Mandate for tax residency: benefit from a reduction in double taxation on your foreign shares

What is the tax residency mandate, and why is it important?

Once the agreement has been signed and received by the bank, BNP Paribas Fortis can request a tax residency certificate from the FPS Finance on your behalf. The tax residency mandate authorises your bank to complete this administrative procedure for you. This authorisation allows us to act on your behalf and take the necessary steps to reduce double taxation on your foreign shares.

Real advantages

• Automatic procedure: you give the mandate and BNP Paribas Fortis takes care of the rest
• Time-saving: no need to complete the steps yourself
• Permanent validity: a single mandate is sufficient for all your future investments
• Less tax withheld from your foreign dividends and interest

In short: what do you need?

To benefit from the tax service provided by BNP Paribas Fortis, three conditions are necessary:

1. A BNP Paribas Fortis securities account
   Your foreign shares must be held on a securities account with BNP Paribas Fortis.
2. The double taxation agreement
   Belgium must have a double taxation treaty in force with the relevant country.
3. A tax residency certificate
   Some countries (such as France) require this Belgian tax residency certificate to apply the reduced rate. The mandate allows BNP Paribas Fortis to request this certificate automatically from the FPS Finance.

Important: If your securities account is held by married or legally cohabiting partners, both partners must give their mandate.

How do you give your tax mandate?

BNP Paribas Fortis can prepare your mandate.

Once you have signed the double taxation agreement, your bank will automatically prepare your mandate. A few days later, you simply need to accept it online.

Steps to follow:

1. Access the CSAM portal
   • Go to www.csam.be/fr/gestion-mandats.html.
   • Click on ‘Manage by fiscal mandates’.
2. Log in securely
   • Use the itsme® app OR
   • Your electronic identity card reader
3. Find your pending mandate
   • Go to 'Mandates awaiting my signature'.
   • Click on ‘You have 1 mandate awaiting your signature’
4. Review and sign
   • Click on 'Consult' (bottom right).
   • Click on 'Sign'.
   • Tick ‘I’ve read and accept the terms and conditions’.
   • Click 'Sign' once more.
5. Confirmation
   • You will receive a notification confirming that your mandate is active.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I do not give a tax mandate?

The tax mandate authorises BNP Paribas Fortis to request the tax residency certificate on the client's behalf. If you do not activate the e-mandate or are unable to complete the procedure online, you can still benefit from the reduction in double taxation by providing the tax residency certificate yourself. However, this process is longer and more burdensome. Without the certificate, you must pay the full amount of foreign withholding tax on your dividends and interest, and you will not benefit from the reduced rates provided for in the treaties.

Do I need to specify an end date for my mandate?

We recommend NOT specifying an end date.

Without an expiry date, your mandate will remain valid indefinitely, ensuring an uninterrupted tax service. You can cancel your mandate at any time on the CSAM portal, even without an end date.

What exactly is this tax mandate used for?

The mandate allows BNP Paribas Fortis to request your tax residency certificate from the FPS Finance only. It cannot be used for any other purpose. This certificate proves to foreign tax authorities that you are a Belgian tax resident and therefore eligible for the reduced rates set out in the treaties.

Can I view or cancel my mandate?

Yes, at any time. Simply go to www.csam.be/fr/gestion-mandats.html, log in and manage your mandates.

Important: If you cancel the mandate given to BNP Paribas Fortis, the tax service will automatically end. You will then be liable for the full amount of foreign withholding tax on your investments.

Do I need to give a mandate for each bank?

Yes. If you hold securities accounts with several banks and wish to benefit from the tax service at each one, you must grant a separate tax mandate to each institution.

I do not currently hold foreign securities. Should I still give the mandate?

The mandate is only required if you hold or plan to acquire foreign securities in your BNP Paribas Fortis securities account.

However, we recommend doing so now to avoid having to deal with it later. Once the mandate is activated, everything will run automatically for your future foreign investments. You will not receive any reminders, so it is up to you to take the initiative.

What if my securities account is held by two people?

If the securities account is held jointly by several people — such as usufruct holders if the account is in bare ownership ; married couples ; or legally cohabiting partners — both parties must give their mandate on the CSAM portal.

I am a business owner. Do I also need to give a mandate for my company?

Yes, if your company holds a securities account with foreign investments at BNP Paribas Fortis. You must provide a separate tax mandate in the company’s name (as owner or authorised representative). This will allow the bank to request the company’s tax residency certificates.

Do I need to send any documents to BNP Paribas Fortis?

No, a copy of the tax residency certificate will automatically be available in your e-box. You do not need to send these documents to BNP Paribas Fortis: the bank receives them directly and handles the process for you.

What does the “Stopped” status mean in CSAM?

A “Stopped” status means that BNP Paribas Fortis has prepared your mandate, but the request has been blocked or not accepted. In this case, please contact your branch or the Easy Banking Centre for assistance.

How often does BNP Paribas Fortis request the certificate?

You do not need to do anything. BNP Paribas Fortis automatically requests tax residency certificates from the FPS Finance twice a year, as required.