Update – New upcoming tax measures – Program Act enacted
In our Newsflash of 7 November 2016 we already made reference to new upcoming tax measures. Certain of these anticipated changes have now been introduced by the Program Act of 25 December 2016, which was published in the Official Gazette on 29 December 2016. From a personal income tax perspective, the above Program Act introduces
New upcoming tax measures
Recently, the Belgian Minister of Finance published a general policy regarding “public finances”, “boosting of the economy/entrepreneurial climate” and “combat against tax fraud”. Based on this policy, certain new tax measures will be introduced in the upcoming months. From a personal income tax perspective, the following changes are anticipated: further increase in the withholding tax
Budget 2017: New tax measures announced – Corporate tax reform reconfirmed but not yet decided
In the framework of the budget for 2017, the Federal Government reached an agreement on several tax measures. On 16 October 2016, during the policy statement, the Prime Minister announced what follows: The speculation tax for individuals on the transfer of quoted shares would be abolished as of 1 January 2017; Tax on stock exchange
Update on the special tax system for foreign executives in Belgium
Recently, there have been rumours about possible changes to the special tax system for foreign executives in Belgium, creating some uncertainty around it. From the privileged contacts PwC has with the tax authorities, it appears there is no intention to change the special tax system as such but rather that the Finance Cabinet is open
End of year is approaching: rules of the game for gift vouchers
One option to reward employees in a tax-friendly manner at the end of this year is to provide them with a gift, i.e. gifts in kind or in cash, or vouchers for books, sporting and cultural events, movies, etc. As a general rule, gifts are in principle considered as remuneration and thus subject to social
Management exit considerations: capital gains tax treatment
Retaining and incentivising the management of portfolio companies is key for private equity firms. Managers will thus invest alongside with investors and enter into some incentive arrangements. At a future exit, they may then expect to walk away from their investment with a significant return. Belgian managers may invest through a personal holding company or
Belgium: new agreement on Tax Shift
On 10 October 2015, the Belgian federal government reached a new agreement on the so-called “tax shift”. The tax shift is the shift from tax on labour to other taxes. The objectives of the tax shift are: To respect the budgetary engagements; A revival of the economy by creating more jobs; Reducing labour taxes to
New lump-sum amount for reimbursement of business use of private car
Employees using a privately-owned car for business purposes can now be reimbursed a lump-sum amount of EUR 0.3412 per kilometre. Costs that an employee incurs when using a privately-owned car for business purposes can be reimbursed by the employer free of income tax and exempt from social security contributions. Repayment can be made on a lump-sum basis, taking
