Belgian Capital Gains Tax 2026: Complete Guide

The capital gains tax (officially: "tax on capital gains on financial assets") is a 10% tax on profits you make when selling investments. **What is taxed:** - Stocks (Belgian and foreign) - Bonds - ETFs (trackers) - Options and derivatives - Cryptocurrencies - Savings and investment insurance (branch 21, 23) **What is NOT taxed:** - Pension savings accounts - Group insurance - Long-term savings contracts - Principal private residence

Each year, you are entitled to a €10,000 exemption on realized gains. **Important:** - The exemption applies per person, per year - For married couples under community of property: €20,000 - The exemption will be indexed (from 2027) - You must claim the exemption via your tax return **Example:** - You sell stocks with €8,500 gain in 2026 - Exemption: €8,500 used, €1,500 remaining - Tax owed: €0

Only the unused part of the first €1,000 band can be carried forward. **Rules:** - Maximum 5 years carry forward - Maximum total exemption: €15,000 (€10,000 base + €5,000 carried forward) - Carried forward exemption is used first **Example:** - 2026: €200 gain realized → €800 carried forward to 2027 - 2027: €10,800 exemption (€10,000 + €800, before indexation)

For investments purchased before 2026, a special rule applies. **Base rule:** The value on December 31, 2025 is used as purchase price, not the original purchase price. **Option until December 31, 2030:** If your original purchase price is higher, you can use it (with proof). **Example:** - Bought in 2023: €15,000 - Value on 31/12/2025: €12,000 - Sold in 2026: €18,000 Without option: €18,000 - €12,000 = €6,000 taxable With option: €18,000 - €15,000 = €3,000 taxable **Keep your purchase receipts!**

Foreign brokers do not withhold Belgian capital gains tax. **What this means:** - You receive the full sale amount - You must declare yourself via your tax return - You can apply the exemption directly **Note:** - Keep all your transaction statements - Note the value on 31/12/2025 of all your positions - Account for exchange rates (EUR) **Belgian brokers:** - Withhold 10% by default from June 2026 - Amount withheld in excess is refunded via your return

When selling, you also pay stock exchange tax: - **Stocks:** 0.35% (max €1,600 per transaction) - **Bonds, distributing funds/ETFs and many trackers:** 0.12% (max €1,300 per transaction) - **Accumulating funds/ETFs:** 1.32% (max €4,000 per transaction) Confirm the classification with your broker: registration and fund characteristics may affect the rate. TOB applies to both the sale and rebuy. **Example:** - Sell €20,000 in stocks - TOB: €70 - Factor this into your optimization!

Belgium has no explicit wash-sale rule. General anti-abuse rules and the distinction between normal and abnormal private wealth management remain relevant. Document your investment strategy and consult a tax adviser. A tax motive alone does not automatically constitute abuse.