Under the VVPRbis scheme, dividends can be distributed from available profits from the second financial year following the financial year of the company’s incorporation (or capital increase), with withholding tax being applied at a reduced rate. However, not every company can use the VVPRbis tax reduction scheme. Only companies incorporated after 1 July 2013 (or companies that have since issued new shares for a capital increase or contribution increase) may be (fully or partially) eligible.
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Dividends on shares meeting the conditions of the VVPRbis regime were subject to the following withholding tax rates in the initial arrangement:
- 30% on distribution of profits for the financial year of incorporation (or capital increase) and for the following financial year
- 20% on distribution of profits for the second financial year after the year of incorporation (or capital increase)
- 15% on distribution of profits for the third financial year after the year of incorporation (or capital increase) and for all subsequent financial years
The Programme Act of 18 July 2025 abolished the 20% rate for shares issued after 31 December 2025.
Under the Programme Act of 30 May 2026, the concessionary rate will increase from 15% to 18% for dividend payments made on or after 1 July 2026.
In summary, dividends on qualifying shares issued before 1 January 2026 are therefore subject to the following withholding tax rates:
- 30% on distribution of profits for the financial year of incorporation (or capital increase) and for the following financial year
- 20% on distribution of profits for the second financial year following the financial year of the incorporation (or capital increase)
- 18% on distribution of profits for the third financial year following the financial year of the incorporation (or capital increase) and for all subsequent financial years
Dividend payments made before 1 July 2026 are still subject to the rate of 15%.
Dividends on qualifying shares issued on or after 1 January 2026 are subject to the following withholding tax rates:
- 30% on distribution of profits for the financial year of incorporation (or capital increase) and for the two subsequent financial years
- 18% on distribution of profits for the third financial year following the financial year of the incorporation (or capital increase) and for all subsequent financial years
It may therefore be tempting or even appropriate to pay out another dividend before 1 July 2026 under the VVPRbis scheme, while the 15% withholding tax rate still applies.
However, when it comes to the (accelerated) payment of a dividend – apart from the rate increase – there are a number of other questions to consider, for example:
- Is there a need to hold funds in private assets?
- Does the company qualify as a ‘family firm’ (which can be inherited at a flat rate of 3%)?
- Will the distribution affect the possibility to apply the reduced corporation tax rate?Â
We recommend expressing the potential rate benefit of an accelerated payment not only in percentage terms but also in cash terms, and weighing that benefit against any other potential consequences of a decision. Of course, the company will also have to follow the appropriate company law procedure (i.e. general meeting, special general meeting, net asset test, liquidity test, etc.).