Shareholder info

Since January 1, 2006 and unless stated otherwise, dividends paid by BCE Inc. to Canadian residents are eligible dividends as per the Canadian Income Tax Act. Since March 24, 2006 and unless stated otherwise, dividends paid by BCE Inc. to Québec residents also qualify as eligible dividends.

BCE shareholders are required to pay tax on dividends as well as on any capital gains they realize when they sell their shares or are deemed to have sold them. If you held BCE shares on May 1, 2000 and on July 10, 2006, you should read our sections on the tax implications of the Nortel and Bell Aliant distributions. It contains important information about how you should calculate the cost of your shares.

You may also be subject to tax on dividends, which are generally taxed more favorably than other types of income. Taxation rates vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. You should consult your own tax advisor if you need more information.

Non-residents of Canada

Dividends paid or credited to non-residents of Canada are subject to a 25% withholding tax unless reduced by treaty. Under current tax treaties, U.S. and U.K. residents are subject to a 15% withholding tax.

Beginning in 2012, the Canada Revenue Agency has introduced new rules requiring residents of any country with which Canada has a tax treaty to certify that they reside in that country and are eligible to have Canadian non-resident tax withheld on the payment of their dividends at the tax treaty rate. Registered shareholders should have completed the Declaration of Eligibility for Benefits under a Tax Treaty for a Non-Resident Taxpayer and returned it to the transfer agent.

U.S. residents

In addition to the Declaration of Eligibility for Benefits under a Tax Treaty for a Non-Resident Taxpayer mentioned above, we are required to solicit taxpayer identification numbers and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-9 certifications of residency from certain U.S. residents. If these have not been received, we may be required to deduct the IRS’s specified backup withholding tax. For questions, please contact the transfer agent or the Investor Relations group.

Why do we need your social insurance number (SIN)

An issuer is required by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency to ask for your social insurance number (SIN) as you will receive income in the form of dividends from your shares. If you do not give your social insurance number when requested, you are liable for a penalty of $100 for each failure. If you do not have a social insurance number, please contact your local Canada Employment Centre.

Why do we need your taxpayer identification number (TIN) (U.S. residents)

Since January 1, 2001, BCE has been required to solicit taxpayer identification numbers (TIN) and W9 declarations of residency from certain U.S. residents. Where these have not been received, BCE may be required to deduct the Internal Revenue Service’s specified backup withholding tax on all dividends.

Non-residents of Canada including U.S. residents

Beginning in 2012, the Canada Revenue Agency has introduced new rules requiring residents of any country with which Canada has a tax treaty to certify that they reside in that country and are eligible to have Canadian non-resident tax withheld on the payment of their dividends at the tax treaty rate. Registered shareholders should have completed the Declaration of eligibility for benefits under a tax treaty for a non-resident taxpayer and returned it to the transfer agent.

Valuation day price – December 22, 1971

Prior to any stock split, the valuation day price for December 22, 1971 was established at $46.88. This amount was reduced to $15.63 following the 3:1 stock split of April 1979 and to $7.81 following the 2:1 stock split of May 1997. Following the May, 2000 distribution of Nortel Networks common shares, the valuation day price is no longer used in the calculation of the adjusted cost base (ACB) of BCE common shares.

If your average purchase price for all shares purchased prior to December 31, 1971 was below the valuation price of $46.88, the ACB of your BCE common shares immediately after the distribution of Nortel Networks common shares was $2.40 ($7.81 x 30.79%) while the ACB of your Nortel Networks common shares received pursuant to this distribution, and taking into account the May 5, 2000 Nortel Networks 2:1 stock split, was $2.70 ($7.81 X 69.21% / 2). If your average purchase price, for all shares purchased prior to December 23, 1971, was above the valuation day price ($46.88), please consult your tax advisor.

Valuation day price – February 22, 1994

Shareholders who took advantage of the special tax election for BCE common shares owned on February 22, 1994, and claimed the $100,000 capital gains exemptions (before its elimination), were deemed not have held such shares prior to 1972 for purposes of calculating ACB after February 22, 1994. Thus, valuation day price ceased to be relevant after this date for shareholders who made such an election.