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Belgium officially stepped into the future of tax administration today, May 1, 2026, by launching the final phase of its “VAT Chain” modernization. The centerpiece of this reform is the new VAT Commission Account (also referred to as the VAT Provision Account), which effectively retires the antiquated “current account” system in favor of a centralized, digital-first approach.
This isn’t just a name change; it’s a total overhaul of how businesses interact with the FPS Finance. By migrating all VAT positions to the MyMinfin portal, Belgium is aiming for real-time transparency and much faster settlement cycles.
The VAT Commission Account: A Centralized Hub
The new system replaces the “VAT current account” and “special account” with a single, unified view. Businesses can now manage their entire VAT lifecycle—from seeing historical transactions to manually allocating available credits—directly through MyMinfin.
- Automated Settlements: The administration will now automatically use available credits in the Provision Account to settle uncontested VAT debts at the end of each quarter.
- New Bank Account: Taxpayers must update their payment systems immediately. A new bank account number (BE41 6792 0036 4210) is now required for all VAT payments as of today.
- The “Box 72” Rule: Reclaiming VAT credits via the periodic return is now strictly limited to the amount claimed in the newly designated Box 72. Any other outstanding credits must be reclaimed through a separate, specialized request on the portal.
Abolition of the “Vacation Scheme”
In a move that may sting those planning a quiet July, the “Summer Break” (Vacation Scheme) regulation—which previously allowed for automatic filing extensions during the summer—has been officially abolished.
Peer Note: Don’t panic yet! As a transitional olive branch for 2026, the Belgian authorities have promised leniency. No late-filing penalties will be imposed this year if you submit within the deadlines of the old regulation, but 2027 won’t be so forgiving.
Transition Matrix: What Changes Today?
| Feature | Legacy System (Pre-May 2026) | Modernized VAT Chain (2026) |
| Account Type | VAT Current & Special Accounts | VAT Commission/Provision Account |
| Portal | Fragmented digital tools | Centralized MyMinfin Dashboard |
| Refunds | General request in return | Strict “Box 72” Limitation |
| Summer Filing | Automatic Extension | Abolished (Transition leniency only) |
| Bank Details | Old FPS Finance Accounts | New Mandatory Account (BE41…) |
