Taxes
Online trading platform? Beware the tax backlash.
In Belgium, every purchase or sale of securities triggers the stock-exchange tax (TOB). The real question isn’t whether you owe it — it’s who handles it. And the answer depends entirely on your platform.
The rule, simply
An intermediary established in Belgium is legally liable for the TOB: it withholds and pays it for you. An intermediary established abroad is not — so it is you, the Belgian-resident investor, who must declare and pay it, unless you can prove it has already been paid.
Where does your platform stand?
| Platform | Withholds the TOB? | Withholds capital gains? | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolero (KBC), Keytrade Bank, MeDirect, ING, BNP Paribas Fortis, Belfius, Saxo (Belgian branch) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (opt-in, opt-out possible) | The platform — TOB and capital gains withheld at source |
| DEGIRO, MEXEM, BUX, Lynx | ⚙️ Service (often on by default) | ❌ No | TOB by the platform (check your settings); capital gains on you |
| Trade Republic, Revolut, eToro, Interactive Brokers (direct), N26 | ❌ No | ❌ No | You (TOB and capital gains) |
If it’s you: here’s what it means
The TOB must be declared for each transaction via form 275, on MyMinfin, no later than the last business day of the second month following the transaction. Overlooked or forgotten, the obligation exposes you to penalties.
The penalties
- •Late declaration: €50 per week of delay, capped at the amount of tax due after 52 weeks.
- •Inaccurate or incomplete declaration: 5 times the evaded duty, with a €250 minimum.
- •Late-payment interest: 7% per year, from the date payment was due.
And it’s not the only obligation
On a foreign platform, the new capital-gains tax and the reporting of your foreign account also rest on your shoulders.
Benchmarkr sheds light
Bring your accounts together: Benchmarkr computes your stock-exchange tax from your aggregated transactions and periodically prepares a view of the taxes you owe. Clarity, continuously.
Estimate my stock-exchange taxSources
- FPS Finance — Tax on stock-exchange transactions
- FPS Finance — TOB & foreign accounts (deadlines, liability)
- Circular 2026/C/42 — TOB FAQ (OECCBB)
- Wikifin (FSMA) — taxes on your investments
Benchmarkr is an assistance and calculation tool. It does not constitute personalized tax advice. Platform statuses may change — check with your intermediary. Updated: 2026