Flemish government to launch new tax amnesty for inherited black money

The Flemish government will introduce a new tax regularisation scheme from 2026, allowing heirs of undeclared money to legalise their inheritance by paying a one-off penalty of 40 per cent.

The move mirrors a recent federal initiative, though it focuses on missed inheritance and registration taxes rather than income or investment taxes. It is the first such Flemish scheme in five years.

Under the proposal, heirs in a direct line or surviving partners who declare hidden inheritances will face a 40 per cent levy from January 2026. The rate will rise gradually to 45 per cent by 2029, when the scheme ends. For inheritances outside the direct family line, the cost will be up to 75 per cent.

Finance minister Ben Weyts, talking to Het Nieuwsblad, described the measure as “a unique opportunity to put mistakes of the past right”, stressing that failure to regularise could result in criminal investigation, heavy fines and even prison.

The government expects the scheme to bring in around 10 million euros a year. 

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}