Belgium has mandated electronic invoicing for VAT‑registered organisations since 1 January, making it the first EU member state to do so. However, widespread technical problems with the Peppol platform and accounting software have caused invoices to be lost, duplicated or delayed, threatening to miss the 25 January VAT‑return deadline. Accountants have requested a three‑day extension and exemption from penalties if the issues can be proven.
The deadline for VAT returns in Belgium is 25 January each year.
They have requested at least a three‑day extension to the 25 January deadline.
They are seeking exemption from penalties or tax increases if the technical problems can be clearly demonstrated.
The KVABB has identified serious problems such as extremely slow processing, frequent system outages, and duplicate invoices.
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Belga News Agency · 4 days ago
Belgium’s federal government has raised the VAT rate on prepared meals from 6% to 12%, impacting school meals and home care for the elderly. The new rate applies to meals that must be eaten within two days, while frozen pizzas in supermarkets remain at 6%. The measure has sparked controversy and may increase costs for parents and the elderly.
Melasoft · 5 days ago
Peppol e-invoicing is a key pillar of European digital compliance, with the network based on EN 16931 and Peppol BIS enabling interoperability in Belgium, France, and Germany. New mandates in Belgium (2026) and France (Facture Electronique) will adopt Peppol, and Melasoft serves as a certified Peppol Access Point to automate compliance, integrating with SAP to ensure 100% legal compliance across 30+ countries.
LinkedIn Article by Arran Thoma · 6 days ago
KPMG’s latest e‑invoicing developments timeline highlights key implementations for 2026. Belgium will require all VAT payers to issue and receive electronic invoices for domestic B2B transactions from 1 January 2026, with a fallback rule for technical issues. Poland will implement the remaining four e‑invoicing acts in February 2026 after signing them on 9 December 2025.
Vatsquare · 6 days ago
Belgium will require VAT‑liable businesses to issue and receive structured electronic invoices (PEPPOL) from 1 January 2026. For the first three months of 2026, no sanctions will be imposed if companies can prove timely and reasonable preparations, but the tolerance is case‑by‑case and not a blanket postponement.
The Invoicing Hub · 7 days ago
Belgium has enforced its e‑invoicing mandate effective 1 January 2026, requiring all companies to transmit invoices electronically via the Peppol network. A three‑month grace period allows firms to comply without penalties, while coverage rates vary across regions. Companies must also prepare for future e‑reporting obligations in 2028 and the ViDA directive.
EY · 12 days ago
Belgium will introduce mandatory e-invoicing from 1 January 2026. This change will affect businesses operating in Belgium and will require them to adopt e-invoicing systems. The move is expected to improve efficiency and reduce errors in invoicing processes.
