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.
Belgium now applies a 15‑year VAT adjustment period to durable renovation works that exhibit characteristics comparable to immovable property, replacing the previous 5‑year period for such works.
The new period takes effect on the day the law is published in the Belgian Official Gazette, with retroactive effect from that date for works whose adjustment period is still running.
It applies retroactively only to works where the adjustment period is still running; it does not revive periods that have already fully expired under the current rules.
The amendment removes the distinction between renovation and reconstruction for the purpose of the adjustment period, focusing instead on an economic test of whether the works have a life comparable to a new building.
Get VAT and indirect tax news delivered to your inbox twice a week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bloomberg Tax · 5 days ago
Belgium’s cabinet approved a draft royal decree on 14 February 2026 that raises VAT rates on certain goods and services. The decree increases the rate for pesticide and plant protection product deliveries from 12% to 21% and for furnished accommodation and camping pitch services from 6% to 12%.
e-Invoice.app · 5 days ago
Belgium will require all VAT‑registered businesses to exchange B2B invoices electronically via the Peppol network using the BIS Billing 3.0 standard from 1 January 2026. A Q1 2026 grace period allows technical setup without penalties, while non‑resident firms and B2C transactions are exempt. Penalties for non‑compliance start at €1,500 and increase to €5,000 for subsequent offences.
VATCalc · 11 days ago
Belgium will raise the VAT rate on hotel and campsite accommodation to 12% from 1 March 2026, while the rate on non‑alcoholic beverages served in hospitality venues will fall to 12% from 21%. Planned increases for takeaway food and cultural/sports events from 6% to 12% have been put on hold after a critical advisory opinion from the Council of State.
VRT · 11 days ago
Belgium's federal government has decided to withdraw its plan to raise VAT on tickets for sports, cultural events, and takeaway meals. The decision was announced by Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval. The Council of State had previously criticized the proposed changes.
VatCalc · 14 days ago
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.
EY · 19 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.
