Since 2012, the benefit in kind for company cars has been calculated by applying a CO2 coefficient to the list value of the vehicle concerned.

How is the list value defined?

The list value is the actual list price of the new car including all optional extras when sold to a private individual plus the VAT actually paid. Any discounts, reductions or refunds that were obtained cannot be deducted from this amount when calculating the benefit obtained.

The CO2 coefficient

The value of the benefit in kind also depends on the CO2 emissions of the vehicle. The tax authorities apply a base percentage of 5.5% in this case. This percentage is applied to 6/7 of the list value.

The theoretical formula is then: 6/7 of the list value x 5.5%

Bonus/penalty

This was the theory in short. However, the government wishes to encourage the use of environmentally friendly cars. Accordingly, fuel-efficient vehicles benefit from a lower base percentage. The tax authorities use a so-called reference emission level for that purpose: 89 gram/kilometre for diesel cars, 107 gram/kilometre for petrol cars. Green cars with lower CO2 emissions are given a reduction of 0.1% on the basic rate for each gram less that they emit. The reverse also applies: cars with higher CO2 emissions are subject to a higher rate. Note: these changes to the base rate are limited. The reduction is limited to a minimum rate of 4%, and the increase is limited to a maximum rate of 18%.

• In practice, the following formula applies to diesel cars:
  [list value x (5.5% + (0.1% x (CO2 - 89)))] x 6/7
• For vehicles that run on petrol, LPG, and natural gas, the formula is:
  [list value x (5.5% + (0.1% x (CO2 - 107)))] x 6/7

The phased reduction eases the pain

A correction coefficient is applied to this list value depending on the age of the vehicle.

In the tax administration's first adjustment to the tax regime, it decided to take account of the vehicle's depreciation as it gets older. This was achieved with the introduction of a phased reduction of 6% per year from first registration.

Specifically, this means that the benefit in kind derived from the vehicle is taxed at:

• 100% from 0 to 12 months
• 94% from 13 to 24 months
• 88% from 25 to 36 months
• 82% from 37 to 48 months
• 76% from 49 to 60 months
• 70% from 61 months, where 70% is the minimum limit.

The value of the benefit in kind is added to the employee's taxable gross salary. If the employee pays a personal contribution for the private use of the car, this contribution is deducted from the value of the benefit in kind.

Benefits in kind and personal income tax

• BMW 318d first registered in 2016 with a list value of €32,550 and CO2 emissions of 106 g. For 2016, the benefit in kind subject to taxation, calculated on the basis of the CO2 emissions and the list price, is €2,008.80 (32,550 x 6/7 x ((106-89) x 0.1) + 5.5%).
   
• BMW X5 3.0d first registered in 2016 with a list value of €61,750 and CO2 emissions of 156 g. For 2016, the benefit in kind subject to taxation, calculated on the basis of the CO2 emissions and the list price, is €6,457.29 (61,750 x 6/7 x ((156-89) x 0.1) + 5.5%).

Tax deductibility of the vehicle for corporation tax

For the BMW 318d in the examples above, the non-deductible amount would increase by €341.50 (2,008.80 x 17%). This leads to an increase of €116.07 in corporation tax. For the BMW X5, the increase would be €1,097.74 (6,457.29 x 17%), which would lead to an increase of €373.12 in corporation tax.

And what about mileage expenses?

An employee who does not have a company car and who claims expenses from the employer for business travel in his or her own car does not have to include these expenses in their personal income tax return, on condition that the employer pays EUR 0.3412 per kilometre (for the period 01/07/2015 - 30/06/2016). If you pay higher mileage expenses, you must justify this to the tax authorities. Otherwise the surplus will be taxed as pay.

Benefits in kind and disallowed expenses

The tax on the company car is divided between the employees and the employers. If a company provides the benefit in kind, it must include 17% of the benefit in the disallowed expenses. The disallowed expenses therefore include: 17% x 6/7 x list price x CO2 percentage.

It's important to realise that the company must always pay tax on the benefits in kind. No deductions may be applied to the amount included in the disallowed expenses. Accordingly, this amount is always the minimum tax base.

This amount included in the disallowed expenses comes on top of the existing deduction restriction for car expenses. However, the value of the benefits in kind may still be deducted from the non-deductible car expenses.

Thinking about leasing a company car? Not sure which options are available? Below is an overview of all our available leasing options. That way you can determine which type of leasing is right for you. What's more, our partner Arval has a top deal, valid until 30 November 2024: drive the new electric BMW iX1 eDrive20 or BMW i4 Gran Coupé for a very advantageous all-in price.

Financial or operational leasing?

The same reasoning applies to both financial and operational leasing: you pay a leasing company for a specific period, usually four or five years. In both cases, the leasing company is the legal owner of the car. You do, however, have the option to purchase the car at the end of the contract. In financial leasing, the amount of the purchase option is known from the start of the contract whereas with operational leasing, the amount is determined at the end of the contract based on the car's market value.

'Including services'

This is one of the major advantages of operational leasing versus financial leasing: the taxes, (comprehensive) insurance, maintenance and costs (except fuel) are all included in the rental price. What's more, you enjoy additional services such as summer and winter tyres, roadside assistance and a replacement vehicle. All you need to do is pay a specific amount each month and that's it. In short, you get to drive with peace of mind: everything has been paid for, except for the fuel.

Tax implications?

The purchase option has tax implications: for a financial lease, you depreciate the investment asset and deduct the interest on your tax return. The car is listed as an asset on your balance sheet. For an operational leasing contract, the full rental price is processed as a cost. Tax deduction limits apply in both cases and you may have to take the professional use of the car into account. Equally important: the VAT is paid monthly on the rental price and not in one go, allowing you to use your lines of credit for other investments.

Get our top deal

Our exceptional offer is valid until 30 November 2024: you can lease the new electric BMW iX1 eDrive20 or BMW i4 Gran Coupé under an operational leasing contract at an affordable and exclusive price, including all services.

Arval Belgium SA, Ikaroslaan 99, 1930 Zaventem – RPM Bruxelles – TVA BE 0436.781.102, intermédiaire en assurances à titre accessoire, inscrit auprès de la FSMA sous le numéro 047238 A. Sous réserve d’acceptation de votre demande.

Arval Belgium nv, Ikaroslaan 99, 1930 Zaventem – RPR Brussel – BTW BE 0436.781.102, nevenverzekeringstussenpersoon geregistreerd bij de FSMA onder het nummer 047238 A. Onder voorbehoud van aanvaarding van uw aanvraag.

Today, many employees see mobility as a need they address with their employer. They have moved beyond relying solely on the private car to get around, instead using a mix of mobility solutions – private, public and mixed. Belgian companies are therefore increasingly looking for expert advice on the perfect mobility mix, adapted to their own professional needs and the needs of their staff. Arval’s mobility specialists show how mobility is evolving and how to handle it accordingly. This not only takes knowledge, but also guidance to support employers in this area.

Philippe Kahn, Mobility Solutions Expert, sums up Arval’s vision and mission: “Life is a journey made of journeys. This means that we at Arval are constantly asking ourselves how we can support and relieve small, medium-sized and large enterprises in all the mobility issues they face. Our DNA as a supporter is built on two key aspects that add value: personal and sustainable mobility*. From individual firms to large companies, Arval offers its corporate know-how and provides a one-stop-shop solution."

* Sustainable mobility: mobility with lower greenhouse gas emissions, which promotes electrification, soft mobility and/or public transport.

Sustainable mobility: a natural progression

Many companies are now fully focused on sustainable mobility or are evolving in this direction. This means not only opting for electric cars, but also looking at new mobility solutions with an open mind. Arval has a role to play in this: all customers are informed and guided in their pursuit of sustainable mobility. For many companies, new mobility solutions such as Arval Bike Lease, Arval Car Sharing and the future budget management tool are key to a balanced mobility strategy.

Added value: business and personal

Arval’s budget management tool provides companies with a comprehensive overview of all their employees’ used mobility solutions and the associated costs. This is just one aspect of the added value companies get. Mobility consulting is also an integral part of what Arval offers.

Kahn: "If a company of around 100 employees plans to move to the centre of Antwerp, we sit down with them to see what new mobility solutions they'll need and how much it will all cost. This way, we're truly part of the team and together we look at the effects of all possible mobility solutions on their future. This is customisation, where we put our expertise at the service of our customers."

This expertise often leads companies to take a step forward in their business management and to better support their staff."

Kahn continues: "The days of using an Excel file to keep track of pool car usage are over. Apps on phones or computers make everything easier and smoother. They keep track of the location of pool cars between the various branches and blur the line between pool and shared cars. For example, employees can use a car privately during the weekend – albeit for a fee – and for business travel during the week. Support for leasing an electric bicycle is also included. Arval relieves employers and gives them extra assets to support their employees in their private mobility too. Through their mobility offerings, companies can support their employees' daily lives, both in and out of the office.”

Arval Belgium SA/NV – Ikaroslaan 99, 1930 Zaventem – Brussels Register of Companies – VAT BE 0436.781.102, secondary insurance mediation, FSMA no. 047238 A. Subject to acceptance of your application.

Since 2019, the bank has reduced its CO2 emissions per full-time equivalent by 55%. And according to Sandra Wilikens, Chief Human Resources Officer, everyone must play their part.

Between 2019 and 2022, the bank succeeded in reducing its CO2 emissions by 55%. So how did you do this?

"Mainly by focusing on the energy efficiency of our buildings, which account for approximately 80% of our immediate emissions. We also optimised our real estate and significantly reduced business travel. We settled on a structured approach involving all departments. Since 2012, our Green Bank Platform has gathered the contact persons of each department every quarter, allowing them to present an action plan with their initiatives. They then develop a series of KPIs on energy and paper consumption, business travel, the electrification of the vehicle fleet, waste management, etc. Because measuring is knowing."

The target was to achieve a 42.5% reduction in emissions compared to 2012 by the end of 2025. A goal we have since achieved. What else is in the pipeline?

"We have no intention of resting on our laurels until 2025. Because there is no time to waste if we want to be carbon neutral by 2050. Our new headquarters at Montagne du Parc in Brussels is a good example of energy efficiency, but there is still a room for improvement in the rest of our real estate. We will improve the energy efficiency of the various regional offices, install solar panels in more than 80 branches, and LED lighting will become standard in all our buildings. These efforts must allow us to reduce our CO2 emissions by another 7%."

How much progress have you made in terms of the electrification of your fleet?

"We are making a sustained effort to electrify our fleet, and I think we are on the right track. At the end of 2022, just under 30% of our fleet of leased company cars was electric – 100% electric and plug-in hybrids. In the third quarter of 2023, these cars accounted for 95% of new orders. This was largely due to the new car taxation. But for employers, it doesn't stop there. They must deal with a complex tax framework, including the reimbursement of electricity costs. Some of our staff members also face obstacles, for example, because they have difficulty accessing a charging station. I intend to organise a mobility roundtable this year. The aim is to bring governments, operators, start-ups and companies together. Because we have to move forward and are all in this together."

How do you ensure sufficient employee engagement?

"With a lot of communication. You need to explain what you are doing and why. That is the only way to get people to cooperate. We have a network of more than 200 EcoCoaches within the bank. The sustainability compartment of CBA 90 also inspires. We set six specific objectives each year. If we achieve at least three, all staff members receive a bonus at the end of the year. To date, this has been a success. We also have other incentives. With our “Green Fuel Consumer Plan”, we reward staff members who have a company car but use it sparingly. We are also launching many campaigns to promote soft mobility, such as walking, cycling and public transport. The decision to base our offices in cities is also positive. At the end of 2022, 79% of the employees working in Brussels used public transport to get to work. Outside cities, 60% of employees do this."

Finally, can you think of any issues that need to be addressed urgently?

"Digital pollution is often underestimated. To give you an idea: sending 100 mails emits just as much CO2 as driving twenty kilometres. That’s why we organise an internal campaign every year to raise awareness among our staff members and give them tips on how to reduce their digital footprint. Regularly cleaning up your mailbox, sending links instead of files, deleting outdated files: all little things. But if our 11,000 colleagues do this daily, we can make a big impact. Every effort counts!"

The bill to introduce this obligation in Belgium has been submitted to the Federal Parliament. If the draft bill is approved, B2B e-invoicing will become mandatory from 1 January 2026. Our experts explain why Belgium wants to introduce these new rules, what the implications are for your company and how we can better support you.

“The bill is consistent with international developments and initiatives at the European level,” says Nicolas De Vijlder, Head of Beyond Banking at BNP Paribas Fortis. "Europe's ambition is a harmonised digital standard. Structured e-invoicing between companies will also reduce the administrative burden of invoicing, enabling companies to work more efficiently and increase their competitiveness. The automation of VAT declarations will also help governments prevent tax fraud and adjust economic policies based on more qualitative data.”

Evolution rather than a revolution

“The new legislation is an evolution rather than a revolution,” adds Erik Breugelmans, Deputy Managing Director at BNP Paribas Factoring Northern Europe. "Digitalisation is becoming pervasive at all levels of society, as we have seen with the increase in electronic payments, as well as the additional obligations in recent years regarding electronic invoicing to the government. In this sense, the bill for mandatory electronic invoicing between companies is a logical next step. Our bank is happy to contribute to this process, although we do not intend to offer the same services as accounting software or fintechs. However, we are happy to help our customers with payments and financing."

The impact on businesses

“Customers need to be aware that the new regulations will have an impact on their internal and external processes,” continues Erik Breugelmans. "The majority of Belgian companies mainly serve an international market, which means that the introduction of electronic invoicing will be more complex for them than for companies operating in the domestic market. As the legislation will be introduced in one go, they need to start preparing now."

“The new rules will affect a company’s accounting department as well as its IT department,” emphasises Nicolas De Vijlder. "The procedural requirements are key, otherwise the automated process will not work. However, one of the main benefits of advanced automation is that everything can be done faster and more efficiently. The time between sending an invoice and paying it will be shorter and cash flows more predictable. In addition, it will also reduce the risk of error and fraud, as all transactions will pass through a secure channel."

Ready to offer you even more and better support

“Thanks to the far-reaching digitisation resulting from the new regulations, we will be able to further optimise payments,” concludes Erik Breugelmans. "As a bank, we need to finance our customers’ receivables as quickly and efficiently as possible, so that they have easier access to their working capital. In addition, because we have already gone through an entire process in terms of large-scale automation, we will be able to adapt quickly to the new rules. We can also draw on the expertise of the BNP Paribas Group, which is currently developing an e-invoicing solution for large companies."

Want to know more?

Listen to the episode on B2B e-invoicing :

• French version
• Dutch version