The taxation of dividends in Belgium
Business taxation in Belgium also includes a
dividend tax for those
dividends received by a company. A special deduction applies in the country. Resident
Belgian companies and permanent establishments of foreign companies are required to
withhold tax when making dividend payments, as well as interest and royalties payments.
The withholding tax rate for dividends can be lower if a double tax treaty is in place between Belgium and the country where the company receiving the dividends is located. The EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive also influences the manner in which dividend payments are made.
Preferential dividend withholding tax rates in Belgium
The standard
withholding tax rate on dividends in Belgium is 27% (increased in 2016 from 25%). This applies when no
double tax treaty or the Parent-Subsidiary Directive are applicable. A reduced rate of 25% is also applicable and so is a 15% rate for shares issued in exchange for cash distributions made to small and medium-sized companies.
The withholding tax rate on dividends is 0% if a tax treaty or directive is in force and if the company that receives the dividend payment holds at least 10% of the company making the payment and has held participation in that company for at least one uninterrupted year.
More than 90
double tax treaties are currently in force in the country.
Foreign investors who want to benefit from the advantages offered by these conventions can request assistance for tax planning from our experts.
The Belgian taxation system
The main
tax levied on companies operating in Belgium is the
corporate income tax. A payroll tax, the social security contributions, the value added tax and other regional or local taxes also apply.
Belgium offers certain tax incentives including for innovation activities and research and development. If you are interested in knowing more about the taxation system as well as advantages for investors, you can request specialised information from our experts.