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On 27 September 2019, international associations in Belgium have the opportunity to participate in a morning webinar during which 3 recognized experts will focus on the must-knows for organizations.
The topics which will be covered are:
Session I: What is the impact of the new Code of Companies and Associations on international associations?
In the seminar we will clarify the impact of the new Code on international associations. We will in particular provide answers to the following questions:
• Unlimited commercial activities for international associations? What are the risks involved?
• What is the impact of the new Code on the composition and functioning of the governing bodies of international associations?
• Which changes are required to the AoA of international associations? Do all international associations need to change their AoA? What are the applicable deadlines?
• Directors’ liability regime. What remains the same? What’s new?
• Mergers, demergers and (cross-border) conversions. Which new options does the new Code offer?
• When will the new Code enter into force? Do transitional provisions apply?
Sarah Verschaeve is an expert in not-for-profit law.
Her expertise encompasses the most diverse aspects of the law applicable to (international) associations and foundations.
Sarah can also draw on an extensive experience in all types of transactional work including mergers and demergers between not-for-profit entities, transfers of assets, and (cross-border) conversions.
Sarah is a member of the Board of Directors of a large social welfare organization based in Flanders. She is a regular speaker at seminars and workshops.
In the 2019 and 2018 editions of the Legal 500, Sarah was noted as Next Generation Lawyer in the category “not-for profit Belgium”.
Prior to joining Curia in 2010, Sarah was a lawyer at the international law firms Baker & McKenzie and Linklaters.
Session II: What are the main direct tax issues and obligations for international associations and where can they optimize?
International associations are also subject to tax and have a number of (specific) tax obligations. In practice, many of those obligations are insufficiently known and hence not or incorrectly complied with. Also the development of commercial activities can significantly influence the direct tax status of the international association.
Over the past few years, Belgian tax authorities have placed the taxation of public and social profit entities higher on their agenda. This is illustrated by an increased number of tax audits, rulings, legal doctrine and jurisprudence.
Upon a tax audit, incorrect compliance may result in an unexpected tax bill, increased with fines. Through a number of optimizations, it is also possible that an international association would be able to lower its tax bill. Also legal certainty can be obtained through an advance ruling.
In the seminar we will clarify the main direct tax issues and obligations, as well as potential optimizations. Is the international association subject to legal entities tax or corporate income tax? What is taxable base? What are the applicable rates? What is ‘patrimony tax’? Does the international association need to file tax slips? Can the international association benefit from real estate tax or other exemptions? These and other topics will be addressed.
Hendrik Putman is an expert in direct taxation for not-for-profit entities.
As an advisor to different (international) not-for-profit organizations, foundations, hospitals and governmental institutions (cities and municipalities, provinces, public centers for social welfare, autonomous municipal enterprises, autonomous provincial enterprises, inter-municipal associations etc.) he has built up a special expertise with respect to the taxation of the social profit and public sectors. He has a broad experience in the field of legal entities tax, the tension between legal entities tax and corporate income tax and restructurings and forms of cooperation in these sectors.
Hendrik is a regular speaker and also regularly publishes on taxation for not-for-profit entities.
Hendrik started his career at Baker & McKenzie in 2008 and moved to Laga in 2011.
In 2016, Hendrik co-founded tax boutique law firm Mythra. Over the past years, Mythra grew from 3 to 12 lawyers, all specialized in different areas of tax law.
Session III: What are the most relevant VAT issues that international associations are facing and how to deal with them?
The VAT status of (international) not for profit organizations in Belgium is a complex matter that often leads to discussions with VAT authorities. This is due to the fact that certain activities are subject to VAT whereas others are VAT exempt. It is not easy to determine in which cases a VAT exemption applies and where not. Organisations that are fully VAT exempt cannot recover any input VAT. Most organisations have a so-called “mixed” VAT status. Such a “mix” of activities results in a limited recovery of VAT on costs.
In the seminar we will clarify the most relevant VAT issues that international not for profit organizations are facing and provide advice on how to deal with them. Does a VAT exemption apply if my organisation performs lobbying activities? Does my organisation have to pay Belgian VAT if it receives invoices from foreign consultants? What are the VAT obligations for the organisation of congresses abroad? Is VAT due if my organisation receives grants and does this impact my VAT recovery position? These and many more topics will be addressed.
Rob Van Den Plas has over 22 years of experience in the area of VAT. This experience coupled with his VAT-focus guarantee a pragmatic and solution-focused approach.
Rob started his career at Loyens in 1996 and moved to Arthur Andersen/Deloitte in 2000, where he became a partner at the VAT department and leading the non-profit sector. He’s one of Vatsquare’s co-founders.
Throughout his career, he specialized in VAT advice, VAT planning and VAT restructuring, both on a national and an international level. He was part of countless projects for corporations, public institutions, EU institutions, public enterprises and non-profit organizations. He’s a much sought-after speaker at several schools, seminars as well as training sessions.
Practical information
Language of webinar: English
Date: 27 September 2019, 9am-12pm
Price: EUR 150 (exclusive of VAT)
How to register: Send an email to bieke.schroeven@curia.be and further details will be provided to you.