Belgium Tax Refund: All You Need to Know

Navigating the waters of Belgium’s tax system can reveal pleasant surprises, like the potential for a tax refund, akin to discovering a hidden gem in the cobbled streets of Bruges.

Whether you’re an expat soaking up the diverse culture or a local delving into the intricacies of fiscal responsibilities, understanding how to secure a tax refund in Belgium is invaluable.

This guide aims to demystify the process, offering clear insights and practical tips to ensure you can reclaim any overpaid taxes, making your Belgian experience even more rewarding.

Let’s dive in!

Who Has To Pay Taxes In Belgium?

If you are above 18 years old and earn money in Belgium, you are required to pay Belgian taxes. However, the amount you pay is determined by whether you are classified as a resident for tax reasons.

Resident Taxpayer: If you are registered with the local municipality and Belgium is your center of social and economic interest (for example, your family lives there), you are deemed a resident for tax purposes in Belgium.

In addition to income taxes, you must pay municipal taxes and a 13.7% social security payment.

If you are a resident taxpayer, you must pay personal income tax in Belgium on your worldwide earnings. Every month, your company will automatically take income tax from your compensation.

Non-resident Taxpayer: You’re a non-resident taxpayer in Belgium when the center of your social and economic interests is abroad because you’re in Belgium for a limited period (of less than 183 days a year).

What Are The Common Reasons For Receiving A Tax Refund In Belgium?

A tax refund in Belgium refers to the return of excess taxes that an individual or business has paid to the Belgian government. 

This typically occurs when the amount of tax withheld or paid during the tax year exceeds the amount owed based on the taxpayer’s income, deductions, and credits.

Taxpayers may be eligible for a refund if they have overpaid their taxes through payroll withholding, estimated tax payments, or other means.

Common reasons for receiving a tax refund in Belgium include:

  1. Overpayment of withholding taxes from employment income.
  2. Eligibility for tax deductions or credits that reduce the overall tax liability.
  3. Tax treaty benefits for individuals with income from multiple countries.
  4. Errors or discrepancies in tax calculations.

Tax refunds are typically claimed by filing an annual tax return with the Belgian tax authorities. 

This return allows taxpayers to report their income, deductions, and credits accurately, which determines whether they are owed a refund or have additional taxes due. 

Upon processing the tax return, if it is found that the taxpayer has overpaid taxes, the excess amount is refunded to them.

What Documents Are Required To Submit For A Tax Refund In Belgium?

  1. Tax Return Form: In Belgium, taxpayers are typically required to file an annual tax return, either online through the Tax-on-web platform or by completing a paper form. This form is where you declare your income, deductions, credits, and any other relevant financial information for the tax year.
  2. Proof of Income: This documentation demonstrates the income you’ve earned during the tax year. It can include:
    • Salary Slips: If you’re an employee, you’ll need to provide copies of your payslips or an annual summary provided by your employer.
    • Pension Statements: If you’re retired and receiving a pension, you’ll need statements showing the pension income received.
    • Income from Investments: Statements from banks or investment firms showing interest, dividends, or capital gains earned.
    • Rental Income: If you earn income from renting out property, you’ll need documentation showing the rental income received.
  3. Expense Receipts and Documentation: This includes any expenses that are deductible from your taxable income. Common deductible expenses in Belgium include:
    • Medical Expenses: Receipts for medical expenses not covered by insurance.
    • Mortgage Interest: Documentation showing interest paid on a mortgage for your primary residence.
    • Charitable Donations: Receipts for donations made to eligible charities or institutions.
    • Education Expenses: Receipts for tuition fees, educational materials, and other eligible education expenses.
    • Professional Expenses: If you’re self-employed or have certain types of employment, you may be able to deduct professional expenses related to your work.
  4. Proof of Tax Withholdings and Payments: This documentation verifies any taxes that have already been withheld or paid during the tax year. It can include:
    • Statements from Employers: Showing taxes withheld from your salary.
    • Bank Statements: Showing any tax payments made directly to the tax authorities.
    • Investment Statements: Showing any taxes withheld on investment income.
  5. Bank Account Information: You’ll need to provide your bank account details, including the IBAN and BIC/SWIFT codes, for the tax authorities to deposit any refund directly into your account.
  6. Other Supporting Documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may need additional documentation. For example:
    • Proof of Dependents: If you’re claiming tax benefits for dependents, you may need to provide their identification documents.
    • Proof of Residency: If you’ve recently moved to Belgium or have dual residency, you may need to provide documentation proving your residency status.

How To File Annual Tax Return In Belgium?

Residents and non-residents of Belgium are required to file an annual tax return, even if they have no income to report.

This is significant because, even if you have no income, you can claim a tax refund by disclosing any payments made for tax-deductible things, such as childcare or mortgage payments.

If this is your first time filing a tax return in Belgium, you will receive a brown envelope with your annual tax return five weeks before the deadline. 

However, nine out of ten Belgians file their tax returns online since it is a simpler method. Many fields are pre-filled because the majority of taxes are deducted at the source.

1. Tax Return Filing: Individuals in Belgium are required to file an annual tax return, which is typically due by June 30th of the year following the tax year.

The tax return can be submitted online using the Tax-on-Web platform or on paper.

2. Types of Income: Different types of income are subject to taxation in Belgium, including employment income, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, and more.

Ensure that you report all sources of income accurately in your tax return.

3. Tax Deductions and Credits: Belgium offers various tax deductions and credits that can reduce your taxable income. These may include deductions for mortgage interest, education expenses, and other eligible expenses.

Be sure to claim all applicable deductions and credits to maximize your potential refund.

4. Review and Submission: Double-check your tax return for accuracy before submission. Incorrect or incomplete information can lead to delays in processing and may affect your refund.

5. Assessment: After submitting your tax return, the Belgian tax authorities will assess the information provided. They may request additional documentation or clarification if needed.

6. Tax Assessment Notice: Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a tax assessment notice. This document outlines the calculated tax liability or refund.

If you are entitled to a refund, the notice will specify the amount and the bank account where the refund will be deposited.

7. Payment or Refund: If you owe additional taxes, you will need to make the payment by the specified deadline.

If you are eligible for a refund, the amount will be transferred to your bank account. This process usually takes several weeks after the tax assessment.

8. Appeals: If you disagree with the tax assessment, you have the right to appeal. You can submit a complaint within specific time frames and provide supporting documentation to support your case.

9. Professional Assistance: Many individuals in Belgium choose to seek professional assistance from tax advisors or accountants to ensure accurate and efficient tax filing.

To receive a tax refund, simply fulfill the following conditions:

  • The buying price in Belgium must be at least 125.01 Euros (including VAT).
  • The buyer must not be a European citizen and may not spend more than three months in Europe.

What Kind Of Regulations Apply To Tax Refund Products?

  1. Tobacco and non-EU exports are not eligible for tax refunds. 
  2. Purchased products must be unopened and removed from the country within three months (by the final day of the third month following purchase).
  3. The goods have to be taken along in the tourist’s luggage (hand luggage or checked-in luggage). The reason for this is that goods that were purchased abroad and were then sent by post or intermediary agencies are eligible for a tax refund.

When Should You File Your Belgian Tax Return?

You’ll be notified to file your Belgian tax return in May. The deadline to file your tax return online is usually around July 15th. The deadline for submitting your tax return by mail is normally around June 30th for residents and November 25th for nonresidents.

If you fail to file your declaration on time, you risk receiving a fine ranging from €50 to €1,250, as well as a penalty of 10% to 200% of the tax.

Tax Refund Belgium – What Tax Rates Apply?

The tax rate is a percentage that helps to calculate the total amount of income tax attributable to a taxpayer.

As far as Belgium is concerned, there are five tax rates, which are defined as percentages and are as follows: 25, 30, 40, 45, and 50%. 

Which tax rate you are subject to depends primarily on your earnings during the tax year in question. Bear in mind, however, that income such as dividends is taxable under separate legislation.

Conclusion

Armed with the knowledge from this comprehensive guide, the Belgium tax refund process should now feel less like a daunting labyrinth and more like a straightforward path leading to financial benefits.

Whether you’re optimizing your tax situation as an individual or ensuring your business complies efficiently, being informed about your entitlements and the procedure for claiming a refund is crucial.

So, as you continue to navigate the scenic beauty and rich cultural tapestry of Belgium, rest assured that you’re well-equipped to make the most of its tax system. Here’s to a fruitful journey ahead.

À votre succès (To your success)!

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