Latest news & developments
New expat regime in Belgium – Royal Decree published on the social security treatment of cost allowances
As indicated in our newsflash of 9 February 2022, the Belgian National Social Security Office aligned its position with the position of the Belgian tax authorities regarding non-taxable allowances granted within the framework of the new special tax regime. This means that the non-taxable allowances are exempt from social security contributions. However, article 19 of
Investigation period for direct taxes soon prolonged without distinction between an ordinary investigation and a fraud investigation?
A legislative proposal has been submitted to the Belgian Parliament with a view to harmonising the investigation and assessment periods for income tax and VAT. The proposal primarily looks to amend the legal provisions relating to the investigation period for direct tax matters. Currently, the normal investigation period for income tax is 3 years. This
Update COVID-19 and cross-border employment: agreements with the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg: extension confirmed
In our newsflash of 24 March 2022 we referred to the official extension of the mutual agreement between Belgium and Germany until 30 June 2022. We mentioned that, unless agreed otherwise, the agreements with the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg will in principle be automatically extended until 30 June 2022. This is now confirmed. Indeed, the
Board diversity: Gender quota at EU listed boards – Proposal for a Directive on improving the gender balance among directors of listed companies
On 14 March 2022, the Council adopted the text of the proposal of Directive on improving gender balance on boards of listed companies, which was pending since November 2012. This initiative aims to accelerate progress towards gender balance on boards of listed companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises would be excluded from the scope of the
Update: Extension till 16 May 2022 granted for the filing of the Summary statement 325.48 by qualifying Digital platform operators
In previous alerts we informed you that in anticipation of DAC7 specific reporting obligations apply in Belgium for digital platform operators since 2021. Under these rules, qualifying digital platform operators have to inform service providers active on the platform on their fiscal and social obligations. In addition, they have to send annually to these service
Update COVID-19 and cross-border employment: agreement with Germany: official extension
In our newsflash of 21 March 2022 we referred to the automatic extension of the mutual agreements between Belgium and the Netherlands / France / Luxembourg until 30 June 2022. We mentioned that, although no automatic extension was foreseen for the agreement with Germany, it was very likely the mutual agreement between Belgium and Germany
Update COVID-19 and cross-border employment: agreements with the neighboring countries, a final extension?
In our newsflashes of 10 December 2021, 15 December 2021 and 21 December 2021 we referred to the extension of the mutual agreements between Belgium and the Netherlands / France / Germany / Luxembourg until 31 March 2022. It was stated that, unless agreed otherwise, the agreements with the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg will in
Council moves a step further in the adoption of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
On 15/03/2022 the Council of the EU reached an agreement on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The European ministers were able to find a common position on a general approach. This is an important step towards the implementation of the ambitious CBAM regulation. What is CBAM? CBAM is a mechanism that will target imports
