What will concretely change from 1 May 2026?
1. The VAT provision account replaces the current account
The VAT current account will disappear. It will be replaced by a VAT provision account on which the administration will centralise the VAT position (amounts payable, credits and allocations).
The VAT return for April 2026 (monthly filers) and the VAT return for the second quarter of 2026 (quarterly filers) will be the first returns included in this system.
2. MyMinfin platform becomes the central management platform
Through MyMinfin, businesses will be able to monitor their VAT position more centrally, with an overview of the available VAT credit and the transactions recorded on the VAT provision account.
3. New bank account numbers for VAT payments
From 1 May 2026, new bank account numbers will apply for VAT payments. Businesses should update payment templates, standing orders and ERP payment settings in due time in order to avoid incorrect payments.
4. Abolition of the holiday scheme, with transitional measure in 2026
The holiday scheme will be abolished. For 2026, a transitional measure will apply: if the VAT return is submitted within the deadline that previously applied under the holiday scheme, the administration will not impose a penalty for late submission.
5. Refund via the VAT return more strictly defined
From 1 May 2026, when a refund is requested through the periodic VAT return, the amount that can be refunded will be limited to the amount reported in box 72 of that return (i.e. the refundable VAT balance of that specific return).
Any available VAT credit on the VAT provision account may additionally be requested for refund separately through MyMinfin.
What happens to a VAT credit on 30 April 2026?
- All periodic VAT returns have been submitted by 30 April 2026 The credit will automatically be transferred to the VAT provision account (provided no periodic VAT returns are missing).
- At least one periodic VAT return is still missing on 30 April 2026 The taxable person will be granted a limited period to submit the missing return(s). Afterwards, the administration will assess whether the credit can be refunded or must be used to settle outstanding debts.
What comes next?
The modernisation of the VAT chain will continue to be rolled out. In a next phase, direct debit for VAT payments will, among other things, become possible. The administration has announced that further details will be published at a later stage.
Finally, it is recommended to consult the VAT calendar for 2026 for the deadlines for filing and payment of periodic VAT returns.