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.
Deloitte Belgium · 11 days ago
Belgium’s VAT chain reform introduces a new VAT provision account effective 1 May 2026, replacing the current account and changing account numbers. The summer regime for late filing will be abolished, and taxpayers can request historic VAT credits via MyMinfin. Key dates are 30 April 2026 for return submission and 1 May 2026 for the new account and credit transfer.
Deloitte Belgium · 11 days ago
Belgium’s VAT chain reform introduces a new VAT provision account effective 1 May 2026, replacing the current account and changing account numbers. Credit balances will transfer automatically if all periodic returns are filed by 30 April 2026, and the historic VAT credit can be claimed via MyMinfin. The summer regime is abolished, and the new account number BE41 6792 0036 4210 will be used for payments.
Bloomberg Tax · 25 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 · 26 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 · about 1 month 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 · about 1 month 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.
