Tax · Updated on 2026-08-05

6% VAT on your works: who qualifies in Brussels?

It is the most profitable line on a renovation invoice, and the most often misapplied. Here are the exact rules a Brussels tradesperson must follow.

The essentials in 30 seconds

  • Private home older than 10 years: 6% VAT instead of 21% on labour and contractor-supplied materials.
  • The invoice must be in the occupant's name and carry the legal statement.
  • Materials you buy yourself in a shop stay at 21%.
  • Typical saving: €150 on a €1,000 invoice.

The cumulative conditions

All four must be met at once:

  • The building is more than 10 years old at the date of the first invoice.
  • It is used exclusively or mainly as private housing.
  • The work is supplied and invoiced to the end user (owner-occupier, tenant, condominium).
  • The invoice carries the statement confirming the reduced-rate conditions.

What is covered and what is not

Covered: plumbing, electrics, heating, sanitary ware, floor and wall coverings, joinery, insulation, and materials supplied and fitted by the contractor.

Still 21%: materials you buy yourself, pool maintenance, garden work, purely decorative non-incorporated items, and architect fees.

The Brussels demolition-and-rebuild case

A specific scheme allows 6% on demolition followed by reconstruction of a dwelling, under strict conditions of surface area, own occupation and duration. The file must be submitted before the tax becomes due.

This scheme changes regularly: have it confirmed by your contractor and accountant before signing.

Check the invoice before paying

A correct invoice shows the BCE/KBO enterprise number, the rate applied, the legal reduced-rate statement and itemised lines. Quotes and invoices generated by LinkinTech include this automatically, along with B2C, B2B and public-sector payment terms.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tenant benefit from the 6% rate?

Yes, if the invoice is in their name and the home meets the age and use conditions.

What if my home is exactly 10 years old?

The reduced rate applies from the 11th year after first occupation. In case of doubt, the date of first use on the register prevails.

What if the tradesperson wrongly applies 6%?

The tax authority claims the difference from the contractor, who can turn to the customer if the statement was inaccurate. Hence the importance of written wording.

Indicative prices incl. VAT, observed in Brussels. Only the company's quote is binding. LinkinTech connects you and does not carry out the work.

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