2020 Tax Return: Filing on Paper

Let’s open that brown envelope; what will you find?

The tax return

You cannot miss it; it is the document with a little text and columns in red. It resembles a lotto form, and just like a lotto form it is scanned. Just seeing it is quite disheartening, with columns to complete. It is all a question of putting the right number or X with the correct code. And you get these codes from the draft form.

The draft

This is where you start the draft to help you file your tax return (see Brussels / Flanders / Wallonia). It’s a guide to filling out the tax return per type of income or expense. You need to work out what income goes in what box and with which code and then you copy the codes and the information in the tax return. If work as a freelancer, a self-employed professional or the director of a company, you also need part 2 (Dutch/French)

When you copy the codes on the tax return, a few suggestions from the taxman:

• use a black or dark blue pen,
• write within the blocks, in capitals and in clear digits.
• don’t put in any unnecessary mentions or even ‘nil’.
• don’t strike out mistakes, use correction fluid.
• If you have to give more information, don’t write it by hand, the scanners have difficulties with handwriting.

The green page

If you want to attach any documents justifying deductions or tax credits, you should attach them to the green page. It has all your information and it is scanned with the attachments. You aren’t obliged to file these documents; you may just keep them at home until the taxman specifically asks to see them. However, if you want to give additional information or if you have made a calculation of allowable expenses, I would suggest that you attach a printed page with the information so that this information is on file immediately.

The explanation

The tax authorities used to send a booklet explaining the tax rules with your tax return. They don’t do that anymore. You can find the explanation in Dutch or French online for each of the three regions (Brussels, Flanders or Wallonia).

The envelope

When you have finished copying all the codes in the tax return, make sure that both spouses or partners sign it. And when you put it in the envelope, the address of the tax office goes behind the window.

Do not forget the stamp. Postage isn’t free.

Your Tax Return :

• the Guide
• Is this your first time?
• Couples and Children
• When do I need to file?
• on Paper or Online?
• Filing Online
• Filing on Paper
• Help!?
• Checklist
• Box I – Contact Details and Bank Account
• Box II – Your Family Situation
• Box III – Real Estate
• Box IV – Earnings
• Box V – Pensions
• Cross Border Taxation
• Box VI – Maintenance Received
• Box VII – Investment Income
• Box VIII – Maintenance Paid and Losses from Previous Years
• Box IX – Mortgage Payments
• Box X – Other Tax Deductions
• Box XII – Paying your Taxes in Advance
• Capital Gains
• Box XIV – Bank Accounts and Insurance Policies
• Box XIV – Trusts
• Stock Exchange Tax
• Tax on Securities Accounts
• Nowhere to hide
• The Tax Bill
• Appealing the Tax Bill