PEA: Watch out for this detail that can make you lose your tax exemption

Holders of a equity savings plan (PEA) or a PEA-PME benefit from a tax advantage after five years of detention. But many investors ignore it: this is the date of the first payment that starts the countdown. Not that of opening the contract.

Crucial information if you have taken out a equity savings plan (Pea) or a PEA-PME. These two tax envelopes, which allow their holder to benefit from a income tax exemption After five years, are strictly regulated by law. And their specific tax advantage too. “In accordance with article D. 221-113-3 of the Monetary and Financial Code, the opening date of the PEA-PME is that of the first payment. Thus, the date of tax priority of a PEA-PME, like a PEA, begins to run from this first payment ”recalls the mediator of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), in his dashboard of April 2, 2025. It is therefore in no way the date of signature of the contract which allows “to take date”, that is to say to run the five -yearbut the first payment made.

Most establishments require a payment at the opening

In the case studied by the AMF mediator, a customer was surprised in July 2024 that his banking establishment means that his PEA-PMEopened in 2017, was not valid. Not wishing to “lose” his tax advantage, so he had contacted the mediator’s services to restore the validity of his plan. “In the absence of any payment on this plan, I indicated that it could not be considered open since 2017. In addition, in the absence of investments made and gains or capital gains, no loss of tax benefit can be invoked”replied the mediator, therefore confirming the bank’s position.

But what do we mean precisely by payment? It is very simple, and most savers do not pay attention since this first deposit is generally required by the account content (the bank). “The majority of banking establishments require Minimum initial payment To open a PEA, but this amount may vary from one bank to another ”specifies the mediator. Thus, when your establishment does not require a payment at the opening, it is up to you to think of making this first deposit for “Take Date” And avoid a very bad surprise.