{"id":94806,"date":"2026-04-15T10:55:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T08:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/submitted-your-tax-return-too-late\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T13:26:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T11:26:41","slug":"submitted-your-tax-return-too-late","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/blog\/submitted-your-tax-return-too-late\/","title":{"rendered":"Submitted your tax return too late? Here\u2019s how to sort it out without any stress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you submit a return late, you will usually be fined. The amount of the fine depends on the type of return and how late you are. The most important thing to remember is that the tax authorities mainly want you to submit the return eventually. The fine comes afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which returns are often submitted late? \u23f0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

VAT declaration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dexxter users submit these quarterly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Late submission = potential fine per return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q1 quarterly return: late submission results in a fine of \u20ac50.00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Submit it immediately anyway; this shows initiative and may reduce fines later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For self-employed individuals who supply services or goods to other businesses subject to VAT for more than \u20ac250 per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Late submission = fine, but you can still submit it immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The customer list was due by 30 March at the latest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you submit it on 10 May, you risk a potential fine of at least \u20ac50.00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Submit it first and provide an explanation later to limit the fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal income tax<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Deadline around mid-October each year for self-employed people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Late submission = interest and a possible fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Return only submitted on 16 November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interest may be automatically charged on the amount due<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contacting the tax office can sometimes reduce or waive a fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should you do if your return is late? \ud83e\udded<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Submit it as soon as possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Use the standard procedure: Tax-on-web, paper or Intervat for VAT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. You do not need to search for a special form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Explain your situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Note the date and reason for the delay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Keep emails or other supporting documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Call if there are penalties<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Explain what happened.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. The tax authorities can often reduce or waive a penalty, especially if it is your first offence.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Practical example:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A late VAT declaration results in a \u20ac50.00 penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You call the office, provide an explanation that you were ill and fell behind with your paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The office may decide to reduce or waive the fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Common mistakes \ud83d\ude47\ud83c\udffe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI\u2019m waiting for a letter from the tax office\u201d \u27a1\ufe0f not necessary. Submit your return as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI need to appeal against a fine\u201d \u27a1\ufe0f often a phone call is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cSole proprietors aren\u2019t affected by this\u201d \u27a1\ufe0f Self-employed sole proprietors have the same obligations here as companies.<\/p>\n\n\n