Setting up your VZW (vereniging zonder winstoogmerk) or ASBL (association sans but lucratif) in Accountable is straightforward. Starting with the right configuration ensures everything runs smoothly from day one. This article covers what Accountable supports for ASBLs/VZWs and walks you through each setup step.
1. 🤔 What is an ASBL/VZW?
An ASBL/VZW is the legal structure most non-profits use in Belgium. It allows your organisation to carry out activities that serve the public interest, as defined by law.
Here is what you need to know:
Managed by a governing board, elected by members.
To officially create your ASBL/VZW, submit documents to the registry, including a list of board members.
Consult a lawyer when establishing your ASBL/VZW to make sure everything is compliant.
2. 🤓 Can Accountable help your ASBL/VZW?
Accountable supports ASBLs/VZWs, especially small or micro organisations (fewer than 5 employees and under €334,500 in turnover).
Here is what Accountable can do:
Accounting made simple
Invoicing and accounting: ideal for simplified accounting. Larger VZWs that require full balance sheets may need additional tools.
VAT returns: automatically prepared in Accountable.
Legal compliance
Yearly closing: access income statements and guidelines for budgets and general assembly minutes.
Patrimonial/wealth tax (if assets exceed €50,000): Accountable provides clear guidance.
Company tax returns and publications: not directly supported in Accountable, but guidance is available on the Belgian Finance website for NPOs.
3. ⚙️ Setting up your account
A) Choose the right account type
When you create your account, select 'One-person company'.
Even if you are managing a VZW/ASBL, this option ensures that Accountable recognises your entity correctly and lets you manage your income and expenses as an organisation.
B) Select the right VAT setup
VZWs and ASBLs do not all follow the same VAT rules. This depends on the type of activities your organisation carries out.
When setting up your account, choose the VAT regime that matches your situation:
Some VZWs/ASBLs are fully exempt from VAT.
Others are subject to VAT.
💡 When you create an Accountable account for an ASBL/ VZW, you must select 'Enterprise'as the account type during the account creation process.
💡 Accountable currently supports companies under the following VAT regimes:
✅ VAT registered
✅ VAT exempt
⚠️ Companies under the VAT Franchise (small enterprises) regime are not yet supported by Accountable.
💡 You can quickly check your status on Intervat using your VAT number before completing your setup. That way, your account will be configured correctly from the start.
C) Connect your bank account
Once you have confirmed your VAT type, you can connect your business account and start uploading or syncing your expenses and invoices.
Key takeaways
Accountable supports small and micro ASBLs/VZWs (fewer than 5 employees, under €334,500 turnover).
Select 'One-person company' when creating your account, even for a VZW/ASBL.
Choose the VAT regime that matches your organisation's activities: fully exempt or subject to VAT.
Company tax returns and publications are not directly supported in Accountable; external guidance is available on the Belgian Finance website.
Need help? Chat with us or email support@accountable.eu, we're happy to help.