Fiscal subject related
According to a publication by FPS Finance, i.e., the Belgian tax authority, this official institution has announced yet another postponement regarding the mandatory installation of the new certified cash register system called GKS 2.0.
In an earlier communication issued at the end of June 2025, FPS Finance had already informed stakeholders that the obligation to install GKS 2.0 would be postponed until January 1st, 2026 as a measure of administrative tolerance. This decision was initially presented as a temporary forbearance to allow the sector additional time to prepare. However, FPS Finance now acknowledges that the availability of certified cash registers and fiscal data modules (FDM) remains insufficient to meet the immediate needs of all affected businesses and that certified solutions – as components of GKS 2.0 – are yet to be presented.
In addition, the Belgian tax authority has indicated that its analysis concerning a possible extension of the GKS obligation to other types of operations in the future is pending and thus has not yet been finalised. Due to these unresolved issues, primarily the lack of certified solutions, FPS Finance has decided to introduce another postponement by extending the tolerance period even further, this time until the 31st of March, 2026.
This new extension represents a second delay in the mandatory implementation timeline, underlining the ongoing practical challenges faced by the sector. FPS Finance has confirmed that the relevant legislation concerning the introduction of GKS 2.0 and any potential expansion of the target group will be amended accordingly.
In practical terms, catering businesses that need to install a cash register system between 1 January and 31 March 2026, based on the prior timeline, are given several options during this extended tolerance period (until the end of March). In the tolerance period they may voluntarily choose to transition immediately to GKS 2.0, provided that a certified cash register and FDM are available. Businesses are also permitted to register online for GKS 2.0 while awaiting delivery of the required hardware, as the online environment for communication with FDM 2.0 is already operational and will continue to be expanded. Alternatively, FPS Finance allows businesses to install the existing GKS 1.0 system to comply with their tax obligations during this newly extended tolerance period.
Other news from Belgium
Belgium Postpones Controversial Takeaway Meal VAT Rate Increase
Belgium
Author: Tara Nedeljković
Belgium introduced several VAT changes from March 2026 to strengthen public finances, including confirmed increases such as raising VAT on hotels, campsites, and furnished accommodation from 6% to 12% and increasing VAT on pesticides to 21%. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? LoginNew education was created: Educational videos for Belgium
Belgium
Author: Tara Nedeljković
This video series provides a comprehensive overview of Belgian fiscalization, starting with the legal framework, scope, and the hardware-software fiscalization model applied in practice. It explains the operation of cash register systems (including GKS 2.0), the Fiscal Data Module, communication with tax authorities, and the distinction between fiscal and non-fiscal receipts. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? LoginBelgium’s Move to Mandatory B2B E-Invoicing: What Businesses Need to Know?
Belgium
Author: Tara Nedeljković
Belgium has entered a new phase of VAT digitalisation with mandatory structured B2B e-invoicing effective from January 1, 2026, replacing paper and PDF invoices for domestic transactions. To support implementation, the tax authorities have introduced a three-month tolerance period until March 31, 2026, during which penalties are eased for businesses that can demonstrate timely and genuine efforts to comply, although the legal obligation itself is already in force. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? LoginBelgium Keeps GKS 2.0 Transition Focused on Hospitality For Now
Belgium
Author: Tara Nedeljković
Belgium is proceeding cautiously with the rollout of GKS 2.0, keeping the transition for now limited to the hospitality (HoReCa) sector while extending the tolerance period to 31 March 2026 due to ongoing shortages of certified systems. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? LoginBelgium Updates VAT Rates: Takeaway Meals and Fresh Food Rates Are Changing
Belgium
Author: Tara Nedeljković
Belgium will introduce new VAT rules from March 2026 that increase the VAT rate on fresh takeaway meals from 6% to 12%, using a two-day shelf-life threshold to distinguish between products. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? LoginBelgium Plans to Introduce New VAT Rates for Hospitality, Leisure, and Others from March 2026
Belgium
Author: Tara Nedeljković
Belgium will implement VAT rate changes from 1 March 2026 under its 2026 federal budget, increasing the reduced VAT rate from 6% to 12% for accommodation, leisure activities, and takeaway services, while lowering VAT on non-alcoholic drinks in restaurants and cafés from 21% to 12%. Read more