There is a value added tax (VAT) for most products in Belgium, which is applied on a CIF + duty basis. The standard VAT rate is 21 percent. A reduced rate of 12 percent applies to a range of goods and services, including some pharmaceutical products, margarine, pay television and
social housing. A further reduced rate of 6 percent applies to goods which are considered basic necessities (food and pharmaceuticals) and other goods and services such as newspapers, works of art and goods supplied by social organisations. More information about VAT is available on the Flanders Investment and Trade website:
www.investinflanders.com/en/doing_business/legal_guide/taxation___vat/
The standard company tax rate in Belgium is 33.99 percent, although a lower tax rate applies to companies that are more than 50 percent-owned by individuals. In addition, Belgian and foreign companies that have an office in Belgium benefit from a risk capital deduction equal to a percentage of the companies’ adjusted equity capital.10
