E-archiving and retention period in Belgium

Electronic archiving

Paper and electronic invoices may be archived electronically in Belgium using electronic data storage equipment, including digital compression.

Companies opting for electronic archiving must demonstrate that the technology used to digitalise invoices guarantees the authenticity, integrity and legibility of such electronically archived invoices starting from the date the invoice is issued, and until the end of the minimum storage period.

Record retention

It is possible to keep records electronically. To do so, the following retention periods must be abided by:

• Input and output invoices issued and received must be kept for seven years as from 1 January of the year following the date the invoice is issued.

• Ledgers issued and received must be kept for seven years as from 1 January of the year following the end of the financial year of the taxable person or entity.

Source: Worldwide VAT, GST and Sales Tax Guide - EY