An important point to note for self-employed people in Belgium. In this article, we provide an explanation of how to deal with this, what is and isn’t allowed, and what alternatives there are to tax-deductible cleaning costs.
❌ Claiming domestic help paid for with service vouchers? Not permitted
The short answer: no, you may not include the costs of domestic help paid for with service vouchers as a business expense in your accounts.
This also applies if you work from home or have a separate home office.
🧐 Why are service vouchers excluded from your accounts?
According to Belgian regulations, service vouchers may not be used for professional purposes. You may therefore not claim them as an expense in your accounts. It is a subsidised scheme, and the tax authorities do not permit professional use. The scheme is specifically designed for private purposes.
Furthermore, you already receive compensation for service vouchers via your personal income tax return. Claiming those same vouchers again as business expenses for your sole proprietor business would amount to double benefit. That is, of course, not allowed! Double benefit is not permitted.
✅ How can you correctly claim cleaning costs?
Do you still want to deduct cleaning costs? Then you must:
- Work with a registered cleaning company
- Have an invoice received on your company’s name
Such a cleaning company is permitted to provide professional services and will invoice you directly. Bear in mind, however, that this is more expensive than service vouchers, as you do not receive any government support.
💡 Tip: Ask cleaning firms explicitly about business packages. Not every service provider works with self-employed people or companies.
🎥 View the video: ‘Can you claim service vouchers as a self-employed person?’
In this video, we provide a clear explanation of why service vouchers cannot be used for professional purposes and what the alternatives are.
Conclusion
Domestic help paid for with service vouchers in your accounts?
- ❌ Cannot be claimed as a business expense
- 🏠 Always considered a private expense
- ✅ Possible via a registered cleaning company with an invoice
Want to be sure you’re working correctly in line with tax rules? Ask your question in our community or contact our support team.
