Latest news & developments
Tax Bites Podcast – European Tax Omnibus proposal
The European Commission’s proposal for a Tax Omnibus Directive has been leaked ahead of its official publication later this month. The Tax Omnibus Directive aims to simplify the EU direct tax framework, reduce compliance costs for businesses and, ultimately, improve the EU’s competitiveness. To that end, it proposes to amend six existing direct tax directives in
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
Tax bites podcast – CBAM Unpacked: What it is and why it matters now
Welcome to the first episode of our new Tax Bites mini-series dedicated to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the broader EU carbon taxation landscape. In this opening episode, Pieter sits down with our CBAM experts, Helena and Aurélien to set the stage: how does CBAM fit into the wider EU Green Deal and
Belgium publishes Royal Decree establishing the QDMTT Return for assessment year 2024
On 1 June 2026, a Royal Decree has been published in the Belgian Official Gazette establishing the official template for the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (QDMTT) return for assessment year 2024. The published return is applicable for fiscal years that started on or after 31 December 2023 but ended on 30 December 2024 at the latest. Note that the Belgian Pillar 2 law is applicable for fiscal years that started on or after 31 December 2023. The official QDMTT return
Belgium issues further guidance on Form 275 CBC NOT for entity liquidations
On 22 May 2026, the Belgian tax administration released additional guidance on the interpretation of the Country-by-Country Notification requirements (Form 275 CBC NOT), adding a third specific situation to the previously issued administrative clarification of 27 January 2026. As a reminder, the Belgian tax administration had already clarified how the option ‘termination of your notification obligation’ should be applied in two specific scenarios:
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
Thematic investment deduction – web application for energy saving investments available
Further to our previous updates on the thematic investment deduction (see our newsflash of 16 January 2025, our newsflash on the Royal Decree of 28 July 2025 and our newsflash of 6 May 2026), the Flemish region has launched the online web application for requesting the certificates in relation the energy list (i.e. efficient use of energy and renewable energy). Applications for investments relating to the reduction of CO2 emissions
CJEU rules in Stellantis: transfer pricing adjustments are not automatically consideration for VAT-taxable services
On 13 May 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) issued its judgment in Stellantis Portugal (C-603/24), another important case on the VAT treatment of transfer pricing adjustments. Stellantis Portugal purchased vehicles from European group manufacturers and resold them to independent Portuguese dealers. Where vehicles were affected by manufacturing defects, warranty issues
