Co-operative Tax Compliance Programme
The Co-operative Tax Compliance Programme (CTCP) offers a new way for very large companies and Belgium’s Federal Public Service Finance (FPS Finance) to work together in a relationship based on justified trust and transparency, to improve tax compliance and with the benefit of having a single point of contact along the way.
Through the CTCP, large companies and FPS Finance’s Large Enterprises Administration are able to cooperate in a partnership based:
- on an understanding of each other's position
- and on clearly agreed expectations.
This makes it possible to manage tax risks and to create as much legal certainty as possible.
More information:
Explore the CTCP in detail (PDF, 4.7 MB)
Explore the guidance for assessment of the Tax Control Framework (PDF, 304.42 KB)
The Co-operative Tax Compliance Programme (CTCP) in brief
What is CTCP?
The CTCP allows companies to receive faster legal certainty in tax-related matters. Companies also benefit from a boost to their tax image and from improved corporate governance and internal risk management systems.
The company will have a permanent single point of contact - the coordinator. Together with the follow-up team, the coordinator will ensure smooth communication between the company and the LE Administration. To facilitate seamless communication, participating companies have the option to directly contact the coordinator, bypassing the contact centre.
The existence of a robust Tax Control Framework – i.e. a set of processes, internal control procedures and roles and responsibilities ensuring that a company’s tax risks are known and controlled – is one of the key features together with a pro-active and open dialogue.
The ultimate goal is to achieve faster legal certainty for companies and improved compliance with tax obligations.
The CTCP is built upon eight key principles:
- a single point of contact and a follow-up team;
- business knowledge and business-related insight;
- compliance with legal tax obligations and equal treatment in terms of tax;
- tax strategy and planning transparency within authorised legal boundaries;
- proactive notification and transparent communication;
- presence of a Tax Control Framework;
- faster legal certainty by working in the present;
- a tailored audit strategy.
Which taxes are covered?
The CTCP covers income tax, value added tax, tax assimilated to income tax, and miscellaneous taxes that fall under the authority of the LE Administration (with the exception of provisions relating to levying and collection of taxes).
Is it for my company?
The CTCP targets very large companies. If there are other companies in their group, these will also be included in the CTCP.
The companies should have a Tax Control Framework in place.
What are the advantages to my enterprise?
- More hedged tax risks;
- A single point of contact;
- Faster legal certainty;
- An improved tax image;
- Enhanced corporate governance;
- More robust risk management systems;
- More voluntary compliance;
- More efficient tax audits;
- Fewer disputes.
The FPS Finance is pleased to assist you if you choose to announce your participation yourself, even if they do not disclose the names of the participants.
What phases does a participant go through?
How to apply?
If a company is interested in participating in the CTCP, we will have an introductory meeting. If your company wants to join the CTCP, just send an application to the Sector Coordination Division of the LE Administration. Then the LE Administration checks whether the company is part of the target group.
Before starting to collaborate through the CTCP, an exploratory discussion is scheduled to
- explain the purpose and working method of the CTCP,
- identify and manage the expectations of both parties and
- agree on a high-level timetable for evaluating the key features of the CTCP. Subsequently, during the kick-off meeting to initiate the intake, the planning will be further elaborated.