How to Choose an Accountant or Certified Accountant in Belgium

Introduction

Choosing an accountant is a crucial decision for any Belgian company. A good accounting professional saves you time, optimizes your taxation, and protects you from compliance risks. But how do you make the right choice among the thousands of available professionals?

Accounting professions in Belgium

ITAA: a single institute

Since 2019, the ITAA (Institute for Tax Advisors and Accountants) brings together the former professions of certified accountant (IEC/IAB) and certified bookkeeper-tax advisor (IPCF/BIBF). The ITAA supervises:

• Certified accountants: can perform all accounting and tax missions, including reserved missions
• Certified tax advisors-bookkeepers: perform current accounting and tax missions

Missions reserved for certified accountants

Certain missions are legally reserved for certified accountants:

• Attestations and reports on accounts
• Judicial expertise in accounting matters
• Statutory auditor missions (company auditors)
• Certain special missions provided for by the Companies Code

How to verify registration?

Before engaging a professional, check their registration in the ITAA register via www.itaa.be. An unregistered professional is not authorized to perform these missions.

Selection criteria

1. Industry specialization

Each sector has its tax and accounting particularities. Choose an accountant who knows your industry:

• Horeca: specific VAT rules, cash register systems
• Liberal professions: professional expenses, PLCI/VAPZ
• E-commerce: cross-border VAT, OSS
• Construction: VAT reverse charge, retention guarantees
• Real estate: depreciation, capital gains

2. Firm size

• Solo practice: more personal relationship, flexibility, but risk in case of absence
• Small firm (2-10 people): good balance between proximity and continuity
• Large firm: extensive resources, multiple specialists, but less personalized relationship

3. Services offered

Beyond basic bookkeeping, check for complementary services:

• Tax advice and optimization
• VAT returns and corporate tax
• Payroll management (social secretariat)
• Business creation advice
• Support during tax audits
• Estate planning

4. Digital tools

A modern accountant uses high-performing digital tools:

• Cloud accounting software (real-time access to your data)
• Electronic invoicing and document scanning
• Online financial dashboard
• Digital communication (client portal, video conferencing)

5. Availability and responsiveness

A good accountant must be accessible and responsive. Test responsiveness before committing:

• Response time to emails and calls
• Availability for meetings
• Proactivity in advice (deadline alerts, tax opportunities)

Accounting fees

Billing models

Belgian accountants generally bill according to three models:

• Monthly or annual flat fee: fixed amount for a defined set of services
• Hourly rate: between EUR 60 and 150/hour depending on experience and location
• Per-service rate: fixed price per VAT return, corporate tax return, etc.

Indicative fees (2026)

As an indication, here are common price ranges:

• Self-employed sole proprietor (single-entry bookkeeping): EUR 1,000 to 2,500/year
• Small SRL (double-entry bookkeeping): EUR 2,000 to 5,000/year
• Medium-sized SME: EUR 5,000 to 15,000/year
• Large company: EUR 15,000/year and above

Price is not everything

A cheaper accountant is not necessarily the best choice. A competent professional who saves you an additional EUR 5,000 in taxes is well worth their extra fees.

Questions to ask at the first meeting

Warning signs

Be cautious if your accountant:

• Is not registered with the ITAA
• Does not provide an engagement letter detailing services and fees
• Is systematically late in filing returns
• Never gives proactive advice
• Is not insured for professional liability

Conclusion

Looking for a reliable accountant for your Belgian company? LegalBelgique connects you with ITAA-certified accountants and bookkeepers specialized in your industry. Benefit from quality accounting and tax support tailored to your needs.