Charlotte Backelandt

Setting up a private limited company in Belgium? Then a visit to the notary is mandatory. But how much will the notary fees for setting up a private limited company amount to in 2026? And what other costs should you budget for besides notary fees? This article gives you a clear breakdown of the costs involved in setting up your company, from deed fees and notary fees to publication costs, registration with the CBE, the financial plan and expert fees.

At the moment, copyright royalties can be remunerated in a tax-efficient way. Subject to certain conditions, they are not taxed as professional income but as movable income subject to 15% withholding tax. In addition, you can claim a flat-rate expense deduction. From the 2026 tax year, the latter will change for those who do not hold a standard artwork certificate or an artwork certificate plus. So the tax regime for copyright royalties isn’t being abolished, but in many cases it will become less favourable. Anyone receiving copyright royalties without an artwork certificate should therefore assess the impact carefully.

GHENT, 30 July 2026. PIA Group, the fastest-growing international accountancy, audit and advisory group in the Benelux region and Germany, continues its growth with the addition of ADC Group. The accountancy firm, with offices in Sankt Vith, Verviers, Weiswampach and Steinfort, simultaneously boosts the group's presence in Eastern Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. ADC Group boasts more than 35 years of experience in accountancy, taxation and business advisory services for family-owned SMEs. This makes it PIA Group’s 56th Belgian member firm and, following Neoviaq and DTAX.LU, the group's third Luxembourg member firm.

Property remains popular among business owners. Perhaps you have built up cash reserves in your company and are wondering whether buying an office, warehouse, flat or investment property through the company would be the better option. At first glance, this may seem attractive as the funds are already held within your company and certain costs may be tax-deductible. However, buying property through your company is not automatically tax-efficient. The right choice depends on the type of property, how it will be used, your cash flow and your long-term plans.

A dividend is a portion of a company's profits that is distributed to its shareholders. Do you own shares in a company? If so, you may receive a dividend if that company turns a profit and decides to distribute part of it. These may be shares in a listed company, or shares in your own company or in a business in which you hold a stake. This article explains in plain language what a dividend is, how dividend distribution works, and which tax and financial considerations must be taken into account in Belgium.

A management company is often associated with tax matters, but in reality it involves much more than tax optimisation alone. For self-employed professionals, it is primarily a way to organise their activities professionally, streamline their income planning and take a more considered approach to building their future. That is precisely why a management company requires tailored advice.

GHENT, 23 June 2026 – PIA Group, the fastest-growing international accountancy, audit and advisory group in the Belux region, continues its growth with the addition of VDV Accountants and Groupe MDS. The two firms strengthen PIA Group's presence in East Flanders and the wider Brussels region. Together, they boast close to 50 years of experience in accountancy, taxation and advisory services, bringing the group's footprint in the Belux region to 96 offices and 56 office brands. Their addition fits in with PIA Group's ambition to strengthen local firms in a sector that is experiencing rapid digitalisation. "Automation, AI and new software are fundamentally transforming our profession," says Steven Brouckaert, Executive Chairman of PIA Group. “We help firms shape that evolution with the right expertise, scale and technology, without losing their own identity or client relationships."

Belgian tax legislation is constantly evolving. Following earlier reforms relating to liquidation reserves and VVPRbis, another important change is now on the horizon: the withholding tax on certain dividend distributions is set to increase.

You may already have heard about it. But what does this mean for you in practical terms? And more importantly: should you take action now? In this article, we give you the full picture.

On 1 January 2026, Belgium introduced a new capital gains tax on financial assets, including unlisted shares. For entrepreneurs, this may have a significant impact on a future sale, transfer or succession planning. One element is crucial: the value of your business as at 31 December 2025. Without a substantiated certified valuation, you risk falling under the government's standard tax valuation method, which in many cases results in a higher taxable capital gain.

On 1 May 2026, the system for paying VAT in Belgium underwent a few changes. The introduction of a new VAT account number forms part of a broader reform of the VAT chain, which includes the introduction of the provision account.

This article explains exactly what has changed and what you need to do to remain compliant.

Whether you’re a doctor, dentist or pharmacist, sooner or later you will ask yourself the same question: do I continue working as a sole trader or do I switch to a company structure? The answer depends not only on your income but also on how your practice operates. Think of NIHDI services, nomenclature, on-call duties, aesthetic treatments, investments in equipment or inventory management. It also depends on what you want to build in the long term, both professionally and privately. We’ve outlined the key points below.

More and more entrepreneurs are searching for ways to structure their income in a more tax-efficient manner. One technique that regularly comes up in this context is renting out a business asset to one’s own company. This may involve a shop, customer base, trade name or stock that is held privately and then made available to the company in return for a fee. Although this approach can be perfectly legal, the tax authorities often view it with suspicion and attempt to reclassify such income as more heavily taxed professional income. A recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Antwerp (3 March 2026) adds further nuance and is particularly relevant for entrepreneurs who already use this structure or are considering it.

Are you considering what will happen to your estate after your death? In that case, a will is an essential part of your wealth planning. Yet it is often postponed or underestimated. Understandably so, as it is not an easy subject, but that is exactly why it is important to give it timely consideration.

A will is not only an initial step that can easily be taken, it is also the final piece of your overall planning. It gives you control and provides clarity.

Did you start out as a self-employed professional? Is your business beginning to grow? Sooner or later, you'll be facing an important question: do you remain a sole trader, set up a private limited company (BV) or work through a management company? This decision may seem technical, but it has a major impact on how you run your business. It determines not only how much tax you pay, but also how much risk you take, how much flexibility you have and how easily you can grow.

Not every self-employed professional starts from the same situation. Sometimes you're building a genuine business with clients, investments and risks. Sometimes you mainly provide personal services, for example as a consultant or director. That difference plays an important role in choosing the right structure. And that's why it's worth considering this carefully.

The rules governing company cars are changing rapidly and this has a significant impact on companies. By ordering a car today, you are also immediately locking in your tax advantage for the coming years. In other words, maximising the benefit requires good timing as 2026 will be a real turning point. It is the last opportunity to still benefit from 100% deductibility for an electric company car.

The planned capital gains tax on financial assets is starting to take shape. For entrepreneurs and families who have already structured their assets within the framework of succession planning, this raises new questions. What does this tax mean for existing planning? And, above all, who will ultimately bear the tax burden?

To make this clear, we look at a widely used technique in family wealth planning: the donation of an investment portfolio with reservation of usufruct.

GHENT, 15 April 2026 – PIA Group Belux announces the strengthening of its management team with the appointment of Alexandre Gangji as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Isabelle Verdoodt as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With these strategic appointments, the international accountancy, advisory and audit group headquartered in Ghent takes the next step in its ambition to further professionalise and sustainably support its growth.

The bill of 17 December 2025 introduces a major policy shift for the IT sector. Computer programs are once again included in the tax copyright regime. This means that software developers will once again be able to benefit from this favourable scheme as from 1 January 2026. What exactly is changing and what remains unchanged?

The alarm bell procedure is a statutory obligation requiring directors to intervene when the financial situation of their company deteriorates significantly. But what is the alarm bell procedure exactly? When must it be initiated? And does it apply in the same way to every type of company? Under the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations (CCA), the application differs depending on the type of company. Below we explain how to proceed in a legally correct manner.

GHENT/DÜSSELDORF, 23 March 2026 – PIA Group announced the takeover today of LADM, a firm with five sites and 130 employees in the German state of North Rhine‑Westphalia. This makes PIA Group the first Belgian accountancy, advisory and audit group to expand into Germany under its own name and officially launches PIA Group Germany. “PIA Group grew in Belgium from a clear vision: strengthening local firms without changing their identity,” says PIA Group founder Steven Brouckaert. “This model first proved its strength in the Benelux and the fact that it is now successful in Germany as well confirms that our concept transcends international borders.”

In Flanders, inheritance tax is due on what you inherit after a death. Since 1 January 2026, new rules may significantly affect the amount payable. Here’s what you need to know about the current rates, exemptions and key changes.

Are you working with (sub)contractors or external operators on a site or project? If so, it is important to know that as a professional client or contractor you may share responsibility if there is illegal employment anywhere in the chain. In sectors such as construction and cleaning in particular, the rules are stricter than many business owners realise. In addition, on 1 January 2026 an additional duty of care came into effect. Would you like to be certain that your administration is fully compliant for your next worksite or collaboration? If so, be sure to read this article.

The federal government has decided to extend the transition period for capital gains tax until 1 June 2026. At the same time, another sensitive issue continues to command considerable attention: when does the standard rate of 10% apply and when do you risk the higher rate of 33%? We have summarised the key insights below.

GHENT, 27 January 2026. PIA Group, the international accountancy, advisory and audit group headquartered in Ghent, has ushered in the new year in Belgium and Luxembourg in impressive fashion with 5 new acquisitions. On the Flemish side, these are Accofisc and Warfid, both based in West Flanders, and DSM Consulting, operating from Lier. In the French-speaking market, PIA Group is strengthening its presence with the trio PME Assistance/DCA/DTAX with offices in Grimbergen and Luxembourg City, plus Fiduciaire Renson from Verlaine in the province of Liège. PIA Group now has 52 strong brands in the BeLux market, together accounting for 92 locations. Internationally, the group achieved a consolidated turnover of 440 million euros in 2025.

Those who sell a house, apartment or plot of land at a profit often wonder whether capital gains tax is due. Fortunately, in Belgium no general capital gains tax applies to real estate for private individuals but this doesn’t mean no tax is ever payable upon sale. In certain situations, the capital gain realised on the sale of real estate is indeed taxable. This is mainly the case when the sale takes place within a specific period, or when the property is sold by a company.

Any business may be subject to an inspection by the FPS Economy. During such an inspection, attention is often paid to whether your prices are communicated clearly and whether mandatory information is made available in the correct manner, at your place of business and/or online. This is done to protect consumers and ensure fair competition. Those who fail to comply with the rules risk administrative fines, criminal prosecution and reputational damage. That is why we thought it would be useful to outline the key risks and provide practical tips to help you prepare your business for such an inspection.

You’re fully immersed in running your business. Work is pouring in, your clients are happy and your schedule is packed. But there’s this nagging feeling you can’t get rid of... You know you’re doing well but still: true peace of mind is rare. Numbers remain abstract, you don’t know exactly how much you can afford and with every decision you can’t help but wonder if you’re not overspending. Financial peace of mind may not be the first thing you think of when running your business but it is nonetheless one of the key conditions for growing with confidence.

GHENT, 5 January 2026 – As part of its continued international growth, PIA Group has appointed Tom Verhaegen (53) as Group CEO. Founder Steven Brouckaert, who has held this role to date, will now focus fully on M&A activities in the Benelux, Germany, France and beyond. Tom Verhaegen will be responsible for further developing the unique PIA model, which combines local entrepreneurship with the strength of an international group. In addition, he will define the strategic direction and priorities, lead the senior management team and the wider organisation, and oversee operational and financial performance in line with PIA Group’s ambitious growth objectives.

Taking money out of a company risks becoming more expensive from a tax perspective. On 11 December, the Council of Ministers decided to amend the regime for both the liquidation reserve and VVPR-bis. The federal government intends to increase the tax burden from 15% to 18% on distributions for both ‘VVPR-bis dividends’ and dividends drawn from accumulated liquidation reserves. The new regimes would come into effect once the law has been approved and published.

With the budget agreement of 24 November 2025, the De Wever government is setting a clear fiscal course: work and entrepreneurship should yield greater rewards while capital income will contribute more. This will impact entrepreneurs and companies as well as investors. New rules are on the way for a higher securities tax and adjusted ways to extract funds from your company, alongside targeted SME measures in corporate and personal income tax. In the meantime, there is more clarity on the timing of the capital gains tax and its transitional period. The legislative texts are still being drafted but the direction is set and it is important enough to start fine-tuning your plans now.

Since October 2018, the UBO register has collected data from Belgian companies and other legal entities as part of the fight against money laundering, tax fraud and the financing of terrorism. This means that as a company or association, you also need to pay attention to who the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) is.

But let’s be honest, for many entrepreneurs and non-profit organisations, this remains quite an administrative challenge.

You’re running a company. Business is going well, customers are happy and the numbers are looking good. But what about your legal foundations? Are they watertight? Many company directors assume everything is automatically sorted once the business is established. But running a company involves much more than a registration in the CBE or issuing a VAT number. Behind the scenes, there are a number of legal obligations and risks that a director or shareholder should take into account.

GENT, 23 september 2025 – Met de aansluiting van A&B Partners Waregem versterkt PIA Group, de snelst groeiende accountancy-, audit- en adviesgroep van de Benelux, zijn aanwezigheid in West-Vlaanderen. Het familiale kantoor kiest bewust voor ondersteuning vanuit een grotere groep. A&B Partners Waregem wil zich duurzaam voorbereiden op de toekomst,” zegt Steven Brouckaert, uitvoerend voorzitter van PIA Group. “Door support te bieden in cruciale domeinen zoals IT en digitale transformatie biedt PIA Group accountancy-, audit- en advieskantoren de nodige slagkracht om zich beter te wapenen tegen de uitdagingen in de sector. Daarbij behouden kantoren hun eigen DNA, een aspect dat sterk wordt gewaardeerd.”

The securities tax has been a fixture in Belgian taxation for several years. The rate remains 0.15% and the threshold €1 million, but since the Programme Act of 18 July 2025 stricter rules apply. New anti-abuse provisions and a mandatory reporting of certain transactions are intended to counter avoidance and tighten supervision. Our experts are happy to go into more detail.

Our labour market is becoming increasingly flexible, something entrepreneurs are noticing every day. To handle peaks in workload or to access specific expertise, many companies turn to freelancers or self-employed professionals. It makes sense because this approach offers agility, speed and sometimes tax advantages. Still, it pays to be careful because these collaborations also carry risks, especially from a legal perspective. We are happy to share some clear insights so you can collaborate with confidence and the right knowledge.

The final stage of the renewed VAT chain was originally scheduled to take effect on 1 October 2025. The tax authorities have now decided to postpone it once again, without setting a new date. But what does this mean for you as an entrepreneur? We asked our VAT experts.

With the new coalition agreement, the federal government has tightened the tax regulations concerning hybrid company cars, while simultaneously announcing certain relaxations. This has significant implications for businesses and self-employed individuals considering the acquisition of a hybrid vehicle. What are the consequences for your company in the coming years? And is it still fiscally attractive to invest in a hybrid vehicle now?

GHENT, 8 July 2025 – PIA Group continues its expansion into the Zuiderkempen region. With the addition of Profisc+, the fastest-growing accountancy, audit and advisory group in the Benelux adds another promising growth office to its impressive portfolio. “Within PIA Group, we are better equipped to face the challenges of our sector, which is undergoing a major transformation”, say Profisc+ partners Johan Siongers and Nikki Willems in unison. PIA Group’s Executive Chairman Steven Brouckaert confirms: “PIA Group supports accountancy, audit and advisory firms in crucial areas such as HR and IT without altering their DNA. Quality firms continue to seek us out because we are the only group that respects their individual character to the fullest extent.”

GHENT, 11 June 2025 – Today PIA Group is announcing the addition of HLB Belgium to the group. With this new partner, the Benelux market leader in consolidating active accountancy and advisory firms expands its footprint across Belgium with two new offices in Flanders, one in Brussels and two in Wallonia. Thanks to HLB Belgium’s inclusion, audit and assurance services – already offered by PIA Group in the Netherlands – will now also be available in Belgium. Moreover, HLB Belgium opens the door for all PIA offices to collaborate with the 155 countries, 1,139 offices and 51,948 professionals of the HLB International network, which ranks 8th worldwide according to the renowned International Accounting Bulletin. Steven Brouckaert, Executive Chairman and founder of PIA Group, and Nathalie Calle, CEO of PIA Group Belgium, are pleased to welcome the 45th Belgian office brand. “The addition of HLB Belgium is a textbook example of synergies that are mutually beneficial, both on a local and international level.”

LUXEMBOURG CITY, 16 MAY 2025. PIA Group, the fastest-growing accountancy and advisory group in Belgium and the Netherlands, is expanding to a third European country: the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The consultancy firm Neoviaq is joining the group. This new acquisition underscores PIA Group’s international ambitions. “Luxembourg is an important European financial centre and business hub”, says Steven Brouckaert, Executive Chairman of PIA Group International. “Establishing a presence here is a logical next step in our international growth strategy. We’re very pleased to do so with a high-quality firm like Neoviaq. Meanwhile we are exploring opportunities in countries outside the Benelux.” With the addition of Neoviaq, PIA Group now comprises 54 office brands, with a total of 100 branches that realised a consolidated turnover of €250 million in 2024. The group’s target in 2025 is €400 million.

Your business is thriving. Orders are coming in, you're turning a profit, and growth is on the horizon. Yet, your bank balance tells a different story: cash is tight. Payments are delayed, VAT needs to be advanced, and investments feel daunting. Sound familiar? It's time to scrutinise your cash flow. Profit isn't cash—and without cash, progress stalls.

If you've managed to set aside funds within your company or have created some personal financial leeway for investment, a pertinent question arises: is it more advantageous to invest through your company or privately? The answer isn't straightforward, but we outline the pros and cons below to help you make an informed decision.

Are you currently the sole shareholder and director of your company? If so, the business revolves entirely around you. But what if you were to pass away unexpectedly? What would happen to your company, your employees, your clients? It's not a pleasant topic to contemplate, but it's a crucial question for every entrepreneur. Without proper arrangements, the death of the sole shareholder could completely paralyse your company—leading to financial, legal, and reputational damage.

As a physician-business owner, you're likely seeking the most efficient ways to extract income from your company without incurring unnecessary taxes. Several options are available, each with its own fiscal implications. Below, we outline the primary methods to help you make informed decisions.

Curious about the financial health of your enterprise? You don't necessarily need to delve deeply into your accounts. By monitoring three essential financial ratios, you can quickly assess the stability of your business and identify areas for improvement. We explain how to calculate liquidity, solvency, and profitability ratios—and, crucially, how to enhance them.

As a budding entrepreneur, you're eager to hit the ground running. However, launching a business involves a comprehensive start-up process, often underestimated. Numerous challenges await, but with our experts by your side, you'll receive personalised guidance from A to well beyond Z.

GHENT, 10 MARCH 2025. PIA Group has now also gained a foothold in the Dender region. With the addition of B&A Advies, not one but two branches from this enterprising region are joining Belgium’s fastest-growing accountancy and advisory group: Aalst and Meerbeke. For Executive Chairman Steven Brouckaert this is an important step in strengthening the footprint of PIA Group in Belgium. “We continue to put great faith in the strength of local branches”, he confirms. “Our slogan ‘Advice closer to you’ not only speaks to our personalised approach but also to the fact that it is available within driving distance anywhere in Flanders, Brussels and in the near future also in Wallonia.”

GHENT, 10 MARCH 2025. PIA Group has now also gained a foothold in the Dender region. With the addition of B&A Advies, not one but two branches from this enterprising region are joining Belgium’s fastest-growing accountancy and advisory group: Aalst and Meerbeke. For Executive Chairman Steven Brouckaert this is an important step in strengthening the footprint of PIA Group in Belgium. “We continue to put great faith in the strength of local branches”, he confirms. “Our slogan ‘Advice closer to you’ not only speaks to our personalised approach but also to the fact that it is available within driving distance anywhere in Flanders, Brussels and in the near future also in Wallonia.”

When establishing a company, numerous elements come into play: the business plan, financing, the deed of incorporation... Yet, the shareholders’ agreement is often overlooked. However, this agreement can be crucial in preventing future conflicts and ensuring stable collaboration. What exactly does a shareholders’ agreement entail? And why is it indispensable? Let’s delve deeper.

As an entrepreneur, maintaining a financially healthy business is essential. A financial plan serves as an indispensable tool—a practical guide that helps you achieve your goals and manage risks. But what exactly is a financial plan? When is it mandatory? And how do you get started? We explain it all in this article.

GHENT, 12 February 2025 - PIA Group, Belgium’s fastest-growing accountancy and advisory group, announces the next in a string of acquisitions. Today, Steven Brouckaert, Executive Chairman of PIA Group, is proud to announce the accession of MLA Accountancy. For PIA Group, this new acquisition is the third agency within the Brussels Ring. The addition of this highly reputed accountancy firm from Uccle further expands the service offering to French-speaking entrepreneurs in the nation’s capital and well beyond.

GHENT, 14 JANUARY 2025 - PIA Group, Belgium’s fastest-growing accountancy and advisory group, ushers in the new year with an impressive growth spurt. No fewer than 7 new accountancy firms are joining the ranks at the same time. They are the Flemish firms A&T Partners from Louvain, CBFin from Bruges, Emendo and Factum Fiscalis from Kapellen, QPS with branches in Hasselt and Genk, and Verschaeren & Mertens from Mechelen. The 7th newcomer is the Walloon accountancy firm AGEFI, with locations in Mons, Zinnik and Seilles. PIA Group International’s Executive Chairman Steven Brouckaert is obviously very pleased with this breakneck start to 2025. “Each of these accountancy firms enjoys a solid reputation in their home region. This confirms that our acquisition strategy with respect for the local DNA of the respective offices is convincing a growing number of enterprising accountants.”

MONS, 10 January 2025 – The accountancy firm AGEFI, with offices in Soignies, Mons, and Seilles, has joined PIA Group. This addition brings the rapidly expanding accounting and advisory group to a total of seven offices across Brussels and Wallonia. “We are delighted to welcome AGEFI, a benchmark in French-speaking Belgium,” said Steven Brouckaert, founder and Executive Chairman of PIA Group International. “We are now present in half of Wallonia's provinces. Our ambition is to establish a presence in every region of French-speaking Belgium by the end of the year.”