Jan Jambon on taxes: “We need to push ahead—even if it’s a sensitive topic”

Finance Minister Jan Jambon joined Radio 2 for the “Win-Win” tax special, where he spoke candidly about his own tax return, the reforms following the Easter Agreement, and their impact on citizens. “We’re facing a very tight budgetary situation. You have to be willing to make tough choices.”

Filing his taxes? “Pretty straightforward”

Jambon says his personal tax return doesn’t take much effort. “Most of the data is pre-filled. All I really have to do is check and submit. My personal situation isn’t very complex, and the administration already has all my details.”

“We have to act now”

Consumer organization Test-Aankoop has criticized the Easter Agreement. Certain tax benefits—such as deductions for donations, alimony, or legal aid—are being reduced or eliminated retroactively from January 1. “That creates legal uncertainty,” the group says, urging the government to introduce transitional measures.

Jambon acknowledges those concerns but stands firm. “In a normal budgetary context, transitional measures would make sense. But right now, we have to act. The situation is serious, and we have no time to lose.”

According to the minister, these changes must be seen in the broader context of tax reform. “Net wages will increase for working people. That starts next year and will gradually continue through the end of this legislative term.”

On privacy and donations: “No one is required to provide their national ID number”

Donors to charities are now asked to provide their national registry number, allowing the tax deduction to be automatically processed. But that raises privacy concerns.

The minister clarifies: “It’s a service for the donor. If you don’t want to share that information, you can just request a tax certificate and file the deduction yourself. No one is obliged to provide anything.”

Tax incentives for shares, not for funds

Finally, the minister was asked about the fiscal difference between dividends from shares (with the first €833 tax-free) and investments in funds or ETFs. “We want to encourage people to directly support the growth of companies. Funds often include other products, like Bonds A loan to a company or a government, which is paid back with interest. In contrast to shares, most bonds have a fixed duration and a fixed interest, which is usually paid out on an annual basis. Therefore, as a general rule, bonds have less risk than shares. bonds . What we’re incentivizing is strengthening corporate equity.”