Latest news & developments
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.
Belgian Government Summer Agreement – 21 July 2025
On 21 July 2025, the Belgian government reached a summer agreement to implement reforms in the fields of pensions, the labour market, healthcare, and income tax. This agreement needs to be incorporated into draft legislation, which still requires approval through the legislative process. A high-level summary of the envisaged measures in the fields of
The first tax measures of the new government adopted
On 17 July 2025, the Chamber adopted a first set of tax measures. The other measures included in the Easter agreement are part of the draft law containing various provisions, which is currently under review at the Chamber. The main measures adopted are as follows: From a corporate tax and and employer perspective: Participation exemption
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
New draft bill with respect to the taxation of capital gains realised upon the disposal of financial assets
The 10% capital gain tax As of January 1, 2026, as per the new (draft) article 90, 9° c) of the ITC 92, capital gains realised upon the disposal of financial assets -beyond the scope of a professional activity but within the scope of the normal management of the private estate – will be taxed
US House Advances the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ Bill to the Senate – This could have significant implications for Belgian and other non-US Companies with US presence and investment
On 22 May 2025, the US House of Representatives approved the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBB). The Bill is now set for Senate deliberations which are expected to follow swiftly. The Republican majority aims to have the bill signed into law by President Trump before the July 4th recess. The legislation features permanent extensions and
ECGT Directive: Prove Your Sustainability Claims Are True!
The Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT), adopted in February 2024, marks a key milestone in ensuring consumers receive relevant and accurate information about the environmental performance and characteristics of the products and services they purchase. It amends existing EU consumer protection laws to address misleading environmental claims and unverified sustainability labels.
Upcoming compliance due dates, be mindful of possible tax audit consequences
Belgian companies having a 31 December year-end should deposit their statutory BEGAAP financial statements with the National Bank of Belgium (“NBB”) at the latest by 31 July 2025. Late filing results in a number of negative consequences from a financial, director’s liability and corporate income tax perspective (see below). If the company’s statutory financial statements
