Structured communication

What is a structured communication?

Belgians are used to providing a structured communication or OGM with a bank transfer. This is a combination of three numbers, three, four and five digits long respectively, each separated by a slash. Three plus signs are used at the start and end, for example: +++123/4567/89012+++

The OGM is specific to Belgian payment transactions. It is used so that transfers can be processed automatically by computer programs. Based on the structured communication, the recipient's software system immediately knows which invoice or other debt is being paid.

The OGM is either determined randomly by a program, or more or less tailored to you. The first ten digits of an OGM refer, for example, to a customer number or an invoice number. The last two digits form the check number, obtained by calculating the remainder of the preceding ten digits via a special calculation (the so-called modulo 97). Three plus signs (+++) or asterisks (***) are always placed at the beginning and end of the series of digits. This lets the computer logic see where the OGM begins and where it ends.

If the calculated check number does not match the first 10 digits, the payment is rejected. This prevents errors when payment orders are entered manually.

The check digit algorithm and the number of digits are the same as for the classic Belgian twelve-digit bank account number, which was replaced by IBAN in 2011.

Structured communication for paying VAT

The structured communication is also used for paying VAT to the VAT authorities, or for making advance payments . That OGM is generated based on the company number. That way, the Federal Public Service Finance can automatically process the payments received and link them to the right company or self-employed person.  

Online, you will find a handy tool that can generate a structured communication for VAT based on your company number.

Placing a structured communication on your own invoices

The standard payment request on sales invoices you create in onFact refers to the invoice number as the payment reference. However, it is very easy to state an OGM on your invoices in addition to, or instead of, this invoice number. It is generated automatically by onFact and also used for matching payments. Read here how to place an OGM on your invoices.