Context

Under the Act of 26 March 1999, the taxable point in time of stock option income is the 60th day following the stock option offer, except if the beneficiary refuses it in writing prior to that date.

Stock options offered as from 2 November of a given calendar year are then taxable in the following calendar year.

1 November 2001 just passed. Stock options that your employees may still be offered before this calendar year end will thus be taxable for income year 2002.

One application

As a Belgian employer you will then be under the obligation to report stock option income arising by reason of option offers that may still be made prior to this calendar year end on individual statements 281.10 and summary listings 325.10 for income year 2002 (filing date: 31 March 2003).

Also do not forget that stock option income derived by reason of offers made in the period “2 November 2000 – 1 November 2001” must be reported on the aforesaid documents for income year 2001 (filing date: 31 March 2002).