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How can you optimise your social security contributions?

If you are self-employed, you will have to pay quarterly social security contributions. During the first 3 years of your career, you pay provisional social security contributions, calculated from your estimated income. 

It can be useful to optimise these contributions if, for example, you find that your income is likely to be higher or lower than that on which the current calculation of your contributions is based (your income from 3 years ago). But how can you optimise your social security contributions? You'll find out on this page. 

Why is it beneficial to optimise your social security contributions?  

After your first 2 or 3 years of self-employment, the tax authorities will let us know what your true income is. Based on that, we calculate your final social security contributions and adjust them accordingly. 

Are you paying too little in social security contributions based on your actual income? Then we will apply a surcharge. Are you paying too much? Then we'll refund you. 

In any case, it's better to adjust your social security contributions. That way, you pay the right amount every quarter and avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the year.  

How can you reduce or increase your social security contributions? 

I want to reduce my social security contributions: 

Your contributions may be too high compared to your current income, for example because of bankruptcy, the closure of a branch, a medical situation, or a crisis in your professional field. 

In that case, you can request a reduction in your contributions using our online tool My Social Security Manager, by email, or with your accountant. Please note: your payroll office will check your situation and ask for proof to explain your (reduced) income. 

I want to increase my social security contributions:  

By increasing your contributions, you can avoid a later correction and benefit from a more advantageous tax deduction. This is because social security contributions are considered deductible expenses. 

If you are considering increasing your social security contributions, feel free to discuss this with your accountant. They can give you the best advice. 

Do you think you are not paying enough in social security contributions? Then use our online tool My Social Security Manager to adjust your contributions yourself in just a few clicks.  

How can I optimise my income through my social security contributions? 

There are two things to consider if you want to optimise your income: the amount of your professional expenses and the amount of your social security contributions.  

Things you can do to optimise your income are: 

  • Paying more or less provisional social security contributions; 

  • Incuring smart professional expenses to reduce your taxes and social security contributions. For example, you can take out additional - tax-deductible - insurance for your social security; 

  • Make the switch from self-employment to a company

  • Change your legal form. For example, if you change your sole proprietorship to a corporation, you will enjoy a more favourable tax regime. 

Grow and protect yourself with our solutions

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