What will change in 2025 for entrepreneurs and their advisers?
What will change in 2025 for entrepreneurs and their advisers?
February 2025 - In 2025, as a business owner or consultant, you need to consider numerous new measures. These novelties may have an impact on your business operations. We list some notable changes.
1. Taxation
New size criteria for companies
The conditions for being considered a ‘small company’ are changing. From now on, this depends on adjusted thresholds in terms of balance sheet, income statement and staff numbers. Small companies enjoy benefits such as a reduced corporate tax rate, higher investment deductions, and the ability to build up a liquidation reserve.
Flat rate for home charging of electric vehicles
It is no longer necessary to calculate the actual electricity price for each charging separately. Companies will now be allowed to reimburse costs for electric vehicles charged at home to employees based on an average flat rate set by CREG.
Extension of 6% VAT rate for demolition and reconstruction projects
The concession scheme under which you pay 6% VAT on demolition and reconstruction projects will remain in force until 30 June 2025. The condition is that the planning permission was applied for before 1 July 2023, or before 1 January 2024 for projects in one of the 32 centre cities.
Extension of the suspect period in the case of donations
For private donations, the so-called ‘suspect period’ is extended from three to five years. If the donor is still alive five years after the donation, both gift tax and inheritance tax on the donated property will not have to be paid.
Abolition of property tax rebate
From 1 October 2025, the property tax rebate for energy-efficient buildings will end.
Extension of VAT exemption for small businesses within the EU
The VAT exemption scheme for small businesses will be extended to the entire European Union. The condition is that your annual turnover within the EU remains below EUR 100,000 and that you remain below the specific threshold set by each country (e.g. EUR 20,000 excluding VAT in the Netherlands).
Adjustment of sales duty
The sales duty rate for the purchase of an only and own home will drop from 3% to 2%. For professional sellers, on the other hand, the rate is increased from 4% to 6%.
Reform of the VAT chain
From 2025, new rules will apply to the VAT chain, aimed at stricter follow-up of declaration deadlines and payments.
Investment deduction reform
A revamped approach to investment deductions will be implemented.
Major tax reform in the pipeline
The government plans a major tax reform from 2025. What exactly it will entail remains unclear for now and depends on political negotiations.
2. Pensions
Statutory retirement age to 66
On 1 January 2025, the legal retirement age in our country was raised from 65 to 66. Anyone born after 1 January 1960 will have to work one year longer. There are financial benefits associated with this extra year of retirement, such as longer accrual of a statutory pension and/or supplementary pension with the employer.
Introduction of pension bonus, for employees and the self-employed
In 2025, the renewed pension bonus will be paid for the first time. This bonus - which applies to each working day from the earliest possible retirement date - can be accrued for up to three years, with a maximum net amount of 23,565 euros (current indexed amount for a career of less than 43 years).
3. Legal
Stricter protection for consumers in case of non-payment
From now on, private customers enjoy better protection when they fail to pay or pay late. This may affect your debt collection process. Check and update your general terms and conditions to be prepared for this.
Increased entrepreneur and staff liability
Customers can now invoke not only your contractual liability, but also non-contractual liability. Moreover, the liability of your staff increases. Adjust your general terms and conditions to limit potential risks.
Introduction of chain liability for foreign subcontractors
From now on, chain liability will be applied when engaging foreign subcontractors. This means that you as the main contractor can be held liable for any malpractices within the chain.
New structure for Nacebel codes from 2025
On 1 January 2025, the switch was made from the current seven-digit Nacebel codes to a five-digit system. These new codes will be used by VAT and NSSO from that date, while the CBE will make the switch later. As an entrepreneur, do you do target group selections or data analyses based on Nacebel codes? If so, be extra alert to the impact of this change.