Belgian personal income tax reform adopted
During the night of 9-10 July, the Chamber of Representatives adopted the draft law reforming the personal income tax regime. The law introduces changes that are favourable to workers and entrepreneurs, whether acting as self‑employed individuals or through management companies, alongside a series of reductions and limitations for other taxpayers. It also contains provisions that will demand attention from
New Program Law introduces cap on wage withholding tax exemptions and tightens night and shift work definitions
The federal government’s new Program Law, voted on 28/05/2026, introduces significant changes to the wage withholding tax (WHT) exemption regime. As the government seeks to close the budgetary gap and consolidate public finances, the WHT exemptions — long regarded as a cornerstone of Belgian employer incentives — are being curtailed. Two measures stand out: a
Belgian tax reform 2026: tax and social measures of the programme law
Last night, the Programme law was adopted by the country’s Parliament in plenary session. This Programme law introduces a wide range of fiscal, social, and economic measures, many of which will have an immediate and significant impact on businesses, employers, and individuals. Below is an overview of its key provisions. Tax measures Annual tax on
Flanders advances pay‑transparency transposition for the public sector
The Flemish Government approved a draft decree to partially implement the EU Pay Transparency Directive (EU 2023/970) for the Flemish public sector, taking effect on 7 June 2026. Scope Applies to Flemish services, local authorities, and educational institutions and their staff (public sector under Flemish jurisdiction). Right to information Employees may request written information on
Wage withholding tax exemption – New circular letter provides an update on the partial wage withholding tax exemption for night and shift work
Context On 31 July 2025, the Minister of Finance released a long-anticipated circular letter detailing significant updates to the partial wage withholding tax exemption for night and shift work. The introduction of the Bis Variant, coupled with recent case law, contributed to increased complexity, and varied interpretations of certain regulations, leading to uncertainty among applicants.
Exciting Updates in R&D Tax Law: New BELSPO Directives
BELSPO has recently worked with Belgian tax authorities to clarify the Withholding Tax (WHT) exemption process for R&D, with the goal of reaching a more uniform point of view regarding the content of the application procedure and advice. This harmonization, initiated in spring 2024, is a significant step forward, addressing the need for clearer guidelines
Partial wage withholding tax exemption for shift work: Royal Decree introduced to solve opaque application by temporary employment agencies
To ensure a level-playing field, companies recognized for temporary employment were already equated with companies where shift work is carried out with respect to the withholding tax exemption for night and shift work. To apply the exemption, in addition to the basic conditions, they require prior consent from the client-user that employs the temporary workers.
