Concept: Self-Certification

A Self-Certification is a formal declaration by an Account Holder (or Controlling Person) establishing their tax residency and compliance classification. Reporting Financial Institutions (RFIs) are required to collect self-certifications upon account opening (for New Accounts) or during remediation (for Pre-existing Accounts).

A valid self-certification must contain the entity/individual's name, address, tax jurisdictions, Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), and Date of Birth (DOB) for individuals.

TIN and DOB Mandatory Rules

Explanatory notes from the DITC clarify that providing Dates of Birth and TINs is mandatory, and self-certifications lacking these details are invalid unless narrow exceptions apply (e.g., when a jurisdiction does not issue TINs). FIs must treat accounts without valid certifications under the Undocumented Accounts due diligence procedures.

New 2026 Requirement

Effective 1 January 2026, self-certifications must require account holders to declare ALL jurisdictions of tax residence without omission.

Related Concepts

• Reporting Financial Institution (RFI)
• Controlling Persons
• Undocumented Accounts
• Preexisting vs. New Accounts

Referenced PDF Sources

• OECD Consolidated Text of the Common Reporting Standard (2025)
• Tax Information Authority CRS Regulations (2021 Revision)
• OECD CRS Implementation Handbook (Second Edition)
• OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) & 2023 CRS Update
• OECD Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (Second Edition)
• The Amended Common Reporting Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information in Tax Matters
• CRS Enforcement Guidelines
• CRS Reporting Obligations: Date of Birth (DOB)
• CRS Reporting Obligations: Tax Identification Numbers (TINs)
• Entity Self-Certification Form
• Individual Self-Certification Form
• Tax Information Authority ( International Tax Compliance) (Common Reporting Standard) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025
• CRS Undocumented Accounts: Explanatory Note
• CRS-related Frequently Asked Questions
• DITC CRS Guidelines