Belgium’s federal parliament has approved a broad VAT reform bill (No. 56/1205) that introduces significant changes to invoicing, deduction adjustments, refund procedures and compliance enforcement. Key measures include extended VAT adjustment periods, a substitute return mechanism for late filings, clarified VAT ID reporting for non‑Belgian customers, mandatory e‑invoicing for government contracts and a three‑month rule for VAT refunds.
The reform extends the VAT adjustment period for intangible assets and services with intangible characteristics to 15 years.
The substitute return becomes effective on the third working day after the authorities send the notification by universal postal service.
A VAT ID number must be reported only if the taxable person is established in Belgium; otherwise it is not required for supplies performed exclusively for an establishment located outside Belgium.
Yes, e‑invoices are mandatory for B2G contracts unless the public‑sector recipient is technically unable to receive them directly or via a third party.
Get VAT and indirect tax news delivered to your inbox twice a week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
EY · 5 days ago
EY highlights forthcoming changes to Belgian VAT rates, with particular emphasis on the food, entertainment and hospitality sectors. The commentary outlines the sectors that will be most affected but does not provide specific rate adjustments or implementation dates.
LinkedIn Article by VAT Consult · 18 days ago
Belgium has amended its VAT Code to introduce a fifteen‑year adjustment period for durable renovation works that exhibit characteristics comparable to immovable property, replacing the previous five‑year period for such works. The change, approved on 21 January 2026, will take effect on the day the law is published in the Official Gazette and applies retroactively to works whose adjustment period is still running. The amendment aims to align Belgium’s rules with EU law after the Court of Justice’s Drebers ruling.
Banqup · 19 days ago
This blog explains the key terms and technical requirements for Belgium’s mandatory e‑invoicing regime starting 1 January 2026. It covers the Peppol network, Access Points, UBL/BIS 3.0 standards, and how Banqup helps companies comply without writing XML code.
LinkedIn Article by VAT Consult · 22 days ago
Belgium will implement a new VAT rate structure from 1 March 2026, shifting take‑away meals and many leisure services to a 12% rate while raising the rate for furnished accommodation to 12% and moving plant protection products to the standard 21% rate. The changes also refine drink taxation in restaurants and preserve 6% rates for specific cultural performances.
Fintua · 24 days ago
Belgium will not impose penalties for certain e‑invoicing offences from January to March 2026 if businesses show timely compliance efforts. The Hermes platform is being phased out, requiring a move to a Peppol‑certified system, and small VAT‑exempt firms must still issue e‑invoices.
RTBF · 25 days ago
Belgium has required all VAT‑registered companies to use electronic invoicing via the Peppol network since 1 January 2026. Accountants and bookkeepers, citing widespread technical problems, have asked the finance minister to postpone the 25 January VAT‑return deadline to 28 February and to waive penalties. The request highlights challenges with invoice delivery, software performance and duplicate filings.
