Reply letter templates for Belgium

Ready-made letters in Dutch and French, with an English explanation.

• Object to the decision (bezwaar) (Dutch) — Use this if you think the decision is wrong. Send it before the deadline, signed, by registered post (aangetekend / recommandé) or through the online service named in the letter, and keep a copy. For benefit decisions, the letter usually says you must go to the labour court (arbeidsrechtbank / tribunal du travail) — often within 3 months.
• Ask for more time (uitstel) (Dutch) — Use this if you can’t make the deadline. Send it before the deadline ends.
• Ask to pay in parts (afbetalingsplan) (Dutch) — Use this if you can’t pay the full amount at once. Offer an amount you can really pay every month.
• Ask for a new appointment (Dutch) — Use this if you can’t come. Send it before the appointment and add proof if you can (for example a doctor’s note).
• Object to the tax bill (bezwaarschrift) (Dutch) — Use this if you think your tax bill is wrong. Send it within 6 months from the third working day after the sending date — online in MyMinfin, or by post to the address on the tax bill. Objecting doesn’t pause the payment.
• Dispute the invoice or debt (betwisting) (Dutch) — Use this if you think the invoice or debt is wrong or not yours. Send it by registered post and keep a copy. Ask them to stop collecting until they reply.
• Object to the decision (recours) (French) — Use this if you think the decision is wrong. Send it before the deadline, signed, by registered post (aangetekend / recommandé) or through the online service named in the letter, and keep a copy. For benefit decisions, the letter usually says you must go to the labour court (arbeidsrechtbank / tribunal du travail) — often within 3 months.
• Ask for more time (délai supplémentaire) (French) — Use this if you can’t make the deadline. Send it before the deadline ends.
• Ask to pay in parts (plan de paiement) (French) — Use this if you can’t pay the full amount at once. Offer an amount you can really pay every month.
• Ask for a new appointment (French) — Use this if you can’t come. Send it before the appointment and add proof if you can (for example a doctor’s note).
• Object to the tax bill (réclamation) (French) — Use this if you think your tax bill is wrong. Send it within 6 months from the third working day after the sending date — online in MyMinfin, or by post to the address on the tax bill. Objecting doesn’t pause the payment.
• Dispute the invoice or debt (contestation) (French) — Use this if you think the invoice or debt is wrong or not yours. Send it by registered post and keep a copy. Ask them to stop collecting until they reply.