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how do i report a foreign account to the national bank of belgium

How Do I Report a Foreign Account to the National Bank of Belgium (CPC), 2026 Step‑by‑step

By Global Law Experts
– posted 2 hours ago

If you are wondering how do I report a foreign account to the National Bank of Belgium, the answer involves two distinct but interconnected compliance obligations: a one‑time registration with the Central Point of Contact (CPC) maintained by the National Bank of Belgium (NBB), and an annual declaration on your Belgian personal income tax return via MyMinfin using code 1075‑89. With the continued rise of foreign fintech platforms such as Revolut and Wise, and cross‑border brokerage accounts at firms like Interactive Brokers and Degiro, the number of Belgian residents who must navigate these reporting requirements has grown significantly in 2026.

This guide walks through every step, from logging into the CPC web application to filling in the correct fields on your tax return, and addresses the deadlines, penalties and practical edge cases that official sources leave largely unexplained.

What Is the CPC (Central Point of Contact) and Who Must Report?

The Central Point of Contact, commonly abbreviated as CPC, is a register managed by the National Bank of Belgium that records information about bank and payment accounts, as well as certain financial contracts held by Belgian residents with foreign financial institutions. Its legal basis lies in Belgian tax legislation, and its purpose is to enable Belgian tax authorities to verify the existence of foreign bank accounts declared (or not declared) by taxpayers. CPC reporting is a one‑time obligation: once you have reported an account, you do not need to re‑report it each year. You must, however, update the CPC whenever relevant data changes, for instance, if you close an account or open a new one with a different institution.

Who Is a Belgian Resident for Tax Purposes?

You must report to the CPC if you are a Belgian tax resident. In broad terms, Belgian tax residency applies to anyone who has their domicile or seat of wealth (centre of economic interests) in Belgium, as determined under Belgian tax law. Expatriates who register in a Belgian commune and returning nationals who re‑establish residence are included. Non‑residents with specific Belgian‑source obligations should seek individual advice, as the CPC obligation primarily targets residents subject to Belgian personal income tax.

What Counts as a Reportable Account?

Reportable accounts include current accounts, savings accounts, securities or custody accounts, and any other bank account held with a foreign financial institution. This encompasses accounts opened with traditional banks, online‑only banks, payment institutions (such as Revolut and Wise), and brokerage platforms. Crypto‑asset accounts held via regulated custodians abroad may also fall within scope where the custodian qualifies as a financial institution. Accounts held exclusively with Belgian institutions are not reportable to the CPC, as they are already captured through domestic reporting channels.

Quick Checklist: Do You Need to Report a Foreign Account to the National Bank of Belgium?

Before beginning the CPC process, run through this decision checklist. If you answer “yes” to all three questions, you have a reporting obligation.

  • Are you a Belgian tax resident? If your domicile or centre of economic interests is in Belgium, you qualify.
  • Do you hold (or have you held) one or more accounts with a financial institution established outside Belgium? This includes bank accounts, brokerage accounts, fintech payment accounts and custody accounts.
  • Have you already reported this specific account to the CPC? If not, you must file a one‑time CPC report. If the account details have changed (closure, new IBAN, change of account holder), you must update the existing report.

Practical examples:

  • Single Revolut account. You opened a Revolut account with a Lithuanian IBAN. This is a foreign account, report it once to the CPC and declare it annually on your tax return.
  • Brokerage with sub‑accounts. Your Interactive Brokers account in Ireland may include a main account and multiple currency‑denominated sub‑accounts. Report the main account (and note the sub‑account structure) to the CPC.
  • Joint savings account abroad. You and your partner hold a joint savings account with a Dutch bank. Both account holders who are Belgian residents must ensure the account is reported to the CPC. Each co‑holder should also declare the account on their individual tax return.
  • Closed account. You closed a foreign account in 2024 but never reported it to the CPC. You should still file a report indicating the account and its closure date.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Report a Foreign Account to the NBB (CPC)

The National Bank of Belgium allows you to declare foreign bank accounts in Belgium online through a dedicated CPC web application. This is the recommended and most efficient submission method. Below is the step‑by‑step process for CPC reporting in Belgium.

  1. Navigate to the CPC web application. Go to the NBB website and locate the CPC (Central Point of Contact) section. The web application link is found under the “Submission” page of the CPC area.
  2. Authenticate your identity. Log in using one of the accepted digital identification methods: itsme® (the Belgian mobile identity app) or your Belgian eID card with a card reader. Both options verify your identity through the Belgian Federal Authentication Service (FAS/CSAM). If you do not have an itsme® account, you will need a compatible eID card reader connected to your computer.
  3. Select the type of submission. Choose whether you are making a new report (first‑time submission for a particular account) or updating an existing report (change of details, closure of an account).
  4. Enter account holder details. Provide your full legal name, national register number (rijksregisternummer / numéro de registre national), and address exactly as it appears in Belgian official records.
  5. Enter the foreign account details. Complete the following mandatory fields for each account:
    • Account number (IBAN): Enter the full IBAN. For accounts that do not use the IBAN format (some non‑EU brokerages), enter the account number as provided by the institution.
    • BIC/SWIFT code: Enter the financial institution’s BIC code.
    • Name of the financial institution: The full registered name of the bank or broker.
    • Country where the account is held: Select the country of the institution’s establishment (not necessarily where the account is denominated).
    • Account type: Specify current account, savings account, securities/custody account, or other.
    • Date the account was opened: Provide the account opening date, or your best estimate if the exact date is unavailable.
  6. Confirm and submit. Review the entered information carefully. Once submitted, you should receive an electronic confirmation. Save or print this confirmation for your records, it serves as proof of compliance.
  7. Retain supporting documents. Keep a copy of a recent bank statement, any correspondence from the financial institution confirming the account, and your CPC submission confirmation. These documents may be requested by the Belgian tax administration during an audit.

Written Submission Alternative

If you cannot use the web application, for example, because you lack a Belgian eID or itsme® access, you may submit your CPC report in writing. This involves sending a completed declaration form by registered post to the National Bank of Belgium. The written method is slower and the NBB recommends the online route for faster processing. Written submissions should include all the same information as the online form: account holder details, account number, BIC, institution name, country and opening date.

How to Report Brokerage Sub‑Accounts and Multiple IBANs

Brokerage platforms like Interactive Brokers and Degiro often issue a single master account with multiple sub‑accounts for different currencies or asset classes. When reporting to the CPC, you should enter the primary account number and, where possible, note the existence of sub‑accounts in the account description field. If each sub‑account has a separate IBAN (this is uncommon but does occur), report each IBAN individually. Where the broker does not assign IBANs to sub‑accounts, report the main account number and note the sub‑account structure. This approach is consistent with practical guidance from financial planning practitioners who have navigated the process for brokerage clients.

How to Declare on Your MyMinfin Belgian Tax Return (Code 1075‑89)

Reporting to the CPC satisfies your one‑time registration obligation, but it does not replace your annual tax return duty. Each year, Belgian tax residents must declare the existence of foreign bank accounts on their personal income tax return filed via MyMinfin. The specific field for this is code 1075‑89, which appears in the section of the tax return dealing with foreign accounts and income.

To declare your foreign accounts on MyMinfin, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to MyMinfin (Tax‑on‑web) via the FPS Finance portal using your itsme® app or eID card with card reader.
  2. Navigate to your personal income tax return for the relevant tax year.
  3. Locate code 1075‑89. This code is found in the section on foreign accounts. Depending on the version of the return, it may appear under “Part 2, Various income and other information” or a similarly titled section. Search for “foreign accounts” or navigate to the code directly.
  4. Tick the box or enter the required information. The return may ask you to confirm the existence of one or more foreign accounts. Enter details as prompted, which typically include the country of the account and the financial institution’s name.
  5. Declare any income earned on the account. Interest, dividends, capital gains and other income earned via the foreign account must be declared in the appropriate income sections of your return, not merely under code 1075‑89. Belgium taxes its residents on worldwide income, so all foreign‑source income is reportable.
  6. Add explanatory notes if needed. For complex situations, multiple accounts, brokerage sub‑accounts, trust‑held accounts, consider adding a brief note in the free‑text field. An illustrative example: “Foreign securities account held with [Institution Name], [Country]. Account number: [IBAN/account number]. Account reported to NBB CPC on [date]. Income declared under relevant headings.”

The standard filing deadline for Belgian personal income tax returns filed online via MyMinfin is typically in mid‑October for the preceding tax year (income year), although the exact date is confirmed annually by the FPS Finance. Taxpayers who use a tax adviser or accountant may benefit from an extended deadline. Missing the filing deadline, or omitting code 1075‑89, can trigger penalties and interest, as detailed below.

Reconciling the CPC One‑Time Report With Annual Tax Entries

A common source of confusion is the relationship between the one‑time CPC submission and the yearly MyMinfin declaration. They serve different purposes: the CPC feeds a central register consulted by tax authorities, while code 1075‑89 on your annual return ensures you formally acknowledge the account each year in the context of your tax assessment. Both are mandatory. Filing one does not excuse you from the other. Industry observers expect that, over time, pre‑filled data from the CPC may appear in MyMinfin returns, but as of 2026 taxpayers should not rely on automated pre‑population and must complete both steps independently.

Special Cases and Practical Examples for CPC Reporting in Belgium

Revolut and Wise (Fintech Payment Accounts)

Revolut accounts are typically issued under a Lithuanian banking licence, meaning the IBAN starts with “LT.” Wise (formerly TransferWise) may assign IBANs from several jurisdictions (Belgium, the United Kingdom and others). For CPC purposes, declare the IBAN you were assigned and list the country of the issuing institution. If your Wise account holds a Belgian IBAN (starting with “BE”), it may not require CPC reporting, verify the domicile of the licence holder. Where you hold multiple currency balances under a single Revolut account, report the primary IBAN; the sub‑balances are generally covered by that single entry.

Interactive Brokers, Degiro and Other Foreign Brokers

Interactive Brokers operates through entities in Ireland (IBIE) and other jurisdictions. Report the entity where your account is held, using the account number assigned to you (often a “U” followed by digits). Degiro accounts are typically held via a German or Dutch entity, check your account documentation for the precise country and BIC. If the broker holds your assets via a nominee or omnibus structure, you report the account you hold directly; you are not responsible for reporting the broker’s internal custodial arrangements.

Joint Accounts

Where a foreign account is jointly held, each Belgian tax resident co‑holder should ensure the account is reported to the CPC. In practice, one holder may submit the CPC report listing all co‑holders, but each co‑holder must independently tick code 1075‑89 on their individual MyMinfin return and declare their share of any income earned on the account.

Trusts and Corporate‑Owned Accounts

If you are the beneficial owner of a foreign account held through a trust, foundation or corporate structure, the reporting obligation depends on the specific circumstances and the degree of control or beneficial interest you hold. Belgian anti‑avoidance rules and international reporting frameworks (such as CRS) may apply. These cases require individualised legal advice, and a blanket answer risks being misleading. Seek guidance from a qualified private‑client adviser.

Crypto Custodians

Accounts held with regulated foreign crypto custodians, platforms that hold fiat currency or crypto assets on your behalf and that qualify as financial institutions, may fall within the CPC reporting scope. Decentralised wallets where you alone hold the private keys do not involve a foreign financial institution and, under current rules, are not reportable to the CPC. This area is evolving, and the likely practical effect of upcoming EU regulations (such as expanded DAC directives) will be to broaden reporting requirements further.

Deadlines, Penalties and Remediation for Foreign Bank Accounts in Belgium

Understanding the timeline and consequences of non‑compliance is critical for anyone who must report a foreign account to the National Bank of Belgium.

Obligation Deadline Frequency
CPC report (NBB) As soon as possible after opening the account One‑time (update when data changes)
MyMinfin code 1075‑89 Annual tax return filing deadline (typically mid‑October for online filing) Annual
CPC update (closure / new account) Promptly after the change occurs As needed

Penalties for failure to report:

  • Administrative fines. The Belgian tax administration may impose administrative fines for failure to declare foreign accounts on the annual tax return. Fine amounts are set on a graduated scale and can increase for repeated violations.
  • Tax surcharges and interest. If undeclared income is identified on unreported foreign accounts, the tax administration may levy additional tax, surcharges and late‑payment interest on the unpaid amount. Surcharges can be substantial, particularly where the omission is deemed intentional.
  • Criminal sanctions. In cases of serious tax fraud, where unreported foreign accounts are used to conceal significant income, criminal prosecution is possible. This is rare but represents the most severe consequence.

Remediation and voluntary disclosure: If you have failed to report foreign accounts in previous years, voluntary disclosure before the tax administration initiates an investigation typically results in more favourable treatment. A structured regularisation or voluntary disclosure involves filing overdue CPC reports, amending prior‑year tax returns and paying any taxes, interest and reduced penalties due. Engaging a private‑client lawyer experienced in Belgian tax regularisation is strongly advisable in these situations.

How to Correct, Update or Withdraw a CPC Report

Mistakes happen, and circumstances change. The NBB CPC web application allows you to amend or rectify previously submitted data. To correct a report:

  1. Log back in to the CPC web application using itsme® or your eID card.
  2. Locate your existing submission. Your previously reported accounts should be visible in the system.
  3. Select the account you wish to amend and update the relevant fields, for example, correcting a BIC code, updating the account number or marking an account as closed (with the closure date).
  4. Submit the amended report and save the updated confirmation.

Keep records of both the original and amended submissions. If an account was reported in error (for example, you reported a Belgian‑domiciled account that did not require CPC registration), you can withdraw the entry through the web application. Retain documentary evidence of the correction for potential future audit queries.

Practical Templates and Evidence Checklist

The following templates illustrate the type of information needed. They are for guidance only and should be adapted to your specific circumstances.

Template A, Sample CPC field entries (Revolut account):

  • Account holder: [Your full legal name as per national register]
  • National register number: [XX.XX.XX‑XXX.XX]
  • IBAN: LT60 3250 0XXX XXXX XXXX
  • BIC: REVOLT21
  • Institution name: Revolut Bank UAB
  • Country: Lithuania
  • Account type: Current account / payment account
  • Opening date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Template B, Sample MyMinfin explanatory note (code 1075‑89):

“I hold a foreign current account with Revolut Bank UAB, Lithuania (IBAN: LT60 3250 0XXX XXXX XXXX). This account was reported to the NBB Central Point of Contact on [date]. Interest income of €[amount] earned on this account during the tax year is declared under the relevant heading of this return.”

Template C, Minimum evidence pack:

  • Most recent account statement (showing IBAN, account holder name, institution name)
  • CPC submission confirmation (screenshot or PDF)
  • Proof of account opening date (welcome email or original contract)
  • Any correspondence confirming account closure (if applicable)

Comparison Table: Reporting Obligations by Account Type

Account Type CPC (Central Point of Contact) Annual MyMinfin (Code 1075‑89)
Personal bank account (IBAN) held abroad One‑time report to CPC as soon as possible Declare on annual tax return; tick code 1075‑89
Fintech accounts (Revolut / Wise) One‑time report required (report IBAN and institution) Declare income earned; confirm account via code 1075‑89
Brokerage / custody (Interactive Brokers, Degiro) One‑time report of main account; note sub‑accounts Declare investment income / capital gains annually
Joint accounts Report once; indicate all co‑holders on CPC Each co‑owner declares their income share and ticks 1075‑89
Trust / corporate‑owned accounts Depends on beneficial ownership, legal advice required Tax treatment varies, legal advice required

Conclusion

Understanding how do I report a foreign account to the National Bank of Belgium is essential for every Belgian tax resident who holds accounts with financial institutions outside the country. The compliance framework involves two parallel obligations: a one‑time CPC registration through the NBB’s web application and an annual declaration on your MyMinfin tax return using code 1075‑89. Both are mandatory, and failure to comply with either can result in fines, surcharges and, in serious cases, criminal sanctions. Whether you hold a single Revolut account or a complex portfolio across multiple international brokers, the steps outlined in this guide provide a clear path to compliance.

For situations involving trusts, corporate structures, voluntary disclosures or multi‑year regularisation, individualised legal advice from a qualified private‑client lawyer is strongly recommended.

Need Legal Advice?

This article was produced by Global Law Experts. For specialist advice on this topic, contact Tim Roovers at Sansen International Tax Lawyers, a member of the Global Law Experts network.

Sources

  1. National Bank of Belgium, CPC reporting (main page)
  2. National Bank of Belgium, CPC submission / How to report an account
  3. National Bank of Belgium, CPC FAQ
  4. FPS Finance (Belgium), Foreign bank accounts / declaration guidance
  5. PwC Belgium, Online reporting of foreign bank accounts
  6. Curvo, Declare a foreign account in Belgium (practical guide)
  7. FireBelgium, Declaring a foreign broker account at the NBB
  8. TaxPatria, Foreign bank account reporting memo
  9. FPS Finance, MyMinfin portal

By Yuliya Barabash

posted 6 hours ago

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How Do I Report a Foreign Account to the National Bank of Belgium (CPC), 2026 Step‑by‑step

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