VAT exemption for financial intermediation: broader than you think
Versãofast (GC, 26 Nov 2025, T-657/24): a functional test. The recent Versãofast judgment (26 November 2025, General Court) clarifies the scope of the VAT exemption for credit intermediation. While the Court recalls that VAT exemptions must be interpreted strictly, it adopts a functional approach to “intermediation”, focusing on what the service enables rather than on
EUDR Newsflash: Compliance will be won or lost at the border
The recent EU vote, held just before the winter holidays and only days before the original go-live date, has resulted in a further 12-month deferral and a significant refocus for EUDR compliance. The border is now the central control point, placing importers firmly in the spotlight. The core objective of the law has not changed
2026 Budget agreement – Tax and social measures
Today, the government reached a budget agreement, setting a multi-year path to meet the European expenditure rule by 2029. This plan involves 60% spending cuts and 40% new revenue streams. A projected €9.2 billion is earmarked for 2029, increasing to €10 billion by 2030. This funding will come from salary indexation adjustments, targeted VAT hikes,
Belgian government updates e-invoicing FAQ: Key changes and compliance guidelines
The Belgian authorities have published on 7 October 2025 a few important updates to its electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), providing further clarity on the upcoming mandatory e-invoicing regime effective from 1 January 2026. The deadline of 1 January 2026 remains unchanged, providing Belgian businesses with a limited timeframe to prepare for
Arcomet case: When TP adjustments trigger VAT
Introduction The interaction between transfer pricing and VAT has long been recognised as complex. Transfer pricing rules are designed for corporate income tax, while VAT is an indirect tax based on consumption, making alignment between the two systems difficult. Both the VAT Committee and the VAT Expert Group have acknowledged these challenges. The general principle
Royal Decree confirms Peppol as default option for electronic invoicing
Starting on 1 January 2026, Belgium will implement mandatory structured electronic invoicing for most B2B transactions between Belgian established and VAT-registered businesses. Today, a Royal Decree was published formalising that Peppol will be the default method for issuing invoices. In detail The most important items included in the Royal Decree are the following: For transactions
Belgian coalition agreement: Introduction of near real-time reporting by 2028
The coalition agreement of the Belgian federal government includes the introduction of a near real-time reporting obligation by 2028. This e-reporting requirement will be introduced alongside the mandatory B2B e-invoicing obligation, which will become applicable from 1 January 2026 for most transactions between Belgian VAT-registered and established businesses. These initiatives are part of a broader
6% VAT regime for DemolitionReconstruction projects: scope extended to investor sales
A revised VAT framework is on its way for demolitionreconstruction projects, introducing greater flexibility for developers and investors. What’s new The Government has confirmed that, under the demolition–reconstruction VAT regime, developers may now: Sell to a private individual who will use the dwelling as his/her sole and principal residence; and Sell to an investor (individual or
