A VAT penalty? How do you avoid it? And what if you do receive one?

Got a tax question? We’ll answer for free by email.

Bitte gib eine gültige E-Mail-Adresse ein

Ask your question

How do you avoid getting fined?

Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, from the start of your entrepreneurship, make sure you are aware of your obligations. For example, put all deadlines in your diary at the beginning of the year.

You can avoid a fine by submitting all documents on time. By the way, this applies not only to the VAT return, but also to the customer list and personal income tax. The deadline for the VAT always falls (usually) on the 20th day of the month following the end of the quarter.

You also pay the VAT balance before the due date. Whether you charge 21% or 6% VAT, this amount can quickly add up. Make sure you always set aside enough so that you can deposit the VAT amount before the due date without any problems.

What if you can't pay the VAT?

Don't have enough reserves to pay the VAT? Then apply for an installment plan before the payment deadline. You will pay late payment interest, but this way you will avoid a fine.

Click here for the contact details of the FPS Finance, and have your identity card ready.

The null periodic return

Are you a starter or is business down for a while? If you have no income for a certain quarter, you still have to file a VAT return, the null periodic return via Intervat.

If you forget to do this, you will also be fined. Wondering how to file a zero return? Then follow our step-by-step plan here.

💡The good news? Accountable notifies you before each deadline, and calculates your (interim) VAT balance in real time. So you have a clear overview of your obligations as a self-employed person, and know at any time what amount you need to set aside for VAT payment.

Can I get my fine waived or reduced?

In some cases, you can convince the FPS Finance to reduce or even waive your fine. To do this, you have to contact the FPS Finance yourself, and also remove the cause of the fine: still filing the return, or still paying the VAT.

One possible reason for waiving a fine is, for example, an IT error at Intervat. Did the filing not go through properly? Do you still have a trace or 'proof' of your (attempted) submission? Then you might have a chance.

What if I can't pay the fine?

Are you struggling to pay the penalty? Then you can apply for an installment plan through the tax authorities. However, beware of late payment interest. You will pay these as long as you owe money, regardless of whether you have an installment plan or just haven't paid the VAT yet.

Click here for the contact details of the FPS Finance.

Fines, you always want to avoid them! Accountable reminds you of all deadlines on time and automatically prepares your VAT return and taxes for you, ready to submit!



​

​

​

Author - Valesca Wilms

As content marketing lead at Accountable Belgium, Valesca writes about freelancing, self-employment, and taxes based on her own experience as a freelancer.

Who is Valesca ?