Start for free

Manage VAT to recover from purchase invoices

Written by: Valesca Wilms

Updated on: October 31, 2026

Reading time: 2 minutes

Logo RB

To recover VAT from purchase invoices in Accountable, you need to confirm the expense is a formal invoice, attach the document, and check that the accounting category allows VAT recovery. This article walks you through each step.

​

Please note that this article provides general guidance only. Tax rules may vary depending on your individual situation. When in doubt, ask your Tax Coach.

​

​

1. Make sure the 'Invoice' tick box is checked in the Add/Edit Expense screen

You can only recover VAT from purchase invoices, not receipts. Those invoices must include your VAT number.

​

If that is the case, tick the box. This opens the VAT amount field where you can enter the VAT shown on the invoice.

​

2. Attach a document, always

Accountable only processes expenses with an attached proof document. This is also a key requirement in the event of a tax audit.

​

3. Check that the accounting category allows VAT recovery

Specific accounting categories do not allow VAT recovery. For instance, unless you work in the restaurant business yourself, you cannot recover VAT on restaurant receipts. The deductibility rate for VAT in that category is 0%.

​

(Curious about what you can and cannot deduct? Visit our platform All-You-Can-Deduct.)


🎥 Want to learn more? Join our upcoming webinar 'Claim it right: top deductible expenses', hosted live by one of our tax coaches to answer your questions.

​

Key takeaways

  • VAT recovery applies to purchase invoices only, not receipts. The invoice must include your VAT number.

  • Always attach a proof document to your expense in Accountable.

  • Some accounting categories, such as restaurant expenses, do not allow VAT recovery.

Need help? Chat with us or email support@accountable.eu, we're happy to help.

Valesca Wilms

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 ?

Did you find what you were looking for?

You might also like

Tax brackets Belgium 2026

As a self-employed individual with a sole proprietorship, your income is taxed under the personal in...

Read more

Peppol e-invoicing: is it free of charge?

Starting from 2026, all self-employed individuals will need to send their invoices electronically in...

Read more

The VAT reverse charge: what you need to know as a self-employed professional

The VAT reverse charge is a complicated word for a simple concept. It helps you purchase and sell sm...

Read more

Hear it straight from our users

5.300 reviews

App Store

4.580 reviews

Google Play

484 reviews

Reviews.io

They always answer right away to any question I have, they provide clear answers, and they are very patient even when I struggle to understand. They try to explain in different ways. They are very helpful, responsive and friendly.

Chiara Marradi

Reviews.io 01/05/2026

Everything was great! All my questions were answered quickly and in a friendly manner.

Wenzeslawa Wegener

Reviews.io 04/05/2026

In the world where everyone seems to be out to get small entrepreneurs and overwhelm them with new rules, more taxes and reporting obligations, Accountable often feels like the one steady partner that actually wants you to succeed, providing quick, clear and personalised support. Thank you!

Janina Arsenjeva

Reviews.io 10/04/2026

This is an amazing application with great support on issues. In short as in day I am addicted to it (in a positive way). I myself is from IT project management and the way they have captured the user requirement, it’s phenomenal.

Sumit Tewary

App Store 01/12/2024

UI is great. Feature packed and very easy to use. The team at Accountable were VERY quick to respond and their team of technicians soon had a fix in place. Very happy with the level of service so far. Thumbs up from me!

Dean Osborne

Google 14/06/2023

This program is a lifesaver, and it is always improving. Plus, it has an AI chat feature that is actually useful.

Jeffrey Humble

Google 14/01/2026

The coaching session on tax management was excellent, good material, excellent explanations and very insightful. Combined with the AI I never feel alone with Accountable.

Sergio Barbarino

Reviews.io 23/04/2026

The availability of your team to help and guide people to understand their finances better is what really makes Accountable valuable. While the AI is able to give answers to most basic questions, specific scenarios need counsel from a human which your team performs beautifully.

Sofiya Bogdan Neves

Reviews.io 18/04/2026

Fast and careful answers from Alina. Top service. Thank you.

Anonymous

Reviews.io 15/04/2023

They always answer for questions wherever is via direct e-mail or through app. If they can’t answer fully they will forward you to the right place. Documents were always prepared well and ready to send further to government. Everything is intuitive in the app and easy to sort out even for someone completely green in this field.

Anonymous

Reviews.io 22/03/2026