Learn how interest on a savings account is taxed
You have to pay tax on income from moveable assets like interest on a savings account. This income tax is called withholding tax, which banks deduct before paying interest to your savings account.
Tax exemption
Savings accounts are regulated by the government. This has resulted in the interest on savings accounts being tax free up to 1,020 euros per individual (2024 figure, which may change each year).
If the savings account is in the name of a married or officially cohabiting couple, the exemption is doubled to 2,040 euros euros a year.
If you have a joint account with someone you're not married to or living with officially like your sister or brother, you can also get twice the amount of exemption by completing a certificate of double exemption from withholding tax at your KBC branch.
Deduction of withholding tax by banks
Banks must deduct withholding tax of 2,040 euros on interest above the threshold amount. Consequently, the withholding tax releases individuals entirely from future tax payments on the amount in question. This means that the interest no longer has to be included in their personal income tax return.
Example of an account held by an individual
Base rate of interest + fidelity bonus (accrued on 31 December) |
1,500 euros |
Withholding tax is payable on |
1,500 euros - 1,020 euros (2024 exemption figure) = 480 euros |
Withholding tax is |
480 euros x 15% = 72 euros |
Net interest on 31 December |
1,500 euro - 72 euro = 1,428 euros |
Base rate of interest + fidelity bonus (accrued on 31 December) |
3,900 euros |
Withholding tax is payable on |
3,900 euros - 2,040 euros (2024 double exemption figure) = 1,860 euros |
Withholding tax is |
1,860 euros x 15% = 279 euros |
Net interest on 31 December |
3,900 euros - 279 euros = 3,621 euros |
What if I have more than one savings account?
Banks look at each savings account separately. The total interest for all your savings accounts (whether with one or more banks) may be more than the tax-free threshold. Interest on the accounts of minor children is also counted as interest earned on savings by their parents. Earnings on savings above the tax-free threshold must be declared in your tax return under code 1151 or 2151.
Example of an individual with savings accounts at several different financial institutions
| KBC | KBC | Bank X | Bank Y | |
| Interest accrued |
2,000 euros | 1,200 euros | 1,150 euros | 1,950 euros |
| Amount exempt from withholding tax (in 2024) | 1,020 euros | 1,020 euros |
1,020 euros |
1,020 euros |
| Interest from which the bank deducts withholding tax |
980 euros | 180 euros | 130 euros | 930 euros |
| Withholding tax deducted by the bank |
147 euros | 27 euros | 19,5 euros | 139,5 euros |
Calculation of the amount that must be declared to the tax authorities
- Total interest accrued where withholding tax applies: 2,000 + 1,200 + 1,150 + 1,950 = 6,300 euros
- Total interest accrued where withholding tax is not deducted: 1,020 euros + 1,020 euros + 1,020 euros + 1,020 euros = 4,080 euros
- Interest that must be declared: 4,080 euros – 1,020 euros = 3,060 euros
Can I get back withholding tax if I've paid too much?
The tax authorities do not provide a specific section on the tax return form for refunds of excessively deducted withholding tax.
If you've paid too much withholding tax, you'll need to submit a withholding tax refund claim to the local Belgian tax authorities:
Federale Overheidsdienst Financiën
Belastingen en invordering
Administratie van de Ondernemings- en Inkomensfiscaliteit
Brussel II Directie Vennootschappen
Gewestelijke Directie
Louizalaan 233 - 245
1050 Brussel
It's advisable to do so as soon as possible after interest has been paid to your account.
