The Belgian tax season has started, these are the most important changes

As of today, Belgians can file their tax returns for the income year 2023. According to the FPS Finance, the tax form has been slightly simplified. There some things to keep in mind this year, such as changes to the copyright tax regime and an exemption for purchasing power bonuses.

The biggest change for this year's tax returns is the restriction of the copyright tax regime, which provided a lower tax rate for copyrightable works. This now only applies to works of literary or artistic value. Other works, such as computer programs, are no longer covered by the scheme.

Another innovation is the so-called purchasing power bonus. Last year, companies with high profits were able to pay their employees a purchasing power bonus to combat rising inflation. This bonus is tax-free up to €750.

There are also other, smaller changes. Separated ex-partners will now be able to file separate tax returns, which will then be merged by the tax authorities. Employers will be compensated with a tax credit for paying bicycle allowances to employees. And those wishing to deduct rent as a professional expense have to provide additional information.

More proposed simplified returns

The FPS Finance also announced that the tax authorities will send out four million simplified tax returns this year, 150,000 more than last year. These are a simulation of an individual's tax return based on data known to the tax authorities. If the data is correct, the individual does not have to submit their tax return manually.

Paper returns must be submitted to the tax authorities by 30 June at the latest. For the online service Tax-on-Web, the deadline is 15 July. Those with special income have until 16 October.

^{© BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT}