices. Most tariffs provide for automatic increases in line with the cost of living.