Missing a VAT deadline in Belgium leads to a fine. The sections below cover how to avoid penalties, what to do if you cannot pay, and how to get a fine reduced or waived.
Please note that this article provides general guidance only. Tax rules may vary depending on your individual situation. When in doubt, ask your Tax Coach.
In this article, you will also learn what to do if you cannot pay the VAT or the fine, and when a nil return is required.
How do you avoid getting fined?
Prevention is always better than cure. From the start of your entrepreneurship, make sure you are aware of your obligations. Put all deadlines in your diary at the beginning of the year.
You can avoid a fine by submitting all documents on time. This applies not only to the VAT return, but also to the customer list and personal income tax. The deadline for the VAT always falls (usually) on the 20th day of the month following the end of the quarter.
You also need to pay the VAT balance before the due date. Whether you charge 21% or 6% VAT, this amount can quickly add up. Always set aside enough so that you can pay the VAT amount before the due date without any problems.
What if you can't pay the VAT?
Don't have enough reserves to pay the VAT? Apply for an instalment plan before the payment deadline. You will pay late payment interest, but this way you will avoid a fine.
Visit the FPS Finance contact page to get in touch, and have your identity card ready.
The null periodic return
Are you a starter, or is business down for a while? If you have no income for a certain quarter, you still have to file a VAT return: the null periodic return via Intervat.
If you forget to do this, you will also be fined. Wondering how to file a zero return? Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a nil return on Intervat.
💡 The good news? Accountable notifies you before each deadline, and calculates your (interim) VAT balance in real time. So you have a clear overview of your obligations as a self-employed person, and know at any time what amount you need to set aside for VAT payment.
Can I get my fine waived or reduced?
In some cases, you can convince the FPS Finance to reduce or even waive your fine. To do this, you have to contact the FPS Finance yourself, and also remove the cause of the fine: still filing the return, or still paying the VAT.
One possible reason for waiving a fine is, for example, an IT error at Intervat. Did the filing not go through properly? Do you still have a trace or proof of your (attempted) submission? Then you might have a chance.
What if I can't pay the fine?
Struggling to pay the penalty? You can apply for an instalment plan through the tax authorities. Be aware of late payment interest: you will pay this as long as you owe money, regardless of whether you have an instalment plan or simply have not paid the VAT yet.
Visit the FPS Finance contact page to get in touch.
Key takeaways
File your VAT return on time, every quarter. The deadline is usually the 20th of the month following the end of the quarter.
If you have no income in a quarter, you must still file a null periodic return via Intervat.
If you cannot pay the VAT, apply for an instalment plan before the deadline to avoid a fine.
If you do receive a fine, contact the FPS Finance: in some cases it can be reduced or waived.
Accountable notifies you before each deadline and calculates your VAT balance in real time.
Need help? Chat with us or email support@accountable.eu, we're happy to help.