VAT
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.
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The tax authorities’ new bank account number for regular VAT payments must be used from 1 May 2026 onwards. You can find it on the website of the FPS Finance: BE41 6792 0036 4210
This account number applies to:
· the payment of VAT due as shown in the VAT return
· advance payments
· corrections or adjustments carried out voluntarily
Therefore, check:
· your banking app
· your accounting software
· saved payment templates
Amounts paid to the old account number will be automatically redirected to the new account until 31 December 2026.
In addition to the introduction of the new account number, the traditional VAT current account is being replaced with the VAT provision account.
How does the VAT provision account work?
While similar to the former current account, the provision account is more flexible as you can actively manage your provision account yourself via MyMinfin. On the other hand, it is important to note that debts and credits that are reclaimed will not be visible on the provision account.
The provision account is funded by depositing amounts into the account or by leaving VAT credits in place. These amounts can then be used to pay VAT debts, but also to settle debts of another nature or to make a prepayment. In turn, the tax authorities may use the balance to settle VAT debts, interest due and/or penalties.
What happens to your old VAT balance?
Any balance you may have had on your VAT current account before May 2026 is not lost. The available amounts will be automatically transferred to your provision account, unless you requested a refund in the VAT return for March or the first quarter of 2026.
Warning in case of missing returns:
If not all VAT returns have been submitted, the tax authorities may:
· temporarily block your balance
· impose a penalty for non-submission or late submission
Therefore, it is important to ensure that all your VAT returns are in order and, going forward, to submit them on time so as not to jeopardise any VAT refunds.
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The way VAT refunds are received has also changed.
How to request VAT refunds in 2026
VAT credits can be reclaimed in two ways:
· via the VAT return by ticking the option ‘refund claim’
· via the VAT provision account
Important difference compared to before:
Previously, when a refund was claimed via the VAT return, the entire credit was paid out. This will no longer be the case. Only the credit as shown in the return in which the refund claim is made will be reimbursed. The balance on the provision account will remain in place.
What if you don’t claim a refund?
Then your VAT credit remains available on your provision account and will later be used to pay future VAT debts.
If you do want a refund, this must be actively requested via MyMinfin.
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The reform makes MyMinfin the central platform for monitoring your financial situation with the tax authorities.
You can use it to:
· view your VAT provision account
· check payments
· follow up on debts
· claim refunds
· change the bank account number
· request a repayment plan
It is therefore advisable to log in regularly.
The following filing deadlines must be taken into account:
· Monthly VAT return: no later than the 20th of the following month. When this date falls on a public holiday or a weekend, the payment deadline is postponed to the next working day.
· Quarterly VAT return: no later than the 25th of the following month
Correct and timely filing and payment is important to avoid penalties and late payment interest.
A less well-known but important change: the VAT holiday arrangement is being abolished.
This means:
· no more automatic extension during holiday periods
· standard deadlines continue to apply
For entrepreneurs, this requires better planning, especially during the summer months.
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The way VAT is calculated and declared remains the same. The structured communication for payments also remains unchanged. What is changing is mainly the bank account number and the way payments and credits are managed via the provision account.
Via MyMinfin you can easily check whether your payment has been processed correctly and whether it has been credited to your provision account. Regular checks are advised.
If the balance on your provision account is insufficient to cover your debt, an outstanding amount will remain. Late payment interest and, where applicable, penalties will be charged if you don’t top up in time.
Yes, you can choose when and how much you deposit, as long as there is sufficient balance by the due date of your VAT liability.
Yes, the VAT provision account forms part of the new VAT chain and applies to all VAT liable businesses in Belgium.
Your VAT return indicates how much VAT you have to pay or recover for a specific reporting period. The payment itself is made via the new account number and is credited to the provision account.
The funds on the provision account will be used to settle the VAT debt as shown in the return, or the provision account will be topped up with the credit from the VAT return.
If you don’t monitor your provision account, you risk having insufficient balance to pay outstanding debts or leaving credits unused unnecessarily. Regular checks via MyMinfin are therefore important.
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