Samoan RFI should determine account holder residency using self- certification and due diligence procedures outlined in the CRS Guideline.

Under the CRS framework, Samoan RFIs must:

i. Collect a self-certification

At account opening, RFIs must obtain a signed declaration from the account holder confirming their tax residency. This includes:

    • Jurisdiction (s) of tax residence;
    • Tax Identification Number (TIN) and;
    • Date of birth (for individuals)

ii. Review account information for indicia of foreign residency

RFIs must check for signs that suggest the account holder may be tax resident outside Samoa, such as:

    • Foreign mailing or residential address;
    • Non-Samoan TIN or place of birth;
    • Standing instructions to transfer funds to an overseas account.

iii. Apply enhanced review for pre-existing accounts

For accounts opened before CRS implementation, RFIs must use thresholds and documentation review to identify foreign tax residency.

iv. Resolve conflicting information

If there are discrepancies between self – certification and account data, RFIs must obtain clarification or updated documentation.

These procedures are detailed in Samoa’s CRS Guideline version 3 and align with the OECD’s CRS Implementation Handbook