Belgian Finance Minister Jan Jambon raises dividend tax to 18%

Effective 1 July, Belgium increased the tax rate on dividends paid out from a company to its owners from 15 % to 18 %. The change, announced by Finance Minister Jan Jambon (N‑VA), mainly targets small entrepreneurs who draw profit directly into their private accounts.

The existing liquid‑reserve scheme, which allowed businesses to set aside capital tax‑advantaged and withdraw it later at a lower rate, will also see higher taxation. New reserves created after 2025 will be taxed at rates approaching 10 % if withdrawn before the company is dissolved. The measures aim to curb the “one‑off” use of corporate profits for personal income and to protect the personal‑income tax base.

The policy is part of the broader 2025‑2026 budget cycle, with Treasury Minister Vincent Van Peteghem signalling further scrutiny of corporate payout mechanisms.