With the tax reform planned in Belgium for 2026, both individuals and companies will have to adapt to new provisions: from the taxation of financial capital gains to revised conditions for the dividend regime. Here is a clear overview of the main changes to anticipate.
For Individuals: The New Taxation of Financial Capital Gains
Effective January 1, 2026, a tax on capital gains realized on financial assets (shares, bonds, crypto-assets, currencies) by individuals will be introduced. The announced standard rate is 10%, with an annual exemption of approximately €10,000 for small investors. Specific regimes will apply for significant holdings (≥ 20%) or for internal transfers within a company.
Other effects for individuals include the end of deductibility for certain expenses (for example, fuel for company cars) and the gradual reduction of benefits for hybrid vehicles.
For Companies: New Criteria for Dividends and Company Shares
The ‘deduction for received dividends’ (DRD) regime will see its conditions strengthened starting from the 2026 financial year: specifically, for holdings of less than 10% but with an acquisition value exceeding €2.5 million, a ‘fixed financial asset’ qualification is now required. The VVPRbis regime (reduction of withholding tax on dividends) will also be harmonized and simplified, with intermediate rates being abolished for shares subscribed from January 1, 2026.
Other impactful measures include a strengthening of the “exit tax” in case of transfer of registered office or restructuring of a Belgian company abroad.
Practical Implications and Recommendations
For both individuals and companies, these reforms require early preparation. Key recommendations:
- Inventory your financial asset portfolio now to determine the reference acquisition value as of December 31, 2025.
- For companies, verify existing holdings, their qualification, and compliance with DRD conditions before the end of 2025.
- For the use of vehicles or depreciable assets, adapt your strategy to the new taxation and the cessation of certain benefits.
In conclusion, Belgian taxation in 2026 marks a turning point: the principles remain the same — transparency, compliance, anticipation — but the rules are becoming stricter and more extensive. To avoid unpleasant surprises and seize opportunities, expert guidance is more crucial than ever.
