AT A GLANCE: TAXES IN BELGIUM AND IN FRANCE
Both systems are complex, with various deductions, exemptions, and specific conditions that may apply depening on your personal situation (for instance, children strongly decrease income taxes).
Please also note that as a rule, depending on your home country, Belgian and French taxes may apply only on your Belgian and French incomes, notably if you are self-employed.
Belgium
Corporate Tax
- Corporate Income Tax Rate: The standard rate is 25%. There is a reduced rate of 20% for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the first €100,000 of taxable income, provided certain conditions are met.
- Notional Interest Deduction: Companies can deduct a notional interest on their adjusted equity. The rate is linked to the yield on the 10-year Belgian government bonds.
- Participation Exemption: 100% exemption on dividends received from qualifying participations and on capital gains from the sale of shares, under certain conditions.
Personal Income Tax
- Income Tax Rates: Belgium uses a progressive tax system with rates as follows:
- Up to €13,870: 25%
- €13,870 – €24,480: 40%
- €24,480 – €42,370: 45%
- Over €42,370: 50%
France
Corporate Tax
- Corporate Income Tax Rate: The standard rate is 25%. For companies with revenues of less than €10 million, a reduced rate of 15% applies to the first €38,120 of taxable income.
- Social Contribution on Corporate Income: An additional social contribution of 3.3% is levied on corporate income tax liability exceeding €763,000.
- Participation Exemption: 95% of dividends received from qualifying participations are exempt from corporate income tax.
Personal Income Tax
- Income Tax Rates: France uses a progressive tax system with rates as follows:
- Up to €10,777: 0%
- €10,778 – €27,478: 11%
- €27,479 – €78,570: 30%
- €78,571 – €168,994: 41%
- Over €168,994: 45%