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.
It shelved the plan to raise VAT on tickets for sports, cultural events, and takeaway meals.
Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval announced the decision.
The Council of State strongly criticized the plan, calling it full of exceptions and absurdities.
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VatCalc · 3 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 · 8 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 · 22 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 · 22 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 · 25 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 · 27 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.
