New tax regime in Belgium for inbound taxpayers
Belgium on January 3rd, 2022
On 1 January 2022, a new tax regime came into force in Belgium for inbound employees, directors and researchers. The new regime provides for greater legal certainty (as opposed to the “old” ex-pat tax regime) for employers and qualifying employees/directors. Requirements Employees and (certain) directors performing a professional activity in Belgium are eligible for the […]
Legal considerations for businesses during the coronavirus outbreak in Belgium
Belgium on January 4th, 2020
Also important to take into account however are certain legal and tax considerations. For instance with regard to the payment of corporate income tax, corporate governance and obligations and liabilities under commercial contracts of your business. This comprehensive guide includes the most pressing questions we have received in our different practice groups with answers in […]
Tax shift: Reductions to employment taxes for employers and employees
Belgium on January 3rd, 2016
In October 2015, the Belgian government agreed on a “tax shift”, which was introduced as a means of decreasing the budget deficit and improving Belgium’s competitiveness in the labour market compared to its neighbouring countries. The aim was to shift the burden of tax away from professional income, and instead increase taxes in other areas […]
Belgian tax law changes impact non-residents
Belgium on January 7th, 2014
In March 2014, Belgium introduced new laws which will have an effect on the tax position of some Belgian non-residents. Previously, non-resident taxpayers were not entitled to personal tax allowances unless they were: Non-residents who have an abode in Belgium for the whole taxable period (i.e. non-residents who reside in Belgium with their family […]
Long awaited tax reforms announced by the Government
Belgium on January 1st, 2012
Following an agreement between Belgian political parties to form a government a Tax Bill has been passed. A summary of the main tax measures announced in these budgets, and which may be of relevance to CELIA Enews readers, are set out below. Capital gains on shares For individuals the situation remains unchanged. That is, gains […]
Stock options and severance indemnities
Belgium on January 10th, 2011
On 31 May 2011, the Labour Court of Brussels has reconfirmed that stock options must be included in the calculation basis of the severance indemnity payment. Nature of the stock options The case concerned the character of stock options and whether or not they fell under the notion of an advantage acquired in the framework […]
New list of daily allowances for foreign business trips during 2011/12
Belgium on January 7th, 2011
On 9 May 2011 the 2011 list of daily allowances was published in the Belgian Gazette. The new rates came into effect on 1 April 2011. Payments of the daily allowance made by employers to employees who undertake short business trips (business trips lasting no longer than 30 days) are usually accepted, unless they exceed […]
Belgium: New US/Belgian agreement clarifies double taxation of pensions
Belgium on January 12th, 2010
Welcome clarification of ‘qualified pension plans’ attracting relief from double taxation. The US and Belgium have signed an agreement on avoidance of double taxation of pension plans. The agreement, which clarifies the plans benefiting from the treaty provision, was published in the Belgian Official Gazette in August. Article 17 of their treaty, which deals specifically […]
Belgium: New tax position on cashing out of stock options raises planning opportunities
Belgium on January 3rd, 2010
The generally accepted position that such payments for the release of stock options should be treated as ordinary taxable income, except in some specific company restructurings, has now been revised following a recent tax ruling Facts Employees of a Belgian company, which was part of an international group, were granted share options by a non-Belgian […]
Belgium: Stock options: extension of exercise period with no tax consequences
Belgium on January 6th, 2009
As a reminder, the Economic Recovery Act of 27 March 2009 (published in the Belgian Official Journal of 7 April 2009) provided for the possibility to extend the exercise period of stock options stemming from plans concluded between 1 January 2003 and 31 August 2008 without any tax. The employer may thus extend, by common […]