What’s happening with your royalties from France?
The French tax authorities are auditing our counterpart Sacem. As a result, Sacem is temporarily holding royalties for the use of your music in France and, consequently, we cannot pay out these amounts yet. Below you’ll find all practical information, including how to use the 276CONV certificate and, for members residing abroad, the 276R form.
Why are my royalties from France on hold?
The French tax authorities are auditing Sacem. While this audit is ongoing, Sacem withholds certain amounts. Sabam therefore cannot pay out royalties for the use of your music in France yet.
Who ultimately decides on releasing the funds?
Sacem and the French tax authorities. Sabam submits your file and follows it up, but we do not decide on the release.
What exactly are the French authorities contesting?
The application of the Belgium–France double tax treaty to your royalties. This treaty normally prevents additional French withholding tax. The authorities are reviewing this now.
Is this a Belgium–France issue?
No. This affects France and all countries. As long as the French audit continues, Sacem is temporarily holding payments to foreign authors’ societies worldwide. It therefore impacts not only Sabam members but also rightsholders in other countries.
Important: At our request, Sacem has committed to prioritising a solution for our members’ files.
What is Sabam doing for me in the meantime?
- We submit your file, complete and compliant, to Sacem and the French authorities.
- We stay in daily contact with our partners and push for progress and priority releases.
- We use a temporary pathway with the tax residence certificate 276CONV (or 276R for members living abroad) to improve your chances of release.
- We validate your documents, forward them, and notify you immediately by email when there is news.
Why is Sabam asking for the 276CONV certificate?
This certificate increases the chance of a release within the temporary pathway agreed with our French partners. It is necessary, but not a guarantee.
How do I request the 276CONV certificate?
Via MyMinfin:
- My interactions → Request a document
- Search for “Certificate of tax residence in Belgium (276CONV)” → confirm
- Select France as the country
- Wait for the email: the certificate will then be available in your eBox
How long does this take?
A few minutes. Request the certificate, wait for the eBox email, download the document, then upload it in MySabam → MyTaxVault.
When should I provide it?
As soon as possible.
Do I receive it immediately?
Not always. MyMinfin often places the certificate in your eBox the same day. Sometimes it takes longer. You will receive an email as soon as it’s available.
Do you live abroad?
In that case, please send us the 276R form. This document certifies that you are a tax resident of another country and pay your taxes there.
Is there a cost for the certificate?
No. The certificate is free of charge.
How long is the certificate valid?
The French services generally accept a certificate that is current for the relevant exploitation year. Please provide it promptly.
Where do I upload the document?
In MySabam → MyTaxVault.
Which file format should I use?
PDF.
Do I need to upload any other documents?
Not at this time. If France later requests additional documents, we will inform you specifically.
What happens after I upload?
We validate your document and send it to the French services. The file then awaits a decision.
When will I hear back?
As soon as we receive news from France, we will inform you.
Need help?
Questions about your royalties or the right document? Contact us at member@sabam.be.