VAT Chain Reform from May 1, 2026: What Will Change in Practice?

We have outlined the key points for you below:

1.  VAT provision account replaces current account

The current VAT current account will be abolished and replaced by a VAT provision account.

What does this mean in practice?

• VAT credits recorded on your current account as of April 30, 2026, will be automatically transferred to the provision account, provided that all VAT returns have been submitted.
• If any returns are still missing, you will be given a few additional weeks to submit them. After that, the tax authorities will decide whether the credit will be refunded or used to settle outstanding debts.
• Refunds via the VAT return will from now on be limited to the credit related to that specific return. The balance on the provision account can be reclaimed separately via MyMinfin.
• Credits on the provision account can also be used to pay other debts, such as VAT, corporate income tax, advance tax payments, or even non-tax debts such as alimony claims.

This means that a more active management of VAT credits will become necessary.

2.  Stricter Filing and Payment Deadlines

The reform introduces a clear tightening of deadlines.

• The holiday scheme will be abolished. As a transitional measure, no penalty will be imposed in 2026 if the return is submitted within the timeframe of the former holiday scheme.
• For the first quarter of 2026, the extended filing deadline only applies to the VAT return and not to the intra-Community listing.
• From the second quarter of 2026 onwards, no extension will be granted if the filing deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday.

This increases the importance of strict internal planning and follow-up.

3.  New Bank Account Number for VAT Payments

From May 1, 2026, VAT payments must be made to the following new bank account number:

BE41 6792 0036 4210

• Payments made to the old account number will not be automatically transferred, which may result in late payment interest.

Make sure this is updated in your systems and payment templates in a timely manner.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

• Internal processes must be aligned with stricter deadlines
• There is less margin for errors or late submissions
• VAT credits must be monitored more actively
• Extra attention is required for correct payments

Practical Tips

• Before April 30, 2026, verify that all VAT returns have been correctly submitted
• Reclaim any balances on the current account in time
• Consider effectively reclaiming VAT credits from the first quarter of 2026 or March 2026, as many taxpayers are expected to do so, potentially reducing the likelihood of audits
• If you do not wish to request a refund, the credit can be used from June onwards for future VAT liabilities or advance corporate income tax payments

Finally

Starting from the next VAT return, we will ask you to explicitly approve the reclaiming of any outstanding VAT credits.

Unless there are specific VAT risks in your file, we recommend effectively recovering available credits.