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The Belgian capital gains tax from 2026

Belgium's new tax on capital gains from financial assets takes effect on 1 January 2026. Calculate your tax and see how the three regimes work.

Calculate your capital gains tax Portfolio simulator Opt-in vs opt-out tool

The three tax regimes

10%

Standard regime

Flat rate with €10,000 annual exemption. For most individual investors.

Tiered

Substantial holding

Tiered rates with €1M exemption for shareholders with ≥20% direct participation.

33%

Internal gains

Flat rate without exemption for sales to controlled companies.

Interactive tools

Capital gains tax calculator

Calculate your tax under all regimes with step-by-step explanation.

Portfolio Simulator

Manage your portfolio, simulate sales and calculate capital gains tax across all regimes, with loss offsetting and exemption tracking.

Opt-in vs opt-out decision helper

Find out whether withholding at source (opt-in) or self-declaration (opt-out) is better for you.

Key deadlines

31 December 2027

Final date for independent valuation of unlisted assets

31 December 2030

Final date for higher historical cost opt-in

In-depth articles

Core mechanics

Meerwaardebelasting 2026: de complete gids (in Dutch)

Overzicht van de nieuwe belasting: wie betaalt, wat belastbaar is en de drie regimes.

De drie regimes: 10%, aanmerkelijk belang en interne meerwaarden (in Dutch)

Standaard, AB-getrapte tarieven en interne meerwaarden vergeleken.

Het fotomoment: waardebepaling op 31 december 2025 (in Dutch)

Waardering, hogere kostprijs opt-in en gewerkte voorbeelden.

Abnormaal beheer: wanneer betaal je 33%? (in Dutch)

Het parallelregime en de criteria van de goede huisvader.

Opt-in of opt-out: de juiste keuze maken (in Dutch)

Bronheffing of zelfaangifte: de overwegingen.

Wealth planning

Aanmerkelijk belang: het klif-effect bij 19% vs 20% (in Dutch)

De 20%-drempel, €1M vrijstelling en structurering via schenking.

Schenking en meerwaardebelasting (in Dutch)

Kostenoverdracht, AB-structurering via schenking en anti-misbruik.

Erfenis en meerwaardebelasting: de dubbele belasting (in Dutch)

Erfbelasting en meerwaardebelasting samen, zonder step-up bij overlijden.

Interaction with other taxes

Meerwaardebelasting en de Reynderstaks (in Dutch)

Samenloop tussen 30% RV op rentecomponent en 10% meerwaardebelasting.

Meerwaardebelasting op verzekeringen (in Dutch)

Tak 21, Tak 23 en de verlaagde premietaks.

Frequently asked questions

When does the capital gains tax take effect?
It applies from 1 January 2026. Only gains built up after 31 December 2025 are taxed.
Who has to pay the capital gains tax?
All Belgian tax residents (natural persons subject to personal income tax) and certain legal entities (non-profits, foundations). Non-residents and companies fall outside the scope.
What is the photo value?
The photo value is the value of your financial assets on 31 December 2025. Only gains accrued after that date are taxable. Historical gains are permanently exempt.
How do I choose between opt-in and opt-out?
By default, your bank withholds 10% at source (opt-in). If you prefer to declare the gains yourself, to claim the exemption and offset losses, you tell your bank that you opt out. The choice applies per calendar year.
Can I deduct losses from gains?
Yes, losses realised from 2026 onward are deductible from gains within the same category and same tax year. Carry-forward to future years is not possible.
What if I hold 20% or more of the shares?
You fall under the 'substantial holding' regime with tiered rates and a €1,000,000 exemption. This is significantly more favourable than the standard 10% rate.

Auryth Tax

Answers on Belgian tax law with the provision attached, for the year that applies. For accountants, tax advisers and lawyers.

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