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15.07.2022

Choosing a public or non-public charging station? Each a different tax story

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Electric cars are here to stay. To encourage this greening, the legislator introduced various tax incentives, each with its own conditions and application periods for both electric cars and charging stations. The result: a whole range of possibilities which, as an entrepreneur, you often can't see the wood for the trees. With the overview below we are trying to give you some insight into the various fiscal rules regarding charging stations.  

 

Types of charging stations

In order to distinguish the different tax advantages from each other, it is important to distinguish between the following types of charging stations:

  • A publicly accessible charging station;
  • A non-public charging station in the business areas;
  • A non-public charging station for private use.

First, a company may choose to install a publicly accessible charging station. This can be done either on the company premises or elsewhere. To qualify as a public charging station it must be available to third parties during at least the opening or closing hours of the company. It is therefore not necessary for it to be accessible 24/7.

In addition, a company can also opt to invest in a charging station on company premises and not make it open to third parties. In this case, the charging station is only accessible to customers, employees and company managers.

Finally, an individual can opt to install a charging station at their home. This will then not be publicly accessible.

 

Different types, different tax regime

type ordinary cost deduction increased cost deduction (increased) investment deduction tax credit
for individuals / / / For a charging station that an individual has installed at their home
for companies Any installation of a charging station, new or old, public or not, entitles you to a cost deduction This cost deduction for charging stations, public or otherwise, will be increased for two years The installation of a charging station also qualifies as an investment to which the investment deduction can apply, provided that general rules are respected (SME and professional) /

 

Increased cost deduction

If the company invests in a public charging station, it can enjoy an increased cost deduction for the next two years.

The amount of cost deduction depends on when the investment was made:

Investment until 31/03/2023 200% deductible (depreciation to be increased by 100%)
Investment 01/04/2023- 31/08/2024 150% deductible (depreciation to be increased by 50%)

 

To benefit from this increased cost deduction, it must be an intelligent charging station that will be amortized over at least 5 years. It must also be a new charging station.

This increased deduction cannot be combined with the (increased) investment deduction system.

As of September 1, 2024, the ordinary cost deduction of 100% will again apply and this through 31/12/2029. As of 01/01/2030, a deduction percentage of 75% will be applicable. In contrast to the increased cost deduction, it is irrelevant here whether the charging station is new or whether it is used for professional purposes.

 

(Increased) investment deduction

If a company installs a charging station on its premises, this is an investment to which the investment deduction can apply. Of course, provided that the general rules are respected. It must be an SME and the charge point can only be used for professional purposes. A publicly accessible charge point does not meet this condition.

During assessment year 2022, the investment tax credit is:

  • 25% for charging stations for electric cars
  • 35% for charging stations for electric trucks

 

Tax relief

If you invest in a charging station as a private individual, you can benefit from a tax reduction. The amount of the reduction again depends on the time of investment:

Investment before 31/12/2022 45%, up to 675 EUR
Investment between 01/01/2023 - 31/12/2023 30%, up to 450 EUR
Investment between 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2024 15%, up to 225 EUR

 

For individuals with joint assessments, the tax benefit must be shared.

However, the tax credit cannot be enjoyed if:

  • the investment is repaid by the company;
  • the installation cost is deducted as actual professional expenses;
  • the investment deduction was enjoyed on the part of the manager.

 

Which is the most fiscally interesting now?

As is often the case in the tax rules, the choice for an increased cost deduction or (increased) investment deduction often depends on the situation in which you find yourself as an entrepreneur. An increased cost deduction, for example, is spread over time, unlike the investment deduction which can be enjoyed in one go.

 

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