Capital Income & Investment Taxation – Belgium

Dividends from Belgian companies taxed at 30%. Withheld at source by financial institution. First €859 exempt. Foreign dividends must be declared in tax return (after foreign tax credit).

Interest from regulated savings accounts: first €1,050 exempt. Excess taxed at 15%. Only applies to 'ordinary' savings accounts meeting conditions. Other interest taxed at 30%.

Interest from bonds, term deposits taxed at 30%. Withheld at source if through Belgian institution. Must declare foreign interest in tax return.

Capital gains from selling securities (stocks, bonds, funds) generally not taxed for individuals managing private portfolio. 'Good householder' managing personal wealth not taxed.

If trading is speculative, professional, or exceeds normal portfolio management, gains taxed as miscellaneous income up to 33%. Frequency, size, leverage, short-term holding indicate speculation. Vague criteria create uncertainty.

Property sold within 5 years of acquisition: gains taxed at 16.5%. After 5 years: generally exempt. If property reclassified or speculative: 33%. Transfer tax 12.5% (Flanders/Brussels) or 12.5% (Wallonia) when buying.

Similar to securities: occasional transactions for private portfolio usually tax-free. Professional trading or speculation taxed as miscellaneous income up to 33%. Lack of clear rules creates uncertainty. Recommend conservative approach.

Tax on securities transactions (buying/selling stocks, bonds, funds). Rates vary by security type and transaction size. Maximum €1,600 per transaction. Separate from capital gains tax. Applies even if gains not taxed.

Annual tax of 0.15% on securities accounts exceeding €1 million. Applied per account holder. Includes all accounts (Belgian and foreign) for residents, Belgian accounts for non-residents. First million exempt.

Account worth €2 million: (€2M - €1M) × 0.15% = €1,500 annual tax. Applies to value on specific reference date. Separate from income or capital gains taxes.