As a result of decreasing ECB interest rates, the surcharge for making no or insufficient advance tax payments has been fixed at 6.75% for the assessment year 2026, i.e. for financial years closing as per 31 December 2025 or in 2026 if the financial year closes prior to 31 December. As you might recall, this percentage was 9% in the previous assessment year 2025.
Nonetheless, it remains advisable to make adequate advance tax payments in order to manage the surcharge effectively. To avoid the surcharge, quarterly payments entitling the company to a credit can be made. The credit can be offset against the surcharge. The sooner the advance tax payment is made, the higher the tax credit.
The respective credits linked to the due dates to make an advance tax payment for a financial year covering 12 months and ending on 31 December 2025 are as follows:
- 9% – due 10 April 2025
- 7,5% – due 10 July 2025
- 6% – due 10 October 2025
- 4,5% – due 22 December 2025.
With the above in mind, it is highly recommended to consider making an advance tax payment in the first quarter. As you notice, a first quarter advance tax payment generates a credit (“bonification”) of 9% which means that a company should make less advance tax payments as compared to paying in a later quarter in order to avoid a surcharge.
If excess advance tax payments for a certain assessment year have been made, the entity has the following three options:
1. Request for a full or partial refund of the advance tax payments.
2. Request for a full or partial transfer of the advance tax payments to be allocated to next year’s advance tax payments.
3. Use the overpaid amount to offset against another tax debt.
A request in this respect must be submitted via the MyMinfin platform of the Belgian tax authorities at the latest by the last day of the third month following the taxable period.
For the financial years closing 31 December, we recommend that this evaluation is made for the assessment year 2025 and that the entity considers taking the necessary steps prior to 31 March 2025, as outlined above.
How can we help?
Our experts are ready to assist you in computing and optimizing the advance tax payments to be made for assessment year 2026 in relation to Belgian corporate income tax as well as in relation to the Pillar 2 top-up taxes under the (Q)DMTT and IIR.
Please feel free to contact your regular contact person to discuss the above. He/she will be happy to support you or refer you to one of our specialists if needed.
