Taxpayers can finally, after a long wait, apply for a certificate in order to benefit from the increased thematic investment deduction.
The Law of 12 May 2024 thoroughly reformed the investment deduction. For investments acquired or created as from 1 January 2025, taxpayers are entitled, amongst others, to an increased deduction of 30% or 40% (for small companies) for certain themes: (1) investments in efficient energy use and renewable energy, (2) investments in zero‑carbon transport, (3) environmentally friendly investments, and (4) supporting digital investments. At the end of 2024, lists were published per theme of investments that qualify for the increased thematic investment deduction.
In principle, the taxpayer must, within three months after the end of the taxable period in which the fixed assets were acquired or created, apply for a certificate confirming that the investment complies with the investment lists. For investments that run over several years, an investment certificate must be requested. The certificates must then be attached to the income tax return.
For the energy and environmental list, a cooperation agreement still had to be concluded between the federal government and the regions to designate the competent authority. Because this cooperation agreement was not yet in place, an extension for applying for the certificate was granted in the summer of last year until 30 June 2026 for investments between 1 January 2025 and 30 June 2026.
In the meantime, the cooperation agreement is almost ready. Pending its finalisation, taxpayers can already apply for a certificate for investments in the Flemish Region for the energy theme from the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA). A certificate for the environmental theme and more specifically for investments in CO₂ reduction will soon also be able to be requested from the same agency. More information can be found on the website of the Flemish government (Verhoogde investeringsaftrek voor investeringen in hernieuwbare energie, energiebesparing of met een gunstige impact op het klimaat | Vlaanderen.be). Among other things, an Excel template is made available to calculate the payback period and internal rate of return of the investments. The application must also be accompanied by a technical description and an energy study (max. 4 years old). Under a transitional regime, the certificate can be applied for no later than 6 months after the entry into force of the cooperation agreement. However, certificates will only be issued after the cooperation agreement has entered into force.
For the transport theme, certificates can also already be requested from the Federal Public Service (FPS) Mobility and Transport. More information can be found on their website: Algemene informatie | Mobiliteit / Informations générales | Mobilité. The procedure to be followed differs according to the type of transport (rail, road or water).
If you have any questions or would like assistance with the application, please do not hesitate to contact your KPMG adviser.
