Contracting in Belgium

[andyamstrad]

Hi I will be doing a 6-12 month contract in Belgium at the start of Jan 07.

Can you suggest any good umbrella companies?

Also what is the best method to get the best return on your income, one company projects I retaing 79% of my income, can I do better than this?

The method they use is to pay a minimal wage in belgium and then setup an offshore where Im paid a monthly dividend. For some reason they have told me I cannot offset any expsenses to reduce my tax liability??

Thanks for some advice

[Rantor]

If you register locally you can claim expenses

The general structure re. a split is not unusual though I would not publicly discuss specific retention percentages on a public forum as it is very much a grey area.

In terms of deductions, I believe that will depend on how you pay yourself locally. If you register a a freelance worker here (worthwhile if over 6 mths) then you will be liable to BE taxes and deductions on expenses can be claimed (though not travel back to uk all the time as you will technically be resident in BE for tax purposes.)

Beware, bureaucracy here can be a pain in the arse.

Speak to Keywest International in Lux if you ain't done so already.

[andyamstrad]

Thanks for the repsonse and advice.

Do you have a url for Keywest International ?

Regards

[Rantor]

Thanks for the repsonse and advice.

Do you have a url for Keywest International ?

Regards

http://www.keywest-international.com/ but there are other companies doing the same sort of thing - I think they are listed on the pcg site somewhere.

Good luck

HTH

[andyamstrad]

I wonder what impact the new legislation will have then?

Extract I read from another post.

"The new legislation, which will come into force on 6th April 2007, means that individuals using either a Composite or Managed Company will no longer be able to receive either dividends or expenses. What this means in effect is that you will take a massive cut in take home pay – we estimate around a 40% cut."