News articles written by Bart Van den Bussche

Belgian Minister of Finance proposes Corona premium of EUR 1.000

1 April 2020

In practice and also in recent media coverage, the question was raised whether employers/companies can provide employees with a (tax beneficial) cash incentive – other than a regular bonus payment – in order to motivate and reward employees who (are not staying at home due to temporary unemployment measures and who) are still allowed and

COVID-19: no general “force majeure” tolerance for cross-border employment

24 March 2020

In our newsflash of 13 March 2020, we highlighted that since the COVID-19 outbreak many companies find themselves confronted with questions regarding unforeseen and forced changes in the working pattern of employees who perform activities in surrounding countries (such as Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Germany and France). One of the main questions that arises is whether the

Temporary unemployment and group insurance – points of attention

24 March 2020

The Belgian system of temporary unemployment is – as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – currently being used by more employers than ever before. It’s, however, essential to make sure there are no unintended consequences as a result of deploying temporary unemployment in the company. Against that backdrop, it’s important to point out that

Fast Track Ruling – Homeworking (Expense Allowance)

19 March 2020

Employees incur expenses that are inherent in the performance of their duties in their relationship with an employer. Accordingly, due to their nature, such expenses are to be borne by the employer. The employer, i.e. the company, can ask the Ruling Office (Dienst Voorafgaande Beslissingen/Service des Décisions Anticipées) for confirmation that the lump sum allowances

Coronavirus – impact on international workforce – update for Luxembourg and France

17 March 2020

As mentioned in our newsflash of 13 March 2020, following the health situation linked to the Covid-19 crisis, in order to “flatten the curve”, companies are taking isolation measures and are moving in an accelerated pace to fully remote working (homeworking) where possible. In fact, many cross-border workers will be called upon to do more

Coronavirus – impact on companies with an international workforce

13 March 2020

The outbreak and spreading of the coronavirus (COVID-19) leaves almost no one unaffected. It has become a worldwide phenomenon impacting personal and family life, governments, businesses and the economies across the globe. Depending on the location and anticipated impact of the virus, certain (sometimes extreme) measures (such as quarantine and lock down) and safety precautions

Annulment of the Cash for Cars system by the Belgian Constitutional Court

23 January 2020

As from January 2018, employees have the possibility to exchange their company cars for a mobility allowance – the so called Cash for Cars system. This mobility allowance is subject to a beneficial social security & income tax treatment. The main goal of the implementation of the Cash for Cars system was to tackle the