Income tax return deadline extended by five days

Belgian tax authorities have extended the deadline for filing this year's online return - by five days - after the flooding emergency in southern Belgium.

The deadline to file a tax return via Tax-On-Web was due to pass at midnight on Thursday night. It has now been extended to midnight on 20 July.

Finance minister Vincent Van Peteghem said tax offices had received multiple requests on Thursday for a deadline extension, as thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and others left without electricity.

So far, more than 1.3 million people have submitted their online tax return - whereas last year there had been 1.6 million online returns by deadline day.

The fine for late filing can range from €50 to €1,250 and the amount of tax due may also be increased by between 10 and 200%.

After next Tuesday's deadline, it is still possible to file a tax return via your accountant, until 21 October.

The Bulletin has a comprehensive guide to every element of filing your Belgian income tax return here.