As a result of the new restrictive COVID-19 measures, the measures under the support package have also been extended once again. This includes the scheme for special deferral of tax payments.
Extended for a limited period
This scheme ended on 1 October 2021 and is now being extended, but only for those business owners who currently have outstanding tax debts covered by the special deferral scheme relating to the coronavirus crisis. These business owners do not need to take any action. The extended special deferral of payment will come into effect automatically.
The extension applies to all taxes with a payment deadline before 1 February 2022. This means that the deferral also applies to VAT and payroll taxes due for the final period of 2021.
Any tax arrears not paid during the extension period will be added to the tax debt that must be repaid over 60 months from 1 October 2022.
Other business owners
Entrepreneurs who:
- have settled all tax debts for which they had previously been granted special deferral of payment;
- have not previously been granted a payment deferral in connection with the coronavirus crisis;
will be given the opportunity to apply for a deferral of payment of their taxes for the fourth quarter of 2021.
Interest on arrears
The phased reduction of the recovery interest rate from the current 0.01% to the standard 4% is being postponed by half a year.
The interest on arrears is, as at 1 July 2021: 1%; as at 1 January 2023: 2%; as at 1 July 2023: 3% and, with effect from 1 January 2024: 4%.