Latest news & developments
VAT deduction on deal fees for an aborted transaction
Ryanair incurred considerable deal fees in relation to an envisaged takeover of a competitor. The takeover failed. Ryanair claimed input VAT deduction on the professional costs incurred based on its intention to perform taxable transactions with input VAT credit. In relation to deal fees, generally, input VAT deduction is allowed if management services against consideration
Schooling clause updated
On October 4th, the Chamber approved a draft Act introducing a schooling clause for bottleneck jobs whereby the minimum salary threshold of € 34.180/year that is applicable as a condition for regular schooling clauses will no longer apply if the education to which the schooling clause relates, is for a “bottleneck job” (knelpuntberoep/métier en pénurie).
Option to apply VAT on rent: adopted!
The Belgian Parliament has approved last week the new law allowing to opt for VAT on professional rent. Two important dates: The new rules are applicable as from 1st January 2019 Option is possible if the construction of the building started as from 1st October The VAT administration will publish detailed comments, a.o. on the
Belgium launches pilot program on cooperative tax compliance
The Large Enterprises Division of the Belgian tax administration (“LE Division”) announced the launch of a two-year pilot project on cooperative tax compliance (Cooperative Tax Compliance Program – “CTCP”). The program is aimed at transforming the traditional approach of ex-post tax investigations towards a system of proactive, real-time and constructive dialogue on the tax affairs of corporates.
Withholding tax evasion and avoidance: new measures announced
Last Friday, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a draft bill of law aimed at fighting several situations of Belgian WHT (Withholding Tax) evasion and avoidance. The purpose of the new rules is to tackle improper WHT exemptions or refunds and facilitate the recovery of WHT in such cases. In a nutshell In a communication
Extension for the first registration deadline for the Belgian UBO register
We have already informed you about the intention of the government to introduce a national register of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO). The Royal Decree on the operating procedures of the UBO register has been published in the Belgian Official Gazette on 14 August 2018. It refers to an entry into force on 31 October 2018
