Belgium's tax authorities are rolling out the VAT provision account from 1 May 2026, replacing the current account system as part of ongoing efforts to modernise tax collection. The change brings simplified management tools, new payment procedures, and adjusted credit recovery rules for all VAT-registered businesses.
Belgium’s tax authority, the Federal Public Service Finance, announced on 4 March 2026 that Belgium will replace the existing VAT current account with a VAT provision account from 1 May 2026, as part of its tax modernisation initiative launched under legislation effective 1 January 2025 to digitalise and streamline VAT collection.
This modernisation project will allow for smoother and more efficient processing of periodic VAT returns.
The April 2026 and second quarter 2026 VAT returns will be the first filings recorded under the new provision account system.
Key changes for VAT registered businesses
From 1 May 2026, several important updates take effect:
- Centralised financial management through MyMinfin allows businesses to view and manage their VAT position in one location
- Holiday system eliminated, though late filings submitted within the old holiday deadlines will not face penalties as a transitional measure
- New bank account numbers required for VAT payments
- Credit recovery limitations: When requesting credit refunds via periodic returns, amounts are capped at the box 72 value. Full credits can still be claimed through MyMinfin
Handling existing credits
Businesses with VAT credit balances as of 30 April 2026 will see those credits automatically transferred to the new VAT provision account if all periodic returns are filed on time. If returns are missing, the tax authorities will review the case to decide whether the credits are refunded to the business or used to offset outstanding tax debts.
Changes already in effect since 1 January 2025
The reform introduces extended deadlines for quarterly VAT filers, stricter rules preventing late corrective returns, and formal response timelines for tax inquiries and substitute declarations. It also offers reduced penalties for compliant taxpayers, faster refunds for monthly claimants, and plans to add direct debit payment options in the future.
