Is your wedding deductible?

We’ve all heard of someone who managed to deduct their wedding expenses from their taxes. But is that really allowed in Belgium? The answer isn’t so straightforward.

• In some cases, wedding expenses—like other hospitality costs—can be 50% tax-deductible.
• Only the business-related portion of the costs qualifies.
• Tax authorities tend to take a very close look at these kinds of deductions.

When is a wedding tax-deductible?

A wedding is a big celebration with significant costs. Being able to deduct part of those expenses would, of course, be very appealing.

According to certain court rulings (Liège, 06.05.1992; Mons, 18.04.1997; Ghent, 17.06.2008 and 02.02.2010), wedding expenses can fall under the category of hospitality costs. This means they can be 50% tax-deductible, similar to business receptions and dinners.

However, the reality is a bit more complex. Tax authorities generally view wedding celebrations as personal expenses, and tax inspectors often challenge such deductions. (QP 751 of 20.10.1993, QP of 24.11.1998, and QP 276 of 24.02.2004)

How can you deduct wedding expenses from taxes?

To claim part of your wedding as a business expense, you must prove that it had a professional purpose. This can be done by inviting clients, business partners, employees, or other professional contacts.

It’s also essential to deduct only the business-related portion of the expenses—and be prepared to justify this during a tax audit. So, including your wedding photos in the expenses might not be the best idea.

Conclusion on wedding expenses

Technically, certain wedding costs can be 50% tax-deductible as hospitality expenses, but in practice, this is challenging.

Tax authorities are likely to dispute the deduction of wedding expenses, so you’ll need solid evidence to prove that the event had a legitimate business purpose.