How to File Your VAT Return via Intervat (Step by Step)

What is Intervat?

Intervat is the Belgian government's official online platform for filing VAT returns electronically. It is operated by FOD Financiën (SPF Finances) and is the mandatory channel for submitting your periodic VAT declarations. Every VAT-registered self-employed person or business in Belgium must use Intervat to file their quarterly (or monthly) returns.

Who must file?

Every VAT-registered self-employed person or business in Belgium must file periodic VAT returns via Intervat. If you are under the VAT exemption regime (vrijstellingsregeling / kleine onderneming), you do NOT need to file quarterly returns — you only submit an annual client listing.

How to access Intervat

• Website: eservices.minfin.fgov.be/intervat
• Login: You can log in using your Belgian eID card reader or the itsme app. Both methods provide secure authentication.

Filing methods

Intervat offers two ways to submit your VAT return:

• Method 1: Manual entry — Type the numbers directly into the web form. This works but is prone to errors and time-consuming.
• Method 2: XML file upload — Upload a pre-formatted XML file containing all your VAT data. This is the recommended method as it eliminates manual entry mistakes.

The grid boxes explained

The VAT return form consists of numbered boxes (vakken/cases). Here are the most important ones for self-employed professionals:

• Box 01: Net turnover subject to 6% VAT
• Box 02: Net turnover subject to 12% VAT
• Box 03: Net turnover subject to 21% VAT
• Box 54: Total VAT due on your turnover (the sum of VAT from boxes 01, 02, 03)
• Box 59: Total deductible VAT on your business purchases
• Box 71: VAT to pay to the government (when box 54 exceeds box 59)
• Box 72: VAT credit in your favour (when box 59 exceeds box 54)

How Bijzo helps

Bijzo makes filing your VAT return effortless:

• Automatic calculation: Bijzo automatically calculates all grid box values from your recorded income and expenses throughout the quarter.
• XML export: With one click, Bijzo exports an XML file that you can upload directly to Intervat. No manual calculations, no data entry errors.
• Accuracy: Because the numbers come directly from your tracked transactions, the risk of mistakes is virtually eliminated.

Step-by-step: filing via Intervat

1. Step 1: Log in to Intervat using your eID card reader or the itsme app.
2. Step 2: Click on "Submit periodic return" (Periodieke aangifte indienen / Déposer une déclaration périodique).
3. Step 3: Choose "Via XML file" as the submission method.
4. Step 4: Upload the XML file exported from Bijzo.
5. Step 5: Review the parsed values on screen. Verify that the box values match what you expect.
6. Step 6: Confirm and submit. You will receive a confirmation with a reference number.

Deadlines

Quarterly VAT return deadlines are strict. Late filing results in fines:

• Q1 (January–March): due by April 20
• Q2 (April–June): due by July 20
• Q3 (July–September): due by October 20
• Q4 (October–December): due by January 20

No attachments needed

You do not need to attach invoices, receipts, or any other documents when filing your VAT return. Simply submit the numbers. However, you must keep all records (invoices, receipts, bank statements) for at least 7 years in case of a tax audit.

References

• FPS Finance — Intervat
• How to submit a periodic return on Intervat