Budgetary control in Belgium: New tax measures announced
On 30 March 2015, the Belgian government announced new Belgian tax measures in the framework of the budgetary control. They concern: Fight against fraud The fight against tax fraud will be pursued. The estimated net revenues are MEUR 160. Cayman tax: applicable as from calendar year 2015 The “Cayman tax” would already be applicable as from calendar year
New daily lump sum allowances list as from 1 April 2015
An employer/company can pay daily lump-sum allowances for foreign business travel to employees or company directors in order to reimburse certain expenses. If the lump-sum reimbursements for short-term business trips abroad (not exceeding 30 calendar days) are determined on the basis of the list of allowances paid by the Federal Public Department of Foreign Affairs
EC presents proposal for mandatory automatic exchange of information on cross-border tax rulings within the EU
In a press release of 18 March 2015, the European Commission (“EC”) announced its Tax Transparency Package, including a proposal to broaden the scope of the EU Council Directive (2011/16/EU) on Administrative Cooperation in the field of taxation (known as the “DAC”). Mandatory exchange of information The EC has released its proposed modification to the
Belgium-Luxembourg cross-border workers
Belgium-Luxembourg cross-border workers: mutual agreement signed and information regarding evidence to support presence in Luxembourg published Following the announcement made early February, the Belgian and Luxembourg finance ministers concluded on 16 March 2015 a mutual agreement with respect to cross-border employment tax situations that confirms, retroactively as from 1 January 2015, the introduction of a derogation to
Promotional event – VAT deduction for catering costs accepted
The deduction of VAT on catering costs incurred during an event with (existing or potential) clients has been the subject of extensive case law and of many an issue with the Belgian VAT Administration at the time of a VAT audit. Up to now, the Belgian VAT Administration acknowledged the VAT deduction on event costs
Belgium considers introducing mandatory transfer pricing documentation following the outcome of the BEPS Action Plan
The Belgian Minister of Finance, Johan Van Overtveldt, shared some new insights about the government’s ambitions in the area of transfer pricing as part of his reply to a parliamentary question on Wednesday 11 March 2015 (CRIV 54 COM 111 –Parliamentary Question no. 2774). The Minister referred to the OECD project in relation to Base Erosion
New draft bill on the contribution of financial institutions to State revenue
As part of the Belgian government agreement, it was decided that banks and insurance companies should pay an additional tribute to the State revenue, thanks to an amendment to the notional interest deduction regime (NID), taking into account Basel III and Solvency II agreements. Following a proposal by the Finance Minister Johan van Overtveldt, the
Meal vouchers and non-recurring collective bonuses – Adjustment to maximum amounts
The Council of Ministers recently approved two draft Royal Decrees regarding meal vouchers and non-recurring collective bonuses. These Royal Decrees contain the following adjustments: The maximum amount of employer’ contribution for meal vouchers will be increased from 5.91 EUR to 6.91 EUR per voucher. Taking into account a minimum employee’s contribution of 1.09 EUR, the
