Modernisation of the VAT system: Key changes since May 1st, 2026

Since May 1^st, 2026, a new milestone has been reached in the modernisation of the VAT system.

Below is a summary of the most significant changes introduced on that date:

1/ New account number for VAT payments

New account to be used from May 1^st, 2026: BE41 6792 0036 4210

Please note that, until December 31^st, 2026, all payments made to the old bank account will be automatically transferred to the new account.

2/ The VAT provisions account replaces the current account

All credits and VAT payments can now be viewed and managed centrally via MyMinfin.

Periodic VAT returns (from April 2026 / Q2 2026) have been integrated into the new VAT provision account.

3/ Changes regarding VAT refunds

A refund via the periodic return is only possible up to the amount entered in box 72 of your periodic VAT return.

The full credit available in the VAT provisions account can still be claimed via MyMinfin (subject to certain conditions).

4/ Proposed substitute return

Where a periodic return has not been submitted within the prescribed time limit, the tax authorities may now send the taxable person a proposed substitute return (upon expiry of the three-month period following the reporting period). This proposed substitute return is based on the highest VAT amount shown on the periodic VAT returns for the last 12 months, with a minimum amount of €2,100.

5/ Request for information

In the event of a request for information from the tax authorities, the response deadline is one month. The one-month deadline is reduced to 10 days where the Treasury’s rights are at risk or where the request forms part of an audit of the surplus resulting from the periodic return.

6/ Fines

It is important to note here the potential fines incurred in the event of:

• Late filing: €100 per month, up to a maximum of €500
• Failure to file: €500 for the first offence, €1,250 for the second offence, €2,500 for the third offence, and €5,000 for subsequent offences
• Non-payment of VAT: 5% of the tax due for a return submitted on time, 10% of the tax due for a late return, 15% of the tax due in the event of a final substitute return

The In Extenso team is on hand to explain in more detail how these changes will affect your organisation.